Coney Vid: End Of May Coney Sunset

coneyisland053009

Description:
Craving Nathan's, Linda and I hopped in the car and drove to Coney Island. Set camera on "sunset" and let er rip. Music "Battle of the Beaconsfield Min" by Foo Fighters from "Echoes, Silence and Grace."

Posted by freddysy [YouTube]

Over 11,000 To Cross The Finish Line On The Coney Boardwalk

Over 11,000 runners descend on Coney Island as the finish line for the Road Runner's Half Marathon. This year the race will start in Prospect Park and end in Coney Island.


From the Road Runners announcement:

We changed the course and the date this year in an effort to improve the race – traditionally it has started in Coney and ended in Prospect Park – now runners will cross the finish line on the boardwalk.

From their website:

Get Coney Island Crazy! After the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday, May 30, make a day of it in NYC's legendary Coney Island! Take advantage of a host of special discounts at participating Coney Island shops, restaurants, and attractions. If you're running the race, just show your race (bib) number to comply. Not running the race? Don't worry. Print out this special race (bib) number, and bring it with you to participating merchants to enjoy a day of rides, surf, and fun! [Learn More]

Coney Event: War Of Opposites To Take Place On Beach

If you can't win over to your side then pull them in the Great Coney Island Tug of War tomorrow afternoon the Coney Island beach at W. 12th Street.

From the Coney Island Fun Guide presented by the CIDC:

Current and former Wall Street "Masters of the Universe" will arrive on the beach protected by a police escort as they prepare to face off against a team of regular Joes (many of whom lost their jobs and life savings in the financial crisis) in The Great Coney Island Tug of War.

The Great Coney Island Tug-of-War is a wide-ranging dispute resolution mechanism that will feature multiple different match-ups, including firefighters and police officers, vegans and carnivores, green-minded cyclists and unapologetic motorists, and Cyclone fans and Wonder Wheel fans. The 1,000-foot tug-of-war rope also will be offered as a platform to any two groups with an intractable disagreement.

For a list of dual group see the Fun Guide.

Grease Your Wheels At Dreamland Rollerrink

I got chills.
They're multiplyin'.
'cause DJ Julio's
gonna make you lose control.
'Cause the power
he's supplyin',
it's electrifyin'!

Skate to the 'electrifyin' sounds of the Roxy's legendary DJ Julio as he Rocks Dreamland Roller Rink in his 2009 debut appearance on the Dreamland Turntables!!Costume contest for the hottest Grease 50s style costume!! Pedal pushers! Poodle Skirts! Danny Hot Rod leather! 50s athletic wear! Pony tails! Greased back ducktails! You better shape up, 'cause I need a man and my heart is set on you. Let's Roll!!!!

Grease Skate Party
May 30th

8PM

$12 admission ($10 if you dress in Grease attire)
$5 skate rentals
21 and over
Go to DREAMLAND!!

Reminder: Ringling Circus Job Fair

As a reminder, here from the press announcement of the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey Circus job fair:

Ringling Bros.® Emphasizes Local Hiring For Summer Circus Spectacular
THE CONEY ISLAND BOOM A RING
TO HOLD JOB FAIR
MAY 27
AT BROOKLYN CYCLONES' KEYSPAN PARK

WHO: Local Brooklyn and area residents age 16 and older who want to run away with the circus for the summer!WHAT: A Job Fair at which The Greatest Show On Earth will be hiring ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers and custodial and maintenance personnel for The Coney Island BOOM A RING playing June 18 – September 7 on the Boardwalk in Coney Island.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: At Keyspan Park in Coney Island -- the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones.

WHY: Because The Coney Island BOOM A RING is is going to be playing on the Boardwalk from June 18 - September 7 and is committed to supporting the local economy. As a result, Ringling Bros. is taking the steps to hire local people for as many positions as possible.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information on The Coney Island Boom A Ring, visit www.Ringling.com/ConeyIsland.

Follow The Coney Island Boom A Ring on Twitter: @RBBBConeyIsland.

