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Posts Tagged ‘Cyclone’

Free Rides and Freaky Gala for Coney Island’s Opening Weekend

Posted in amusement park, Amusement ride, Events, tagged Blessing of the Rides, Coney Island History Project, Coney Island USA, Coney Island's opening day, Cyclone, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, Egg Cream Christening, Luna Park, Spring Gala, Wonder Wheel on March 27, 2015| Leave a Comment »

The FDNY Color Guard will present the colors and sing the National Anthem at Coney Island’s Opening Day Ceremony. Photo via Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

There’s a chance of snow showers on Saturday, but it’s expected to be sunny with temps in the 40s on Palm Sunday, when Coney Island’s rides go for their first spin of the season. In celebration of the landmark Wonder Wheel’s 95th year, the first 95 people will get a free ride on Opening Day. The soon-to-be 88-year-old Cyclone roller coaster will as usual offer free rides to the first 100 on line. Erik Knapp aka Mr. Cyclone is once again expected to arrive the night before to be the first on line.

Michael Sarrel, co-owner of Ruby’s Bar. Photo © Tricia Vita

On Saturday, the Boardwalk businesses Ruby’s Bar and Lola Star Boutique will welcome customers for the first time since last fall, joining Tom’s Restaurant and Brooklyn Beach Shop, which are already open daily.

Saturday night is Coney Island USA’s spring gala, which is being held at the art organization’s Surf Avenue headquarters on the eve of Coney’s Opening Day. Featuring performances by burlesque and sideshow stars including Mat Fraser of “American Horror Story,” live music, and go go dancers in the Freak Bar, the event runs from 8pm till midnight.

Freak Bar at Coney Island USA. Photo © Norman Blake

The annual fundraiser supports Coney Island USA’s Mermaid Parade, Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Burlesque at the Beach, Coney Island Museum and Coney Island Film Festival. General admission of $100 includes unlimited beer, wine, and food. VIP admission of $150 also includes one hour earlier admission at 7pm, Meet and Greet with some of the performers in the V.I.P. Lounge, and gift bags. Tickets may be purchased online until 10pm on Friday. Day of tickets available from 6pm and during the gala at Coney Island USA.

On Palm Sunday, the festivities begin at 10:30am on the Boardwalk with the Blessing of the Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park by Pastor Debbie Santiago of Coney Island’s Salt and Sea Mission, speeches by elected officials, and the FDNY color guard presenting the Colors and singing the National Anthem. After a ribbon cutting ceremony at Deno’s gate, the gathering moves to the Cyclone roller coaster, which is operated by Luna Park. Brooklyn’s Borough President performs the traditional Egg Cream Christening of the front car of the Cyclone, after which it goes for its inaugural ride of the season.

Senator Schumer admires Erik Knapp’s Cyclone Tattoo, Opening Day, March 24, 2013. Photo via Luna Park

The Coney Island Circus Sideshow will run continuously on Palm Sunday from 1pm – 8pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.

The Coney Island History Project, located on West 12th Street under the Wonder Wheel sign, will be open special hours from 1pm-6pm for a preview of the 2015 season and free souvenir photos with vintage ride figures. Admission is free of charge.

Also opening on Palm Sunday are 12th Street Amusements and the remaining independent concessions on the Bowery and West 12th Street, including the dancing doll “Miss Coney Island,” the animated windows of “Coney Island Always,” games of skill such as Skin the Wire and Feed the Clown, and Monica, the High Striker Queen of Coney Island.

Monica getting ready to open her High Striker on West 12th Street in Coney Island. March 22, 2015. Photo © Tricia Vita

Photo of the Day: When “How Sweet It Is” Graced The Cyclone Ticketbooth

Posted in Photo of the Day, tagged Cyclone, How sweet It Is, Jackie Gleason on February 26, 2015| 2 Comments »

Bride & groom kiss in front of Cyclone roller coaster. June 6, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita

Remember when the Cyclone ticketbooth said “How Sweet It Is”? Today is the birthday of Brooklyn-born Jackie Gleason and in honor of his signature line, we looked for photos. The only ones we could find are from 2009 of a bride and groom who stopped traffic on West 10th Street to kiss in front of the famed roller coaster.

Along with “And awaaay we go!,” the phrase “How sweet it is!” was Gleason’s trademark and the title of his biography. And it remains our favorite of the sayings that have been emblazoned on the front of the ride over the years.

Bride & groom in front of Cyclone roller coaster.

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Photo of the Day: Snowy Cyclone and Boardwalk by Bruce Handy

Posted in Photo of the Day, tagged Boardwalk, Bruce Handy, Coney Island, Cyclone, Klondike derby, Parachute Jump, roller coaster, Russian Mountains, snow on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »

In this striking photo of Saturday morning’s snowfall by Coney Island resident Bruce Handy, the Cyclone is transformed into veritable “Russian Mountains,” as the world’s first roller coasters were called. The Beach and Boardwalk are a Winter Wonderland. It was a perfect day for Brooklyn’s Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who brought their homemade sleds to Coney Island for the annual Klondike Derby. More snow is predicted for Monday and Tuesday.