Art for Reithoffer Shows Indy 500 ‘Flitzer’ Coaster at Coney Island, May 26, 2008. Photo © Tricia Vita via flickr
Reithoffer Shows, one of America’s oldest carnivals, is heading to Brooklyn after 11 days at the Staten Island Mall with more than 25 rides. The carnival’s Blue Unit is partnering with Aviator Sports at Floyd Bennett Field for the fifth year of the Kings County Fair, which runs from May 15 through 26. The family-run carnival billed as “The Aristocrat of Show Business” began in 1896 with a steam-driven carousel and is now operated by the 4th and 5th generations.
Meanwhile, over the weekend in Coney Island, the “Rumor Mill” was saying that Reithoffer is bringing rides to Thor Equities long-vacant lots on Stillwell from May 15-26 with the option of staying longer if business was good. The source of this “news” was said to be “very reliable.” The rumor began back in March (“Will Rides Return to Thor Equities Vacant Lots in Coney Island?” ATZ), though no specific carnival was mentioned at the time.
We’re still skeptical because no one we talked with from Reithoffer’s management knows anything about rides going to Coney Island and it’s the same date as the Kings County Fair. Blue Unit Manager Gary Alberry did allow that since Reithoffer has more than 115 rides, it’s possible some are being sent to Coney, though he’s not aware of it. The Blue Unit also has rides at the Northeast Fair in Pennsylvania and a Virginia K-Mart, while the Orange Unit is playing spots in New Jersey and Maryland, according to Reithoffer’s route list. With Memorial Day Weekend less than two weeks away, if rides are indeed coming to Coney they should be arriving any day.
On Memorial Day Weekend 2008, Thor CEO Joe Sitt proclaimed “The Summer of Hope” and filled his vacant lots on Stillwell with carnival rides from Reithoffer Shows for a limited two-week run and Geren Rides till Labor Day. Contrary to the PR campaign, the lots were vacant again by July, when Geren left for his fairs. Will this be Thor’s Summer of Hope, Part 2?
Art for Crusty Crab funhouse front, Reithoffer Shows in Coney Island. May 26, 2008. Photo © Tricia Vita
UPDATE May 20, 2014
Related posts on ATZ…
October 17, 2013: The New Coney Island: Thor Equities Vacant Lots, Dummy Arcades
June 27, 2013: Photo Album: The Front of the Show at Meadowlands Fair
October 8, 2010: Traveler: Most Beautiful Video of the State Fair of Texas
March 3, 2010: Thor’s Coney Island: What Stillwell Looked Like Before Joe Sitt
Amusing the Zillion 
Thors lots in Coney show damage from Superstorm Sandy, especially the one behind the beach shop, the land is collapsing into itself. It seems the sand shifted under the blacktop due to flooding causing gaps under the blacktop. Without anyone walking on the property the blacktop collapsed in spots. This is very noticeable along Stillwell Ave. If rides are coming to that lot, they need to rip up the blacktop and make the land stable to walk on I would think. I don’t see the buildings department issuing a COO with the land like this.
I don’t see any permits issued for a temporary fair on this property yet. There’s still a stop-work order from last year’s failed attempt to turn it into a parking lot. Given the history of what’s happened here, I’ll believe it when the rides pull onto the lots and when the carnival is open for business
I also thought to look at the DOB website, but I figured it may be too early to see permits being requested.