Writer of Pop Culture

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The Theme Park Flowing with Milk Chocolate – This Day in Pop Culture History (April 24)

The opening of HersheyPark and that time when Jane Fonda asked us to work out with her.

April 24, 2026

2–3 minutes

What started out as a simple park for Hershey’s employees in 1906 is one of the more popular theme parks on the east coast and the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. And it’s made of chocolate! (We wish.)

And what better way to work off that chocolate than working out with Jane Fonda? Her Workout videotape appeared on store shelves on April 24, 1982.

1907: Hersheypark Opens

In 1906, Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate company, purchased land near Union Deposit, Pennsylvania to develop a park to be used exclusively for his employees.

On this day in 1907, the public was invited to visit Hershey’s Park which included a baseball game (Hershey’s team defeated the Crescent Club of Harrisburg by 13-1 by the way), live music performed by the Hershey band and other activities.

The first amusement ride constructed on the park grounds was the Allen Herschel carousel built in 1908. A miniature railroad was built next in 1910 (which continued to run through 1971) and bumper cars were added in 1926. The oldest attraction still in operation at the park is the 1945 carousel.

Today, what is now known as HersheyPark, the theme park stretches 121 acres and features 70 attractions (including 15 roller coasters), Boardwalk water park and ZooAmerica.

A view of Hersheypark in 2013 — Hersheypark in 2013 *(Wikimedia Commons)*

1969: Paul

Paul McCartney tries to explain that despite the rumors, he isn’t dead.

1979: Ray

Ray Charles version of “Georgia On My Mind” becomes the Georgia’s official state song.

New Kids on the Block album cover — *(Wikimedia Commons)*

1989: New Kids

Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis declares today as, “New Kids on the Block Day”.

1982: Jane Fonda’s “Workout” Home Video is Released

Covers of Jane Fonda Workout tapes — *(TVDB)*

Controversial actress and activist Jane Fonda has warmed the hearts of some while angering others throughout her lifetime, but in on this day in 1982, she started a whole new trend when she released her first exercise home video simply titled, “Workout.” This was on the heels of her book, “Jane Fonda’s Workout book” which was released the year before. That book stayed as the #1 bestseller for more than six months. The book and video not only brought exercise back into women’s consciousness, but also tights, legwarmers and Spandex.