At Hersheypark, the irresistible aroma of freshly popped kettle corn draws visitors to the beloved kettle corn stand, a staple for many, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish community. Operated through the Jay Vending Company, it was first introduced to the park by Ed Hoffin, who transferred ownership to Gary Wagner in May 2023. Under Gary’s stewardship, the stand has not only preserved this classic treat but has also expanded its offerings to include new kosher delights, such as cotton candy and freshly squeezed lemonade. By streamlining operations for quicker service, Gary has transformed the experience of visiting his stand, making the enjoyment of eating this delicious popcorn better than ever for guests. Here’s a closer look at how Gary and his dedicated team manage this operation and what makes their products truly special.
When Gary first had the opportunity to acquire the kettle corn business about 20 years ago, he hesitated, unsure if it would take off, and fearing that it might just be a passing trend. Since then, Gary, who has been running other food stands at Hersheypark, has realized how misplaced his fears were and the reality that kettle corn is here to stay and thrive.
One of the main issues with the way the prior management had been making the popcorn was that it was entirely hand-made in large kettles, a process requiring constant stirring. This labor-intensive process took a long time, resulting in guests often waiting hours to purchase bags of popcorn. I particularly remember seeing the line wrapping around and around where the stand was located as I entered the park during Chol Hamoed Sukkot.
Determined to enhance the experience for visitors, Gary seized the chance to revamp the stand when it became available again. He introduced a new machine that agitates the popcorn, allowing for a significantly quicker turnaround. This innovation has transformed service, reducing wait times and enabling guests to enjoy both the rides and their favorite popcorn without the long delays of the past.
The kettle corn, certified by Star-K, has been a favorite among Orthodox Jews for many years. As of May 2023, when Gary took over the stand, cotton candy and lemonade also received kosher certification, allowing families to enjoy a wider selection of treats during their visits.
Currently, these snacks are sold at two locations within the park: one near Chocolate Town and Rhineland, and another across from the Tidal Force ride. Both stands remain open during the Sukkot holiday, attracting many Jewish families who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere. If stored in a cool, dry place, the kettle corn can stay fresh for weeks due to its special coating. For the best taste, however, it is recommended that you enjoy it within a week.
To further address the issue of long waits for the popcorn, Gary implemented additional changes to speed up service, such as preparing more popcorn ahead of time. This approach helps serve more customers quickly, even during peak hours. For the shortest wait times, it is best to visit the stand in the morning or early afternoon. Keep in mind, however, that even during busier periods, the lines move faster than they used to.
Gary’s kettle corn stands out because he prioritizes quality. He uses the same ingredients and methods for every batch to ensure consistent flavor. The popcorn is cooked in large kettles that continually stir the kernels, allowing for even cooking and flavoring. This careful process is what makes Gary’s kettle corn so popular within the community.
Many in the Jewish community especially appreciate the stand because it is kosher. Gary has noticed a significant increase in sales during May, when Jewish visitors come for graduation trips, and in August when camps visit the park. This will be his first time running the stand over Sukkot, so he’s in for a treat!
Right now, Gary’s kosher popcorn is only available at Hersheypark. Although Jay Vending sells popcorn at various locations along the East Coast, such as beaches, those stands are not kosher. While Gary has no immediate plans to expand the kosher offerings, he remains open to new ideas for the future. He is close with the organizer of the Hershey Sukkot event, Sally Gerstein. Sally used to run the kosher stand (which is now just a kosher truck) and is especially fond of the kosher knishes.
Throughout the years working at Hersheypark, Gary has met many interesting people including the famous actor James Gandolfini from The Sopranos. He enjoys being part of a tradition that brings joy to visitors. His favorite ride at Hersheypark is the Great Bear, a smooth roller coaster that he finds thrilling without causing nausea.
With the Sukkot holiday approaching, the kettle corn stand at Hersheypark is set to be a favorite destination for families in search of delicious kosher treats. This festive popcorn has become a cherished tradition, adding a delightful crunch to the celebrations and creating lasting memories for visitors enjoying the joyous atmosphere of the park.
* The Jewish Link had the privilege to interview Gary Wagner, owner of the kettle corn stand at Hersheypark for details contributing to this piece.
Zachary Greenberg has been an avid reader of The Jewish Link since 2015 and a member of the staff since February 2022. His main articles cover fun things to do in the New Jersey and New York area, such as amusement parks, shows, fairs, museums, special events, and more. Additionally, Zachary has been an editor and spearheaded the Chol Hamoed and Winter Break Activity Guides. Beyond writing for The Link, Zachary works full-time as a data analyst at Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers, is the director of the Keter Torah teen minyan for boys, and is the TABC track coach. Please email him at [email protected] if you have any suggestions or questions. You can also follow his Instagram page @FunZacktivities and his Youtube channel www.youtube.com/c/ZacharyGreenberg18 for more content!
