Officials at Ligonier Township’s Idlewild and SoakZone have some good news for fans of the family amusement park as well as those interested in working at the attraction.

Responding in part to heightened public interest in picnic reservations, the park will open May 7 — two weekends earlier than previously planned.

Also, higher pay is in store for a majority of the 700 seasonal workers who will be needed to serve visitors to the park.

“Group picnics are coming back this year. They’re really strong, and it’s very encouraging,” said Nick Paradise, director of communications for Palace Entertainment, which operates Idlewild and SoakZone and two sister parks in Allegheny County — Kennywood and Sandcastle.

“We want to offer more days to play and more ways to play,” Paradise said of the extended season at Idlewild, which will be the longest in the park’s 145-year history.

SoakZone’s water attractions will start up May 21, while all Idlewild features will be open on a daily schedule beginning Memorial Day weekend. The season will run through Oct. 30.

While details have yet to be finalized, officials are planning to offer more frequent special events during the coming season at Idlewild.

“Guests will find more live entertainment and special events than ever before, from the first days of May to fall fun at our beloved Hallowboo!” according to Tim Heger, the park’s new general manager.

“There will be something extra gong on no matter when you visit,” Paradise added.

Job fair scheduled

Idlewild is hosting a job fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for those interested in learning about and applying for open positions at the park and at the adjacent Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Story Book Forest, where costumed characters are featured.

Pay levels have been increased for about 550 seasonal posts — including food and beverage cooks, ride operators and admissions staff age 16 or older, who will earn $15 per hour. Other increased hourly wages include $12 for aquatics attendants and $15 for lifeguards.

Idlewild workers ages 14 or 15 will receive a starting wage of $10 per hour.

Kennywood and Sandcastle also are increasing several pay rates, primarily targeting workers ages 14-17 — with hourly increases ranging from $1 to $4 for food and beverage, ride operations and park operations roles.

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