Birthday festivities at Sesame Place

Saturday marks a milestone as well as this year's opening day for Sesame Place, launching its 30th Birthday Celebration season.

Sesame Place, the theme park based on the award-winning TV show Sesame Street, opened July 30, 1980. It was developed on three acres as a way to bring Sesame Street's values to life through play. It has grown to 14 acres with more than three dozen interactive activities, including water attractions, whirling rides, a roller coaster, stage shows, and musical parades.

For many parents, Sesame Place offers a permanent footprint in their child's memories. "My daughter Jade says 'I love Sesame Place because I get hugs from Elmo and Cookie Monster,' " says Heather Getz, mother of a 3-year-old from Bensalem.

Cheryl Petrino Gublo of Yardley considers Sesame Place a family tradition. "I remember taking my niece and walking over the Big Bird Bridge 30 years ago. I have taken my boys there since they were little (now ages 17, 15, and 6) because they absolutely loved it."

"It warms my heart to see families running to the gate," says Robert J. Caruso, the executive vice president and general manager who has worked with Sesame Place since it opened.

The season-long birthday celebration, scheduled through October, will feature the new musical show Elmo Rocks, starring Elmo with Zoe, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Ernie. These characters will transform into the Rockin' Elmo Band.

This season's celebration will feature an expanded lineup of concerts, including Hip Hop Harry and Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve. There also will be new additions to The Count's Halloween Spooktacular.