It may have come a week late this year—the Nor'easter that wasn't canceled the traditional Palm Sunday ceremony—but yesterday's Cyclone/Luna Park/Deno's Wonder Wheel opening day festivities brought the usual mix of excited kids, speech-giving politicians, and hardcore coaster fanatics out to Coney Island for a day of laughter, shrieks, and thrills.
The honor of being first on line for the inaugural Cyclone ride once again went to the trio of David Zubin, Eric Knapp, and Adam Myers. Zubin got there at 9:12 a.m on FRIDAY to secure the spot. Less committed folks, who showed up an hour or so before the opening, still easily made it into the First 100, and so earned a free ride on the historic wooden coaster, which thankfully did not get stuck this year. Brooklyn Seltzer Boys set up shop near the line, and gave out superb free egg creams to everyone.
Meanwhile, the annual Blessing of the Rides took place prior to a ribbon cutting over at Deno's Wonder Wheel. There was a melancholy tinge to this year's ceremony, as Pastor Debbie Santiago of Coney's Salt and Sea Mission, who presided over the day for 31 years, passed away in the off season. A plaque honoring Santiago, which will hang by the entrance to the Wonder Wheel itself, was unveiled on stage before the patient hordes of children were finally let in to enjoy the rides.
In politician news, Senator Chuck Schumer arrived on his bicycle from his Park Slope home and, at the request of the TV news people, announced that America would defeat ISIS. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was also on hand to show his support, though once again he did not ride the Cyclone, citing the fact that it was too scary. The Brooklyn United Marching Band, based in Crown Heights but with members from all over the borough, performed a terrific series of maneuvers in front of the coaster.
Scott Lynch / Gothamist
Luna Park, the Cyclone, and Deno's Wonder Wheel are all open on weekends from now through Memorial Day, and then daily until Labor Day and the end of summer.