Flickr Convoy: Navy Chopper Lands On Coney Beach

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Group

The US Navy paid a visited to Coney Island last Thursday on the eve of the Memorial Day weekend for the Fleet Week. The event is a celebration of various sea services. Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen from the US Navy and US Coast guard descend on various NYC locations to demonstrate their ships and air vessels for the public to view. The event, like the holiday is honor of the fallen soldier. As part of the public exhibit the chopper above that was on display on the Coney Island beach created quite a sand storm when lifting off.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog.

Coney Events: 'This Or That' America's Funniest Game Show

Coney Island USA presents a presentation of Burlesque on the Beach; the funniest game show in America: "this or that!". The outrageous frolick lets loose every last Friday of the month from May 29th to September 25th!

From the CIUSA website:

Join Julie Atlas Muz, Bambi, Bunny, Fisherman and your host the Great Fredini for some outrageous frolicking in good ol' Coney Island! Its good clean fun for everyone! May 29th is our Furries show featuring special guests like Xylopholks, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Candy Pants the Beaver and MORE!! So c'mon out all you plush loving furverts! Prizes will be given to the best costumed Plush characters in attendance!"This or That! is the most good natured sex fun you can have with your clothes on!!" --Paper Magazine.

BURLESQUE AT THE BEACH!
America's favorite burlesque gameshow, "this or that!"
Friday, may 29th
10pm
$15
at Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street
http://www.thisorthat.tv


America's Favorite Burlesque Gameshow-"This or That!"

Description:
Zany, sexy fun from America's Favorite Burlesque Gameshow: "This or That!". Crazy contest challenges meet hot burlesque and variety acts in the sexiest game show ever invented!

Posted by fredini [YouTube]

Astroland Star Goes To Washington

As the Astroland Rocket sits perched on an ocean vessel at the Stapleton Homeport in Staten Island, one of Astroland’s stars gets a new home in Washington. One of the stars that greeted guests for over four decades will be donated to the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum by the Alberts, former Astroland Amusement Park owners.

The New York Post reported:

The boardwalk park's owners, Carol Hill Albert and Jerome Albert, yesterday revealed a plan to donate to the Smithsonian one of the two 8-foot-high, yellow-and-white-lighted stars that hung from Astroland's front gate for 46 years. The stars were put up in 1963, at the height of the space race, by Dewey Albert, dad of Jerome and founder of Astroland, which closed last year.

No word on what will be happening with the other star. It would be fitting to make it’s way back to Coney Island and stay for future generations to see.


DC Gets Piece fo Coney [New York Post]

Coney Vid: The Coney Sideshow World

Here's a nice little diddy showcasing a few of the Coney Island Sideshow characters expressing their opinions about their world.

Coney Island Sideshow

Description:
A short package I shot and edited at the very last minute for the ESPN Broadcast of the 2007 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY. As far as assignments for television go, this was definitely one of the most fun to produce. This piece was shot on a Panasonic HVX-200 and was edited using Final Cut Pro.

Posted by DisposablePlanet [YouTube]

Happy Memorial Day From Coney Island

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

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Coney Island enjoys its official season opening this Memorial Day weekend. With all expected to be open and even some more Coney Island seemed to be bustling with movement and mania. Even a few rides at Thor's former Astroland lot were open and running. More are expected. As usual, Stefan Friedman, who is supposed to be Thor Equities spokesperson has declined to comment or return e-mails regarding the other rides.

Coney Island History Project's Elephant Mural

Image courtesy of Coney Island History Project (Flickr.com)

A colorful mural was painted on the metal gates of the Coney Island History Project commemorating all the glorious memories of Coney Island. The mural features the Elephant Hotel.

Posted in Flickr by CIHP:

The mural was finished in time for our May 23 opening day of the 2009 season. Visit the Coney Island History Project’s Public exhibition center under the Cyclone Roller Coaster at 824 Surf Avenue just east of W 10th Street.FREE ADMISSION for One and ALL!Open weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.Hours are 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. Also open on Memorial Day and Labor Day, 1-6 p.m. www.coneyislandhistory.org

To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.

