Morris Plains Native on Dorney Park Ice Stage

Among ’s thrill rides, water park, and fried foods is, perhaps, an unexpected attraction...an ice-skating show.

Professional figure skaters from across the country are performing there this summer in "Snoopy's Big Bow Wow." One of those skaters is Jessica Kleinwacks of Morris Plains.

Kleinwacks performed in another Snoopy show last year at California’s Great America. She said she wanted her family in New Jersey to be able to see her perform this summer, so Dorney Park was a closer choice.

All of the skaters live in Allentown for their 13-week contract. They have three weeks of rehearsals before the 10-week show season begins.

“You spend every day with this group of people, so you start to form relationships and bonds,” Kleinwacks said. “It’s really nice. It’s your summer family because they are the people you spend most of your time with.”

The skaters have a 48-hour work week; their only day off is Wednesday. When they aren’t spending time together in rehearsals or on stage, they get together and sometimes have pot luck dinners.

Kleinwacks said the skaters keep morale high by catching one another's eyes during the performance and making friendly gestures called “goodies” to help them maintain their energy.

“A goody is when you’re on the ice, and say, at the same point in the number, you see the same person everyday. You give them a look or you make a face,” said Kleinwacks. “You’re waiting in one wing and the person’s waiting in the other wing, and you’re doing some crazy dance....”

The 60-by-35-foot ice stage where Kleinwacks performs is in the Good Time Theatre, near the park’s entrance. Built in 2009, the theater seats 603 people. When the theater first opened, “Snoopy Rocks on Ice” took the stage. Woodstock Ice Productions owner Jill Schulz, daughter of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, worked with choreographer Karen Kresge to create the new show.

If you go:

What: “Snoopy’s Big Bow Wow” ice show

When: Everyday, except Wednesdays, at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. A matinee show takes place on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Cost: Included in Dorney Park's general admission.