Funland ends 60th season with a legislative tribute

Funland’s landmark achievement celebrating 60 years of service to Rehoboth Beach was solidified with a legislative honor Sept. 8.

In the midst of the amusement center’s end-of-summer picnic, the Cape Region’s legislative delegation joined the festivities to honor the time-held tradition.

“We’ve briefly joined your celebration to honor the completion of the most successful summer that Funland has had,” said Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, who was joined by Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, and State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness. “If there is any more iconic business in not just in Rehoboth, not just in Sussex County, not just in the state of Delaware than Funland, someone needs to tell me where that is. Because it’s right here in Funland.”

After reading the legislative tribute, Al Fasnacht, owner and patriarch, thanked a few dozen employees who had stayed until the end of the season and were enjoying the company picnic.

“We appreciate that over the past 60 years, we would not have been able to do this without good help, so we thank you for it,” Fasnacht said to his crew of workers.

Lopez echoed praise to the employees who help run the games, operate rides and keep the amusement park humming all summer long.

The Fasnacht family of Hershey, Pa., bought the Boardwalk property in 1961, a year before the Storm of 1962 that devastated many businesses in Rehoboth Beach. The family refurbished the building and rides, and has been open ever since.

“The memories that are made here are tremendous. You’ve made memories for grandkids, our kids, everyone,” Lopez said.