Protester Video: Amos Wengler Sings To Save Coney

Amos Wengler Save Coney Island Demonstration 5/22/08

Description:
Amos Wengler sings Save Coney Island. Shot by Rob Leddy on a Canon Digital Elph.

Posted by cifilmman [YouTube]

Coney Beach Season Opens With Protesters

Still wearing light jackets in the end of May, Save Coney protesters huddled around on the boardwalk chanting their usual slogans and rants to save Coney Island's amusements from being swallowed up by plans to bring mostly the same everywhere-else-America to Coney Island. Many are now blaming the city as well as Thor Equities of not giving a hoot about what makes the Coney Island; Coney Island.

In the NY1 video segment one protester, Angie Potani expresses herself:

"Why do people love Coney Island? Not for strip mall, not for condominiums,” said protester Angie Pontani. “They love it for the amusement and the history and when we redevelop we have to focus on preserving that. And the major change in the city’s plan is now to reduce the amusement district."

Lynn Kelly gives her retort:

"I think they believe were taking away the amusement area which is frankly inaccurate,” said Lynn Kelly of the Coney Island Development Corporation. “We are more then doubling the existing size of what’s out there today and we are providing uses in and around it that will compliment an amusement area and bring people here year round, such as restaurants, entertainment, retail bowling alleys, movie theaters."

All in all change is what we need here in Coney Island - but the right change. The city should rethink the whole idea and forget about big business in Coney Island. They should somehow create some sort of template to allow the little guy to thrive here.

Click here to view video.
You can follow the discussion on the Coney Island USA message board.

Save Coney Beach Opening Colorful Protest

Here are some pics of yesterday's Save Coney Island protest which some feel was not the turn out that was hoped for. Unfortunately with all these rallies and protests it seems that the numbers of those with a desire to save Coney's amusements are not as large as needed to make the right kind of noise.

The pictures were posted on the Weblicist of Manhattan website.

Brooklyn / Coney Music Vid: THE BROOKLYN WAY

Hip hopin' your way through Brooklyn to Coney Island.

THE LORDZ feat. EVERLAST - THE BROOKLYN WAY

Description:
The Brooklyn Way feat. Everlast music video from the album The Brooklyn Way by The Lordz. Title song to the docu-series The Brooklyn Way premiering on FUSE.

Posted by lucymac1 [YouTube]

Help Save The Dreamland Roller Rink

Lola Staar needs your help to save and bring back her roller rink by making a generous pledge. For the gratitude, prizes will even be awarded, like; VIP passes, unlimited season passes, lifetime membership. But you need to act fast! The Lola Staar Dreamland Roller Rink also has a new website that you can check out.

The opening event this past March, 22nd brought out the glam of today's Coney including one celebrity; Marisa Tomei.

More Coney Grand Theft Auto Action

This time it's the indestructible 'Firefly Island' Coney boardwalk gazebo in the Grand Theft IV game from Rockstar Games. Seems like Liberty City is ahead of the game in making sure that their boardwalk and beach-side street furniture are in tip top shape and stands the test of time and vandalism. Though, they still haven't found of way to stop the graffiti.

The video clip and images are once again brought to you by switchback who posted this video clip and images on the Coney Island USA message board. You can see a few screenshots at the message board.

Gazebo

Description:
Attemps to destroy a gazebo at Fierfly Island

Posted by GTAtodayvid050708 [YouTube]

Reminder: Coney Island USA Spring Gala

Support your local Coney Island cultural arts organization...Coney Island USA

From the Coney Island USA website:

It's Time for the Coney Island USA Spring Gala!Come out and celebrate the 2008 season with us, as we kick off the summer with a big blowout at the Angel Orensanz Foundation. There's an Open Bar, and The Brooklyn Bombshells will teach you some swing dance moves so you can dance to to the stylings of our band: Lady Luck and the Suicide Kings.

Coney Island USA Spring Gala
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
7 PM to 11 PM
Angel Orensanz Foundation
172 Norfolk Street New York, NY

Coney Vid: Coney Island Memories

Nice little home video showing a romp through Coney.

Coney Island Memories

Description:
June 1st, 2007 visit to Coney Island following an article in the free local newspaper (AM New York) reporting that it was closing down. Share your memories here. Edit of May 17th, 2008 for a Surrealist Movie Night at the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center premiering the "Brave Destiny" documentary.

