Hersheypark introduces its first annual Christmas celebration called Christmas Candylane. The name Candylane is taken because the maintenance crew is replacing the piping that makes the ice surface in the arena. They cut the pipes and paint them to resemble candy canes. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in November 1983.]
Kenneth V. Hatt, president of HERCO, 1980-1986, suggests that Hersheypark establish a Christmas holiday event. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1983.]
Hersheypark adds 5 acres to its existing boundaries. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1984.]
Hersheypark adds the Conestoga Ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1984.]
The Timber Rattler, a kiddie ride, is added to Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1984.]
Santa Claus adds his handprints to the Hersheypark Starlight Arcade. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1984.]
Richard A. Hair is named Assistant General Manager for Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1984.]
HERCO becomes a general partner for Lake Compounce, a traditional amusement park in Bristol, Connecticut. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1985.]
HERCO disposes its interest in Lake Compounce, the amusement park in Bristol, Connecticut. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in May 1988.]
The Fender Bender, an Auto Skooter, replaces the Golden Nugget ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1978.]
A Kiddie Carrousel with 16 galloping horses, 8 stationary horses, and 2 decorated chariots is added to Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1979.]
The Pony Cart Ride, a kiddie ride, is added to Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1979.]
Handprints of the stars in cement, similar to those at Hollywood’s Graumans Chinese Theatre, are displayed in the Starlight Arcade in Carrousel Circle. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1979.]
The Osmond family is the first performer to be honored with name and handprints in the Hersheypark Starlight Arcade. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1979.]
The Music Box Theater is enclosed. It is the first enclosed theatre of the Park since the old Park Theatre. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1979.]
1.7 acres of land are added to Hersheypark, the first addition since the park was fenced in 1971. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
The Cyclops ride is added to Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
Hersheypark opens the Pennsylvania Fest Haus, an enclosed 228 seat cafeteria style restaurant-theater. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
Hersheypark’s Music Box Theatre, which was enclosed in the late 1970’s, is air-conditioned. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
HERCO moves its corporate headquarters from downtown Hershey to the clubhouse of Hershey Parkview Golf Club. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
J.Bruce McKinney is promoted to Vice President of Sports and Entertainment for the park, arena, stadium, hockey club, rose gardens, museum, drug store, and vending. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1981.]
Paul L. Serff is promoted to Assistant Vice President of Hersheypark, Hershey Arena and Stadium, and ZooAmerica. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1981.]
Robert B. Payne is Director of Operations and Arena Manager. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1981.]
Creatures of the Night is introduced in ZooAmerica. It is a 1-night flashlight tour.
ZooAmerica is accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks & Aquariums.
The Harlem Globetrotters handprints are added to the Starlight Arcade. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1980.]
The Bug ride is removed from Hersheypark at the end of the season. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1981.]
Robert B. Payne, Director of Operations, and Maxine Cassel are married on the park’s antique carousel. The ceremony is performed by the Reverend James E. Stough.
Wave Swinger ride is added to the Hersheypark. It replaces the Bug. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1982.]
Paul L. Serff is named general manager of Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
J. Bruce McKinney is promoted to vice president and group director of Hershey Estates. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
The Kissing Tower begins operation. The name is suggested by John O. Hershey. The windows are in the shape of Hershey’s Kisses.
A new Turnpike ride is added to the Hersheypark. It has one track with sports cars and one track with antique autos. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
The twin Ferris Wheels are removed from the Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
Hersheypark adds the Himalaya ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
Holiday magazine names Hersheypark as the cleanest and greenest theme park in America. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1975.]
Tropical Storm Eloise hits Hersheypark with some minor flooding but this time the park is prepared.
Hersheypark Maintenance and Service Center is constructed off Airport Road near the Stadium. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1976.]
Tiny Tanks is added to Kiddieland in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1976.]
The Tiny Tanks ride is rebuilt and becomes Earthmovers for the Kiddieland in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1981.]
The Sooperdooperlooper begins operating at Hersheypark. It is the first looping roller coaster to be built in the east.
Hersheypark is forced to close its gates when more than 25,000 people came to the park. It is the first time in its history.
The Starlight Ballroom is demolished by Melvin E. Cassel, Inc.
Beer is sold for the first time in the Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1977.]
ZooAmerica has its official opening. It offers 5 different areas: Grassy Waters, North Woods, Gentle Woodlands, Catcus Community, and Big Sky Country.
Hersheypark closes the Twin Toboggans ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1978.]
Hersheypark opens the Flying Bobs ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1978.]
The Trabant ride opens in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1978.]
Hersheypark refurbishes and opens the Cuddle Up (old Coal Shaker). [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1978.]
The miniature railroad station, located near the Hershey Department Store, is demolished.
The Giant Slide is badly damaged by Tropical Storm Agnes and is closed.
