originally posted on 8/18/2025
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.
ACE members and their guests gathered for a day of old-school fun at ACE Eastern Pennsylvania’s first-ever event at Bushkill Park — It’s a Thrill at Bushkill — in Easton, Pennsylvania. With 72 attendees in total, the event brought together an excited crowd eager to celebrate classic amusement park charm. This event, hosted on Friday, May 30, kicked off a weekend in the Allentown area and was the first of three regional events.
Stingray — a powered coaster — provided roller coaster thrills to attendees.
Photos: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
The day kicked off with all-park ERT on all of Bushkill’s iconic attractions. Guests enjoyed Stingray, a powered roller coaster; Tilt-A-Whirl; Scrambler; carousel; and the world’s oldest funhouse, Hilarity Hall. ERT also featured unlimited snacks, including cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn. There was also complimentary canvas painting where ACEers could paint their own versions of the Stingray logo.
Snacks such as cotton candy were enjoyed in conjunction with an opportunity for attendees to paint the Stingray logo.
Photos: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
A tasty picnic-style dinner brought all of the attendees together. Many of them discussed the unique charm of the park and its throwback attractions. Mike Matscherz, regional representative for ACE Eastern Pennsylvania, welcomed attendees and introduced the representative team and one of the owners of the park, Sue Klein.
A history tour led by Sue Klein — one of the park’s owners — included a look at Hilarity Hall.
Photos: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
Beyond the rides, guests took part in a walking history tour led by Klein, gaining insight into Bushkill’s rich past.
It’s a Thrill at Bushkill was a celebration of thrills, nostalgia and community — proving once again that small parks can deliver big fun. Huge thanks were extended to the awesome staff of Bushkill Park for welcoming ACE members.
— Mike Matscherz, ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative
#ACENews