Posted by CinemaVII [YouTube]

Coney Firefighters Save Three Trapped On Jetty

Found via mcbrooklyn, firemen from Ladder 161 in Coney Island saved three swimmers who ventured out on a Coney Island jetty near Surf Avenue and West 16th Street.

Thor Ride Being Built At Coney

It seems Thor Equities has been busy keeping their promise. So far they have begun assembly on a new ride. A picture taken by Coney Island USA message board poster Screwtape.

Correction: To be more specific, as a comment that was made to this post, indicating that we were too general: It is a given that Thor Equities is not assembling these rides but have contracted the traveling carnival company, Reithoffer Shows to bring these rides to Coney Island. This is not a spin tactic. Kinetic Carnival whole heartedly supports the movement to keep a large thriving amusement area in Coney Island.

Coney Vid: Documentary On Coney's Closed Amusements

Nicely done Coney doc. Found via The Gowanus Lounge.

Coney island

Desciption:
A short documentary showcasing the emptiness of coney island since its amusements closed in 2007.

Posted by lcfoxfc [YouTube]

'Summer Of Hope For Coney' Brought To You By Thor Equities

Image courtesy of GerritsenBeach.Net [Flickr.com]

Thor Equities is hoping to win your hearts by creating a summer dreamland this summer.

Their press release reads:

THOR EQUITIES TO KICK OFF ‘SUMMER OF HOPE’ IN CONEY ISLAND ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Dozens of new amusements, including the largest number of new and exciting rides in decades, coming to Coney through Labor Day

World-renowned Reithoffer Shows, a new ‘Dreamland’ and family friendly sideshows just a few of the new attractions

(BROOKLYN) – The “Summer of Hope” is opening in Coney Island on Memorial Day, Thor Equities announced today, featuring the newest and best rides to come to the Boardwalk in decades; fun and challenging games and family-friendly sideshows.

The festivities kick off with a 10-day limited engagement with the oldest traveling amusement show in the country—the Reithoffer shows—and won’t stop until Labor Day, as Thor debuts a new, summer-long version of Dreamland Park.

“Nowhere in the world has a richer tradition of electrifying rides, mind-bending sideshows and fun-for-the-whole-family games than Coney Island,” said Joseph J. Sitt, President of Thor Equities. “Thor is fully committed to the amusement industry in Coney, and from the Ring of Fire to the world’s smallest woman, we’re sure the Summer of Hope will be a Summer to remember for the hundreds of thousands of thrill-seekers who will crowd into Coney Island from Memorial Day to Labor Day.”

Rides coming in with Reithoffer from May 22 to June 3 include:

The Tidal Wave, Swinging Fire Ball, the largest Bumper Car in Coney, Giant Power Surge, The Storm, Giant Century Wheel, Crusty Crab Wheel, Demolition Derby, Super Fun Slide, Mini Indianapolis, Giant Avalanche, Starship 2000, Drive in Go-Round, Rocking Tug Boat, Crazy Bus, Tilt-a-Whirl and Bumble Bee.

Rides that will operate in “Dreamland” all summer include:

Majestic Himalaya, Ring of Fire, Spin Out, Giant Gondola, Wacky Worm, Zipper, Mind Scrambler, Bumper Cars, Mini Himalaya, Mini Jet 6, and a Carousel. A petting zoo will also be located inside “Dreamland.”

Sideshow attractions the will alternate throughout the summer include:
The World’s Smallest Horse, the World’s Largest Alligator, the 100-lb. rat and the World’s Smallest Woman.

During the Summer of Hope, all rides will be located off Stillwell Avenue Between Surf and The Boardwalk.

Joe Sitt: Bring On the Petting Zoos at Coney Island [New York Observer]
Thor Declares “Summer of Hope,” Brings Rides [Gowanus Lounge]

You can follow the discussion on the Coney Island USA message board here.

Save Coney Island Demonstration

(Click image to enlarge)

This opening beach day at Coney Island come out and help save Coney Island with the Save Coney Island Demonstration. 9:45AM will be the gathering for the rally to start at 10:30.

NO to High Rises in the Amusement District. . NO to Retail, Malls or Entertainment Retail in the Amusement District. NO to shrinkage of the Amusement District from 15 acres to 9 acres! YES to preserving Amusement Zoning in the Amusement District!! YES to keeping Coney Island the People’s Playground- providing accessible Amusements for ALL to enjoy!!

