Inside Hershey

Memorial Day Weekend in Hershey

Let the weekend begin!

The Memorial Day weekend has unofficially started here in Hershey: the traffic is heavy; the rides are running at Hersheypark; the Rec Center's outdoor pool is filled and ready; and the hanging baskets and flags are in place on the lampposts downtown.

While you're celebrating, please take a moment to remember all those who have served our country in the Armed Forces as well as those currently serving. And consider taking part in the annual parade to honor our nation's heroes, which returns to Hershey this year after 20 years—the parade will take place on Monday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.

The parade will begin at the Recreation Center, turn right onto Cocoa Avenue, turn left onto Elm Avenue, right to Ridge Avenue to Chocolate. The parade will turn onto Cocoa Avenue and end at the Recreation Center. The parade will conclude with a special ceremony at the township's War Memorial at the Recreation Center.

Everyone is invited to march along with Hershey's veterans and community groups. Organizers of the parade are also looking for volunteers this year—if you'd like to lend a hand on May 31, please contact the Derry Township Rec Center for details: 533-7138.

The Circus Comes to Hershey —Today!

The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus will perform at the GIANT Center from May 26-31 this year—as usual, over the Memorial Day weekend. Tickets to the "Funundrum" performances are still available from the GIANT Center box office, by phone at 717-534-3911.

The troupe's train is scheduled to arrive in Hershey on Monday, May 24 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Having waited for the Circus Train to arrive in Hershey in previous years, I can tell you that the times are always approximate, and the train is often held up en route by freight traffic on the line. The train unloads just behind the Hershey post office, and there is convenient parking in the garage between the post office and the Hershey Press Building.

I Love Reese's Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in our I Love Reese's Day contest.

From the 52 commenters on this site and on the Inside Hershey Facebook page, Random.Org selected Number 39, Janice Ellis of Harrisburg, PA as the winner. Congratulations, Janice!

Don't forget, you can still win one of the many cash prizes available by purchasing one of these Reese's products in this year's Reese's Loves You Back™ promotion:

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's Big Cup Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's® Pieces® Candies
  
• Reese's Crispy Crunchy Bars  

 

Saving Money at Hersheypark

Let's face it, the economy isn't rebounding very quickly and we're all scrambling to save a few extra bucks. If you're planning on a trip to Hersheypark, there are several simple ways to save a lot of money—in fact, discounts are so prevalent that there is no way you should be paying the full admission to get in this summer.

First, if you're planning to be at Hersheypark for more than one day, check out the multi-day plans and the season pass. Season passes are a fantastic deal—they get you free parking (there's a $10 savings right away!), full admission, worthwhile discounts on food and merchandise (if you're feeding a family, 15% savings can be significant) and coupons for other area attractions. 

If you're staying in the Hershey area overnight, be sure to check with your hotel to see if it offers additional savings on Hersheypark admissions. The Hershey Entertainment & Resort properties certainly do, but other area hotels have partnered with Hersheypark to offers savings as well—it's always worth asking!

Speaking of partnerships, you can usually find Hersheypark discount coupons at Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Subway, Wawa, Friendly's, CVS and TGIFridays locations within a few hours of Hershey. Check near the register or ask. I picked up a few coupons at the Hershey Dunkin' Donuts this morning—it's within view of Hersheypark.

Giant Food Stores have worked with Hersheypark for years to provide discounted admission passes, often combined with free parking. Check at the Customer Service Desk at your local Giant, or stop by one of the Giant food stores around Hershey.

If you're in the military, discounts are available at your base. If you belong to a church within a few hours drive of Hersheypark, it's worth checking with them as well—our church and many others offer Hersheypark tickets at a discount to members. Also, check with your local municipal parks & recreation department—Hersheypark partners with many municipalities to offer discounts as well. Finally, if you're a member of AAA, you should be able to get discounted Hersheypark tickets there, too.

How about going with a group? Hersheypark has group incentives worth checking into if you're planning to bring a posse! And if you're headed to Hershey for one of the many summer concerts scheduled here, don't forget about Hersheypark's concert special.

So pull out those budgets and start recalculating—your trip to Hersheypark is suddenly looking a lot more affordable!

I Love Reese's Day

 

How are you celebrating I Love Reese's Day?

That's right, it's today! So I hope you've made plans to sneak enjoy some of that Reese's chocolatey-peanut-butter goodness this evening. A Reese's Dark Chocolate s'more makes an excellent dessert. Just sayin'.

To keep that celebration going, check out these Reese's products to see if you've won some of the $2 million in cash prizes Reese's will give out this year in the Reese's Loves You Back™ promotion:

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's Big Cup Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese's® Pieces® Candies
  
• Reese's Crispy Crunchy Bars

Now you're probably wondering how we're celebrating I Love Reese's Day—well, thanks to The Hershey Company, we're giving away a prize package filled with Reese's love! More specifically, at noon on Friday, May 21, we'll use random.org to help us select a winner, who'll receive a specially selected combination of the five Reese's products involved in the Reese's Loves You Back™ promotion.

Entering is easy—just leave a comment with your favorite Reese's product right here, or on the Inside Hershey Facebook page.

Good luck!