Dick Knoebel Honored as a Golden Tickets Legend

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originally posted on 9/23/2022 1:38:00 AM

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

On Saturday, September 10, Amusement Today hosted the annual Golden Ticket Awards. It was the first in-person event scheduled by the publication since the arrival of the global pandemic. The ceremony took place in the Zaragoza Theater at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio).

While the Golden Ticket Awards acknowledge numerous categories in the amusement industry (much like the Oscars do for movies), a handful of specific awards are given by Amusement Today. Some of these are called Publisher’s Picks. On other occasions, a Legends award is given to a person, park or ride that has a prominent role in the industry.

Dick Knoebel of Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania), beloved by so many ACE members, was honored as a Legend. While award recipients who were in attendance walked up stairs to accept the awards on stage, the audience was delighted to see Knoebel wheel out from backstage on his scooter. Knoebel had been encouraged by his sons to get backstage early, as an upcoming category in which the park had won was getting close. The Legend Award, which was a surprise to Knoebel, came with a voiceover slideshow showcasing his many achievements. His son Brian explained afterward that he watched his father see the tribute play out from the side of the stage. Upon acceptance, the audience leapt to their feet.

Dick Knoebel watches from the side of the stage and is surprised by the Legend designation.
Photo: Brian Knoebel. View full-sized image.

Brian Knoebel, Rick Knoebel and Dick Knoebel show off their Golden Tickets.
Photo: Richard Munch. View full-sized image.

Knoebel, 83, has worked tirelessly in the industry. As a third-generation owner, he grew up with the park, which opened in 1926. Knoebel has been praised by guests, family members and industry professionals for his dedication to keeping the park family focused and providing a good value for all who come to visit.

The park’s Phoenix also won Best Wooden Coaster for a fourth consecutive time, an award that Knoebel accepted along with his sons, as well as the Golden Ticket for Best Food. In an ironic connection, Phoenix began its life as The Rocket at San Antonio’s Playland Park. When it came time to accept, Knoebel and his sons had donned T-shirts decorated with signage that existed at Playland Park.

While not as well-known as Knoebel, Paul and Alethea Roads, founders of Wonderland Park in Amarillo, also received a Legends Award. Their involvement in the amusement industry helped organize small-park owners to network and find solutions to common concerns. The bond formed allowed for many park owners to acquire dark rides that helped propel business. The award was accepted by the Roads’ daughter Paula and her husband, Paul Borchardt.

The full stories on these awards can be found in the Golden Ticket Awards issue produced by Amusement Today. A free download is available here: https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/GTA2022/

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor