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Beautiful spring weather greets Funland’s opening weekend

First season for Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk institution since co-founder Al Fasnacht died in March
Funland in Rehoboth Beach opened for the season May 10. Enjoying themselves on the kid cars are sisters Callie Okolowicz, 4, and her sister Tessa, 6. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
May 16, 2025

Story Location:
Funland
6 Delaware Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

Rain or shine, Funland in Rehoboth Beach opens the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. This year, opening-day visitors were welcomed with sunny, warm weather.

Funland opened in 1962. Since then, there have only been three years it didn’t open on Mother’s Day weekend – in 1979, when the new bumper car building was under construction; in 1989, when the stucco building was not yet completed; in 2020, when it was the height of COVID.

While Funland opened on its traditional kickoff date this year, the new season introduced a couple of firsts – the elimination of game tickets for electronic cards and, more importantly, it was the first opening weekend since co-founder Allen “Al” Fasnacht died in late March at the age of 96.

There was no special recognition as the gates opened for the season, but in honor of Fasnacht, his family placed a sandwich board on the Boardwalk letting people know about his death.

“For over 60 years Al Fasnacht was a cornerstone of Funland, not just through his dedication to the park, but also through the countless meaningful and lasting connections he built with guests, employees and the community,” read the message. “It brought him great joy as he worked with hundreds of employees and many family members, teaching strong ethics of fairness, hard work and the Golden Rule. Even into his 90s, Al could be found around the park, painting a green bench, cleaning up a spill or chatting with a guest. Through his quiet dedication, Al showed us what it means to lead with compassion, hard work and care for others. His lasting legacy will continue to inspire us, and his presence will be deeply missed.”

For more information on Funland, 6 Delaware Ave., go to funlandrehoboth.com or call 302-227-1921. 

 

Dreonna Phillips celebrates a win at the Boardwalk horse races.
Randy Curry married into the Funland family many years ago, but it’s still fun for him to watch the season’s first customers come in.
Co-founder Al Fasnacht died in March at the age of 96. This sandwich board on the Boardwalk recognizes his lasting legacy.
Jeff Valdes and daughter Madelyn share a smile while bumping into mom.
Casey Stewart, 4, is both thrilled and holding on for dear life on the merry-go-round.
A Funland employee works on transitioning old games from cash to electronic payments.
The three faces of the Sea Dragon – Kim Brooks is scared, Jaden Bryant is enjoying himself and Jalen Brooks has ice running through his veins.
The gates opened for the season at 1 p.m., May 10, and there was a small line waiting.
Mom Stephanie Thiede seems to be enjoying the tea cups more than her 3-year-old son Jackson.
Mouths open screaming and hands up is the best way to enjoy the Sea Dragon.
Parents wait with excitement as their children ride the kiddie fire trucks.
Will Gloyd places his mom's Mother's Day carnation on the dedication to Al Fasnacht. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.

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