Everyone’s favorite family amusement park, Playland Park in Rye, opens for the season on Saturday, May 12, with entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. and rides opening at 12 noon.

Rain date for the event is Saturday, May 19.

Playland’s rides will be open from noon until 9 p.m. Visitors can purchase a special Opening Day Fun Band for $15, which is good for unlimited rides all day. Fun Bands go on sale at 10:30 a.m. at the sales booth located across from Mini Golf on the boardwalk.

The opening celebration begins with free strolling entertainment at the Fountain Plaza beginning at 11 a.m. followed by the traditional parade from Playland’s upper circle to the Fountain Plaza with the Port Chester High School Marching Band accompanied by local dignitaries, staff and Playland’s mascot Coaster the Dragon. The 95.5 WPLJ van will also be there with games and giveaways.

Back by popular demand, The Westchester Broadway Theater will be on hand with entertainment and valuable discount coupons for their upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors, which opens August 9 and runs through September 29.

Westchester County Public Safety will also provide a SafeKids child safety check-up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the main parking lot. Police will check to see if car seats are installed properly and give tips on keeping children safe in cars.

The Music Tower Theater will feature the best of The Beatles performed by The Daytrippers with shows at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

Playland Fun Cards can be purchased for the economical price of $20 for a 24-Point Fun Card and $30 for a 38-Point Fun Card. Rides require 2 to 4 points each. Park Pass holders who purchase 38-Point Fun Cards automatically receive 8 Bonus Points when presenting their Park Pass (maximum four offers per visit, season-long). Fun Card points are valid forever and are rechargeable at any sales booth or electronic kiosk.

For the serious rider, Playland offers a Fun Band for $40 which is good for unlimited rides for up to eight hours on the day of visit. On Opening Day only, the Fun Band will be sold for $15.

Playland is open Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. until Memorial Day weekend. Admission to Playland is always free. Parking on weekends is $7 per car.

Playland is owned and operated by Westchester County Parks. Playland Park is known as America’s first totally planned amusement park and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.