The Aqua Theatre is damaged by Tropical Storm Agnes. The dolphins, Skipper and Dolly, are taken to the pool at the Cocoa Plaza. Salt is added to the water to protect the dolphins skin.
The main entrance to Hersheypark is moved and named Tudor Square. It is themed to resemble a 17th century English Village with 2 man-made lakes, a moat, a stone bridge, and an English styled tower. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
Hersheypark opens Rhineland, a second major theme area. It extends from Tudor Castle to Carrousel Circle. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
The Hersheypark ride, Golden Nugget, is dismantled. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
All the picnic tables and pavilions are removed from Hersheypark and no picnic lunches are permitted. Picnic tables are available in the grove adjacent to one of the parking lots. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
The Giant Wheel (Swizzling Wheel) is purchased for Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
The Lost River, which was badly damaged and closed during the Tropical Storm Agnes, is demolished.
Hersheypark Bandstand is razed.
The Amphitheatre, an open-air theater, is opened on the same spot as the park’s first amphitheatre. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
J. Bruce McKinney is named general manager for Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1973.]
Hersheypark opens Trailblazer, a modern, high-speed steel roller coaster. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in June 1974]
Hersheypark constructs the Trailblazer Theater, a stage with a western motif, for a country and western band. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
The Sky Ride, a cable car ride, is opened between Rhineland and the hill beside the Coal Cracker. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
Hersheypark begins using strolling Hershey characters such as: Hershey’s Bar, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Krackel Bar, and a Kiss. Also used are the “Furry Tales” — a skunk, a bear, and a chipmunk. Other sponsors used are Coca-Cola, Hersheys Ice Cream, Finnaren & Haley (paint), and Red Rose animal foods. [Specific date is unknown. Event […]
Bob B. Payne is named operations manager for Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
Al Rimby becomes merchandise manager for Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
Cy Little is named publicity director for the Hersheypark. He had previously been promotion and entertainment director. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
Paul L. Serff is named assistant manager of Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1974.]
Granny Bugs, a kiddie ride, is added to Kiddieland in Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1966.]
The Bizzy Bees, a kiddie ride, is added to Kiddieland in Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1966.]
A pony ride with little carts is added to the Kiddieland at Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1966.]
A Paratrooper Ride is added to Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1967.]
A shooting waters concession is added to Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1967.]
The Traffic Jam, a Hampton umbrella ride, is added to Kiddieland. It has 4 motorcycles, 2 limousines, 2 sports cars, and 1 fire engine. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1967.]
The Reading Railroad Caboose is moved to Kiddieland area of Hershey Park and becomes the Little Red Caboose, a place for family picnics and birthday parties. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1969.]
The Magic Carpet Slide, a giant slide, is constructed in Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1969.]
Skill Games, including Dart-A-Card, Ring-A-Coke, Balloon Burst, Dart-An-Apple, Bowl ‘o Fish, Tic-Tac-Toe, and a Fish Pond are installed in the carrousel annex. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1969.]
A Cat Game and Money Race are installed in the carrousel annex. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1970.]
John O. Hershey is named Vice President of the Board of Directors of Hershey Estates. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1968.]
The Rotor is added to the rides at Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1969.]
Old-fashioned ballroom dancing is revived in the Starlight Ballroom on Saturday nights for the 1970 season. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1970.]
The pinwheel design is adopted by Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1971.]
Hersheypark’s Carrousel Circle is officially dedicated.
The Monster is opened in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1972.]
The Scrambler is opened in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1972.]
The Twin Toboggans are opened in Hersheypark. It is removed after only a few seasons. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1972.]
Der Deitsch Platz, a full-sized Pennsylvania Dutch bank barn, is opened as a craft barn. The following crafts are featured in the barn: blacksmith, glassblower, weaver, spinner, and leather worker. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1972.]
The Aqua Theatre with Dolphin shows is introduced in Hersheypark. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1972.]
Tubs of Fun, a Kiddie Ride, is added to Kiddieland at Hershey Park. It is purchased from the Hampton Amusement Company for $3780. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1961.]
A Kiddie ride, the Jet Airplane Ride, is added to Kiddieland at Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1961.]
The Kiddie Ride, Outboard Motor Boat Ride, is added to Kiddieland at Hershey Park. It is purchased from the Hampton Amusement Company. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1962.]
The Aero Jet, the Park’s first hydraulic ride, replaces the Aerial Joy Ride. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1962.]
George Bartels retires from Hershey after 46 years of service. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1963.]
Lloyd Blinco becomes general manager of the Hershey Park. He replaces George Bartels. His assistant is Stanley M. Carpenter. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1963.]
The Mill Chute is rethemed and becomes the Lost River. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1963.]
Jay North, TV’s Dennis the Menace appears on the bandstand stage. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1963.]
The Flying Coaster is added to the Hershey Park rides. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1964.]
The Pretzel is rethemed and becomes the Golden Nugget. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1964.]
A Kiddie Helicopter ride is installed. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1964.]