“The hotel is absolutely jammed full and Camperland is full,” he said. He credits both the Do Wopp and the park itself for the turnout, noting Do Wopp was bigger this year than last year.

The crowd had few complaints about the $2 parking fee, Deshner said. The inside and outside parking lots were full Sunday.

The park has one other problem — it needs more workers, Deshner said, calling for people to work in all jobs, including parkers, midway game operators and wait staff and kitchen help for the restaurant. “We need help in all areas,” he said. Those wishing to apply can go to the park office and fill out an application.

“If the weather holds, we should have a terrific summer,” Deshner said.

Although Do Wopp festivities ended Sunday, the park will continue the Memorial Day opening events today with the rides and water park opening at noon. Rides are to remain open until 9 p.m. — unless the crowd stays around and the park will stay open longer, Deshner noted.

The park was in danger of closing this year because of a lack of operational funds, but a last-minute $250,000 loan from First National Bank of Pennsylvania gave the park the money it needed to begin another season.

The loan was guaranteed by Erie Businessman Joseph Prishak and was an extension of a previous $250,000 loan he had made to the park, which has had financial difficulties for several years.

Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com