It's Spring, so it Must be Time to Loop the Loop

Thoughts of roller coasters may not be foremost in your mind in this splashy, raw New York weather, but they were certainly on someone’s—the Coney Island Cyclone officially opened for the season yesterday.
Anyone know the traditional ritual that kicks off the season? Yes, it’s the ritualistic cracking of a bottle of egg cream on the first car of the world-famous, wooden-tracked coaster that ushered in its 83rd season.
The Cyclone is perhaps the most famous attraction in Coney Island and one of the most famous roller coasters in the world; riders started taking the plunge back in 1927. Cool roller coaster fact of the day: Since a relatively small portion of land was available for the ride, it had to be designed to be extremely tight and steep, rather than spread out. True afficionados love the old-fashioned wooden coasters for the uh, quality of the ride.
Nineteen more attractions, in an area named Luna Park after the old Coney Island, should be up and running by Memorial Day.
Astroland Amusement Park in Coney Island closed two years ago; the former owner is still in charge of operating the Cyclone.
The Cyclone Roller Coaster was listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places on June 31, 1991; it is also a National Historic landmark. It is one of only 17 coasters in the world that the American Coaster Enthusiasts have designed an “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark,” which is given to rides of historic significance.
The Cyclone at Coney Island is located at 834 Surf Avenue on the Boardwalk in Brooklyn, NY. (Who could make up a better address?) Call 718 265 2100 for more information.

Ready For a Revival, Coney Island Gets a Reprieve

Be honest, now: When you think of New York City’s Coney Island, do you think, “Ah, now there’s a destination?” Or do you think, ”Hmm, dated relic of ancient amusement park days?”
Well, all that is about to change. Last week, Mayor Bloomberg announced that the city has made a deal to acquire almost seven acres in Coney Island in order to expand and renovate the amusement park area.
The acquisition will allow the city to create a 12.5-acre amusement park as part of an amusement and entertainment district of almost twice the size; three waterfront areas are included in the addition.
The plan is expected to bring in more than $14 billion in economic activity for the city over the next 30 years.
In recent years, the so-called amusement district has shrunk to a barely-there three acres and a rather meager and decrepit offering of boardwalk fun; the expanded version will include stores and nearly 5,000 new units of housing (and, ideally, many new jobs) in addition to the “amusements.” Well-loved attractions such as the Cyclone and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park are expected to remain in place.
Coney Island became a resort after the Civil War, reached its peak of popularity in the early twentieth century, and continued to decline in popularity after World War II.
The name, if you were wondering, most likely comes from the Dutch words meaning “Rabbit Island.”

Famed Circus Hits the Boardwalk

It’s summer; the sun is shining, so it must be time for…the circus!
Wait...what? Yes, it’s true: For the first time in its 139-year history, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has set up shop on the famed boardwalk of New York’s Coney Island. The summer season runs through September 7, so you still have time to catch a seaside performance of “Coney Island Boom-A-Ring.”
The show features acts including the Urias Family, billed as “The First Family of the Motorcycle Globe” (clearly, Second and Third Families need not apply, especially those who can’t keep up with the 65-mile-per-hour speeds the Uriases achieve); Justin Case, trumpeted as “Eccentric Personality Extraordinaire” (it involves a bicycle, and trust us; he’s funny); and the New York debut of The Negrey troupe, world-renowned Russian acrobats. (Are there any other kind?)
Plus, of course, miniature acrobatic Dachshunds (don’t go there); a trio of Asian elephants, and some white Bengal tigers, all presented in an air-conditioned tent.
In short, everything a circus should have.
Boom-A-Ring, located at Surf Avenue and 21st Street, also offers an all-access pre-show one hour before the performance, in which visitors can mingle with circus performers and animals alike.
Call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 to reserve seats and check the performance schedule (there’s generally a matinee and evening performance); seats start at $10.
Ladies and gentleman! Children of all ages...you know the drill.