Chatting with the owner of Huck Finn's Playland
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local favorite in Albany, Huck Finn's Playland, will open for the season on Saturday at 11 a.m. NEWS10 spoke with Joe Masher, the owner of the playland about what guests can expect this year for the park's 72nd season.
Masher purchased the park last November.
"The Sperber family, owners of the former Huck Finn’s Warehouse and More, rescued the park after it closed in Latham in 2014. It reopened at its current site, 25 Erie Blvd., in 2015! Didn’t miss a season! In fact, this will be the park’s 72nd season. It only missed the summer of 2020, we know why."
When the Sperber family downsized their operations, they looked to pass it along to a new operator for the park to continue. Masher would go on to purchase the park, saying he used to go to Hoffman's as a child.
"These are the very same rides that I rode as a young child! My grandfather took me to Hoffman’s many, many times. I hope to impart lasting memories on children whose grandparents or parents bring them."
When it comes to new aspects of the playland patrons can expect this season, Masher had a list of new food and beverage options, as well as a calendar of events for all to enjoy.
"We have really focused on the food and beverage side to get started. We now feature Coca-Cola products, and we’ve added some fun things like Fried Oreos. We have gluten-free items for the first time – hamburger and hot dog buns, pizza, and ice cream cones! We’ve also added ICEE®. A calendar of events is filling up – on opening day and the first Saturday of each month, we will have Jani Poppins Bubble Parties, and on other days we’ll have kids karaoke, face painting, balloon animal artists, etc."
Masher mentioned the park is booking events for the upcoming season, including potential high school reunions and other adult-focused events, along with school field trips and birthday parties.
"We are actively booking birthday parties, school field trips (we will open on days in May and June for large groups), and other events! We have a high school reunion coming up, and we are also going to run some adult events on evenings with the ‘big rides’."
Park Hours May 4 - June 27
- Friday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Park Hours June 28 - September 2 (Labor Day)
- Tuesday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Masher says the park is closed on Mondays, and Tuesdays are super discounted Tuesdays.