A Fun Day at Knoebels Trivia Quiz

Answer: Independence Day

What would become Knoebels was, in the early 20th century, a wooded area that was used as a picnic site. In 1926, Henry Knoebel added a restaurant, a carousel, and some games, founding Knoebels. The opening of the large swimming pool on July 4, 1926, is considered the official opening of the park. Since then, the park has expanded to include over sixty attractions. Knoebels in located in Elysburg, PA.

The Fourth of July (or Independence Day) is a significant holiday in the United States. Fireworks (as shown in the picture) are common on the Fourth of July.

Answer: Carousel

The 1910 carousel is the smaller of the two and is in the "Kiddieland" section of the park. Originally located in another location, it was transferred to Knoebels in 1976. The 1913 carousel (known as the Grand Carousel) was also located somewhere else and relocated to the park in 1942. The carousels are the two oldest rides at Knoebels. The Grand Carousel is one of the largest in the world and has 63 horses and 3 chariots.

Another name for a carousel is a merry-go-round. The smiley face in the picture is meant to look at least happy, if not merry.

Answer: Coal

The coal-powered steam locomotive was built in 1960 by Crown Metal Products. The trains that the locomotive pulls came from the 1946 locomotive, Nickel Plate, that previously ran on the tracks. The locomotive is built on a 16 inch (406 mm) gauge. The other railroad (Pioneer Train) has a 1960 diesel/gasoline locomotive.

The picture shows a shovel which a member of the train crew could use to load coal into the locomotive engine.

Answer: Mine

Operating at Knoebels since 2011, the Black Diamond was originally located at Morey's Pier in Wildwood, NJ, where it was known as the "Golden Nugget". The name "Black Diamond" is a reference to the anthracite coal industry which has deep roots in central Pennsylvania. Knoebels describes "Black Diamond" as a mine-car ride and requires riders to be at least 42 inches tall.

The picture shows a mountain with an opening that could lead to a mine.

Answer: Sixteen

Whip type rides were patented by William F. Mangels in 1914. Whip rides are found mostly in older amusement parks. The "Whipper" at Knoebels was originally located at Croops Glen in Hunlock Creek, PA and was moved to Knoebels in the 1940s. It is one of at least two 16-car rides. Even though the whip is a relatively slow ride, at Knoebels, those who get on must be at least 46 inches tall. Since the ride does not have lockable restraints, this may be to prevent younger riders from getting off of the ride while it is still moving.

The picture shows a box with x squared inside of it. Of the four answer choices, 16 is a square number (4X4=16).

Answer: Phoenix

The roller coaster first appeared at Playland in San Antonio, TX, in 1947 as "Racer". It was relocated to Knoebels and renamed "Phoenix". In 1999 "Phoenix" began a many-year streak of being ranked in the top five world wide for wooden roller coasters according to the Golden Ticket Awards. The Knoebels website describes the coaster as having a "double out and back" layout.

The picture shows flame or fire. The Phoenix was a mythical bird that periodically burned up only to be reborn from the ashes.

Answer: Dollywood

Knoebels won the Best Food Award for 2000-2011, 2015-2016, and 2018. Dollywood won the award for 2012, 2014, and 2017. The two parks tied for the award in 2013. Knoebels includes a sit-down restaurant called the Alamo as well as several locations offering counter service. The Nickel Plate Bar and Grill is located at nearby Knoebels Golf Course.

The picture shows a sheep saying "Baaa", perhaps suggesting Dolly the famous cloned sheep. (To the best of my knowledge Dolly the sheep and Dollywood only share the connection of being named after Dolly Parton.)

Answer: Tallest ride at Knoebels

"Stratosfear" reaches a height of 148 feet. The car where the rider is located is pulled to the top where patrons have a view of the park. The car is then control dropped (with speeds reaching up to 47 miles per hour) before easing to a stop. "Stratosfear" was a new ride in 2013 and many rides were older. Rides that go faster include the roller coaster "Impulse" that reaches up to 55 miles per hour. In 2019, the individual cost for "Stratosfear" was $2.25 (US), while "Twister", at $3.00 (US) was a ride that was more expensive.

The picture shows a tall ladder which might suggest climbing to a height.

Answer: Bingo

In Fascination, a player sits at one end of a narrow table. At the other end is a five by five grid of holes. A glass wall separates the two. The player rolls a rubber ball towards the grid of holes. When the ball goes through a hole it is returned to the player. When the player has rolled the ball through five holes in a line (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally), he or she has won. The price in 2019 to play fascination at Knoebels was fifty cents.

The picture shows a ball with "I26" on it, suggesting a bingo ball.

Answer: Roller Rink

The roller rink was heavily damaged when the park flooded during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The building was refinished and used as a skating rink until being converted to the Roaring Creek Saloon. The building now includes a concession stand, arcade, and XD motion ride theater.

The picture shows a wheel such as might be part of a roller skate.