By Maddy Vitale
Gunner Juelg, 7, of Ocean City, had his heart set on one ride when he and his sister, Harper, 5, entered Gillian’s Wonderland Pier Thursday.
“I want to go on the Superman ride,” Gunner said excitedly.
His sister Harper, 5, was just happy she met the height restrictions to go on the ride.
The siblings hopped on the ride at their favorite amusement park and away they went, giggling and waving at their mother, Ashley Juelg and their grandmother, Debbie Rossi, of Ocean City.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier celebrated 90 years in business with “Wonder’s Birthday Bash,” named for its mascot, Wonder Bear, by offering guests discounted tickets and even a fireworks show Thursday night.
“I love Gillian’s (Wonderland Pier),” Rossi said. “This is just another example of Ocean City and how they open it up to the town. Every weekend there is something for families to do.”
Ashley Juelg said she has been bringing the children to Gillian’s since they were babies.
“I have been coming since I was a child. It is a family tradition for us,” she said.
Jay Gillian, owner of the park, said of the night, “The fireworks celebration of Wonder’s Birthday this year is extra special as we celebrate 90 years of Gillian’s on the Ocean City Boardwalk.”
He added, “What a perfect night to start this year’s celebration. We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the season.”
The amusement park, founded in 1929, has entertained and delighted generations of families and is a tradition for locals and tourists.
Jay Gillian is the third generation owner of the amusement park, which was founded by his grandfather, David Gillian.
The park was handed over to his father, Roy Gillian, before Jay followed in his footsteps.
An ornate carousel that dates back to the 1920s is a staple for families who try their luck at the brass rings, a game they play while riding atop the carved steeds.
There is an array of rides for kiddies to older children, including bumper cars, roller coasters, a log flume and a ride that plunges thrill seekers 120 feet down.
Families poured into the amusement park when it opened at 6 p.m. People lined up to get their discounted tickets. Children shouted and giggled as they enjoyed the rides. Some children went through a mirror maze, while others traveled on a train above the park.
“We call it the sky train,” said Jason Wiegand, of Galloway Township, as he pointed to the train.
He and his wife, Katie, and their children, Wyatt, 5, and nine-month-old son, Bodhi, already did much of what they do in Ocean City at the start of the season. They made their way to Shriver’s for taffy, Manco & Manco for pizza, and then it was off to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
Wyatt was ready to go on a motorcycle amusement ride and then Bodhi was going to take a ride on the carousel.
“I remember coming here as a kid,” Katie said. “We are making it a tradition for our family.”
For more information visit www.gillians.com.
