September | 2013 | Amusing the Zillion

Archive for September, 2013

On the 5th Anniversary of the Closing of Astroland

Posted in amusement park, Amusement ride, video, tagged Astroland, Astroland Park, Astrotower, Breakdance, The DoD3 on September 9, 2013| Leave a Comment »

This weekend was the 5th anniversary of the closing of Coney Island’s Astroland. Founded in 1962, the park’s last day of operation was Sunday, September 7, 2008. Instead of showing photos of the park’s last day and night, we’ve gathered some videos of Astroland’s most popular rides in action.

“If you want to get off this ride at any time, raise your hand, we’ll set you free, y’all better hold on. Here we go, here we go, here here we go oh…,” says the operator of the Huss Breakdance at the beginning of the on-ride video made by TheDod3.com.

According to the website, which features ride reviews, photos and videos by a very knowledgeable ride enthusiast: “Most amusement parks in the US will run their Breakdance rides at a moderate speed, turning it into a ride good for everyone. Other Breakdance rides, such as damn near every single one in Europe and Astroland’s old Breakdance, are thrill rides through and through.”

Astroland’s Breakdance and Pirate Ship went to Costa Rica. The Topspin relocated to Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where it survived Sandy and has since been sold to Deggeller Attractions, a traveling carnival.

One of the Astroland Stars from the Surf Avenue gate is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The 8-foot by 7-and-a-half-foot lighted star will be in an exhibit next year.

Since the Astrotower was demolished over the July 4th weekend, its stump is all that remains of Astroland on City-owned property in Coney Island. There are rumors that the iconic Astroland Rocket will finally return to Coney Island as promised by City officials in 2009.

Photo of the Day: Sweet Potato Fries at Ruby’s Bar & Grill

Posted in Food, Food & Drink, Photo of the Day, Photography, tagged Boardwalk, Coney Island, Ruby's, Ruby's Bar on September 7, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Sweet Potato Fries and Beer at Ruby’s Bar, Coney Island Boardwalk. August 24, 2013. Photo © Tricia Vita

Did you know that Ruby’s Bar & Grill, the legendary watering hole on the Boardwalk, has sweet potato fries on the menu? Neither did we until a few weeks ago. Now it’s our fave after-work snack. Delicious with an ice cold beer at the bar made of vintage Boardwalk wood. Ruby’s remains open through the fall and part of the winter. Check their Facebook page for current hours of operation.

Sept 7: Coney Island Generation Gap Soap Box Derby

Posted in Events, film, tagged Coney Island, Coney Island Generation Gap, documentary, Kaiser Park, Keeping Heads Above Water, media arts, Pamela Harris, Soap Box Derby on September 6, 2013| 2 Comments »

Annual Coney Island Generation Gap Soap Box Derby. Photo courtesy of Big Rod at Nubian Knights Network via CIGG

On Saturday in Coney Island, racing around Kaiser Park in home-made cars, it’s the annual Coney Island Generation Gap Soap Box Derby! Twenty teams of kids including drivers and pushers will compete for prizes in three categories: Speed, Design and Camaraderie. The event starts at 1pm in Kaiser Park at Neptune Avenue and West 29th Street. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at 5pm.

Among the names emblazoned on the cars are team sponsors Alliance for Coney Island, New York Aquarium, Councilman Domenic Recchia Jr., Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Diane Savino, State Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, City Council candidate Mark Treyger, Friends of Kaiser Park, Ringling Bros Circus, and Naomi AME Zion Church Sunday School.

Race Day Sponsor Rules:

1. Please stay with your youth at all times
2. Encourage your team remember camaraderie
3. Use your team pusher they are older and can help you
4. Cheer, Cheer, & Cheer some more

“CIGG is committed to keeping our youth on a straight path,” says the organization’s founder and executive director Pam Harris. “This is why our Soap Box Derby race is so important to us.” Contributions and volunteers are welcome for Coney Island Generation Gap‘s Soap Box Derby as well as their teen media arts program.

Earlier this year, the group produced “Keeping Heads Above Water,” a documentary based on how Superstorm Sandy affected them and brought everyone in Coney Island together.