SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — It was like old times for Ed Kaufman.

“I enjoyed it as much as I did 65 years ago,” said Kaufman, 76, of Meadville after taking the initial ride on the restart of Conneaut Lake Park’s Tumble Bug ride.

One of only two such rides still operating in the world, the Bug — as it’s affectionately known — was restarted in ceremonies at Conneaut Lake Park Saturday after being out of service for close to four years.

The initial 24 riders screamed with delight as the five cars of the 81-year-old ride lurched forward, climbing and dipping along the large circular track for the two-minute opening ride.

The 24 seats on the initial ride were auctioned off as a fund-raiser for the amusement park. The highest bid was $125 with bids starting at $50.

Kaufman’s two daughters, Melodye Koppler and Wendy Seeley, were the winning bidders on five of the seats so he could be part of the initial ride with his grandchildren.

“He has always treasured the park,” said Seeley. “He brought us here year after year.”

Kaufman had worked at the park for about eight years as a young man before going into the real estate business. He worked at the amusement park’s custard stand and drove its food service delivery van.

Nancy Manning, a volunteer with the park, said that as a child, the Bug was her first ride after being too old for the park’s Kiddieland rides.

“It was the one I dreamed to go on,” said Manning, now 58.

Manning, also one of the successful initial ride bidders, said she was happy to be one of the first riders on it in almost four years.

“It was every bit as thrilling,” she said following her ride. “It was wonderful.”

Saturday’s restart of the Bug was another great day in Conneaut Lake Park history, according to George Deshner, its director of operations. Its train ride was restored to operation July 1 after an absence of several years.

Restoration of the Bug couldn’t have happened without the help of Excalibur Machine Inc. of Conneaut Lake, Deshner said.