WHAT TO BRING:
Big Colorful Signs!! (see below for slogan ideas)Attend our FREE Poster making party on May 13th (details below)

WHAT TO WEAR:
We will be providing FREE Save Coney Island tee shirts to those attending the demonstration (while supplies last!!) or Wear the Save Coney Island colors electric blue, red, and yellow!!or Costumes! Glitter! Face Paint! Wear whatever costume that you feel expresses the Spirit of Coney Island!!

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!!: Download this Save Coney Island
Demonstration Flyer Make copies! Hang it up in your neighborhood! Pass em out!! Decorate your office with them!! Please help us promote these events!!

There will also be a sign painting party for the event as well as a brand new Save Coney Island website coming up soon.

Reminder: Woody Guthrie's Coney Island Years

The Coney Island History Project Presents:

Woody Guthrie's Coney Island Years

The Coney Island History Project is pleased to announce their 2008 opening exhibition, Woody Guthrie's Coney Island Years. Guthrie and his family lived on Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island from 1943 - 1952. The exhibition will feature photographs about the famed activist's life in Coney Island.

Featuring: The Mermaids at 2pm

The Coney Island History Project's

Open Memorial Day Weekend - May 24 - 26 - 1- 6pm
Visit website for summer schedule




Woody Guthrie's Coney Island Years
May 24th
at the Opening Day of The Coney Island History Project's Exhibition Center
Free Admission
1pm-6pm
Exhibition Center is located under the Cyclone Roller Coaster
Surf Avenue near 10th Street

Coney Vid: Sideshow School

Here's a quick look at the Coney Island USA Sideshow School featuring Heather Holiday, teacher and sword swallower.

Sideshow School

Description:
Students at the Coney Island Sideshow School learn how to eat fire, shove a nail up their nose, swallow swords and escape from a straightjacket while hanging upside-down.

Posted by diagonaluk [YouTube]

Coney Asser Levy Park Receives $36 Million In Funding

Image courtesy of Brownstoner

City funds the ampitheater with $36 million dollars to secure 10 acres with improvements. Ground breaking is expeted to start about August 2009. The projected is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009.

The brownstoner writes:

The development will run between Sea Breeze Avenue to the north, Surf Avenue to the south and West 5th Street to the west. The formal review process for the project is supposed to start sometime this year

Coney Vid: "Bally Master" Trailer

Found on New Filmmakers website, an organization that gives independent filmmakers the chance to show their work directly to the public and gives New York audiences the opportunity to see outstanding new films.

This film "Bally Master" by Gary Beeber staring Coney Island's Scott Baker THE TWISTED SHOCKMEISTER.


BALLY MASTER - TRAILER

Description:
"GRAND JURY AWARD IN DOCUMENTARY" DC Independent Film Festival, 2008. "BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT" Coney Island Film Festival, 2007. OFFICIAL SELECTION, On Location: Memphis, 2008. OFFICIAL SELECTION, Backseat Film Festival, 2008. OFFICIAL SELECTION, Da Vinci Film Festival, 2008. OFFICIAL SELECTION, NewFilmmakers NYC, 2008. OFFICIAL SELECTION, CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL-2007. Trailer from a film by Gary Beeber entitled "BALLY MASTER." A peek into the BIZARRE world of Scott Baker, magician, actor, and master of the Bally stage at the world famous Coney Island Circus Sideshow.

Posted by garybeeber [YouTube]

Coney Boardwalk Doesn't Make The Cut For AOL

Of the most scenic and beautiful boardwalks of the country according to America Online's top 10 list.

From John's Pass Boardwalk and Village located in St. Petersburg, Florida, The Santa Monica Pier, Canal Walk in Richmond Virginia, to Atlantic City - they are placed on AOL Travel best scenic boardwalks. The dilapidation of the boardwalk in Coney Island further removes it from any 'best' lists of places that bestow a boardwalk of any kind.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Pike at Rainbow Harbor
Location: Long Beach, California

Atlantic City
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Canal Walk
Location: Richmond, Virginia

Coney Island History Project Summer Schedule

The full summer schedule for the Coney Island History Project can be viewed in full detail at the History Project's MySpace.

The History Project’s Exhibition Center is located under the Cyclone Roller Coaster, Surf Avenue near 10th Street Open Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Free Admission for One and All!