Video Rewind - 1988: Japanese Cigarette Spot Shot At Thunderbolt

Video Rewind flashes goes back to pre-Coney redevelopment saga years takes a look at 'Coney's lull years'. From the late 70's to the turn of the century when Coney Island was still going but almost in an state of comatose caused by the first amusement-haters, Robert Moses and Fred Trump. And ends with the next big change in Coney Island that started with the creation of something bigger; the ballpark and the new subway station. That sparked the interest of the city followed by the big developer to finally redevelop Coney Island.

Here's a Japanese TV commercial for Silkroad cigarettes shot in 1988 at the former Thunderbolt roller coaster.

日本たばこ SILKROAD 新発売 1988

Description:
♪"When I fall in love" by Bobbe Norris.ロケ地:Coney Island "THUNDERBOLT".「手を止めて吸う」

Posted by plantfolklore [YouTube]

Coney Beyond: Underground Films On The Brooklyn Outdoors

It would be an oasis to watch a huge light screening a flick from atop the abandoned Shore Theater in Coney Island. But yonder in Coney's home borough films on the rooftop is becoming an institution. Thor Equities did bring in a few of the old blockbuster classics on an inflatable screen that constantly kept bending and blowing in the wind but at least they handed out mats for relaxing comfort.

Tonight screens the Rooftop Films, for the first time on the roof of Brooklyn Tech. building with 'Dangerous Docs'. Their other rooftop films were screened on an old can factory building. For more info visit their site and run to catch it tonight.


Venue: on the roof of the Brooklyn Tech Address:
29 Fort Greene Place (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
8:00PM: Doors open 8:30PM
Sound Fix presents live music by Drink Up Buttercup
9:00PM: Dangerous Docs begin.

Fabulous Dreamland Rollerrink Summer Spectacular Grand Opening

Hurray! The long winter wait is over! On May 23rd Dreamland Roller Rink will open it's door for it's fabulous Summer 2009 Season!

Celebrate the beginning of summer with the rockin' 80s tunes of the classic movie, Flashdance. Bust out your favorite off the shoulder day-glow tees, dance pants and blue eye- shadow!!!

We are so excited about our new neighbors, the Ringling Brother's Circus!! Fabulous performers from the Ringling Brothers' Coney Island Boom-a-Rang Circus will be helping us bring in the summer in Flashdance style with special performances thorought the night!!

Costume Contest!!! We will be giving away free passes to the Ringling Brother's Coney Island Boom- a-Rang show for the skater with the best 80s Flashdance ensemble!!

Fabulous Summer Spectacular Grand Opening
May 23rd

7-12PM

$12 / $10 (if you come dressed in Flashdance attire) $5 Skate Rentals
21+
Take me to DREAMLAND!!

Newly Boardwalk Repair Work Screwed Up

"There is an interesting thing going with the new boardwalk in front of Ruby’s Bar & Grill, Nathan’s boardwalk stall, and other businesses. They already need to refix the board planks”, said our friend Ruby’s Host. The very recent buzz on the Coney Island boardwalk that underwent extensive plank replacements over an introduction of concrete slabs for extra support may have to be redone next year for a screw-up with the screws.

After three weeks of putting planks down in between rain showers a few weeks ago, it now seems some of the planks are popping out of place. The recent going-ons on the boardwalk, observed by Ruby's Host, also said, “a few contractors were there today asking why the new boardwalk hasn't been inspected”

Apparently they were using the wrong screw sizes of only 3 inches. And the screws were not approved by the City. The contractors mentioned a screw called Taonic or tonic (no, not Taconic). “They are heavy duty, long-lasting, and used for screwing into concrete. But instead the screws used on the planks barely go into the concrete underneath the boards after the rubbers stuff before”, said Ruby’s Host. She also said they are predicting the boardwalk will need to be redone next year.

Ringling Circus And CIDC Hiring Local Coney Denizens

The summer spectacular is a sure-fire event for this 2009 summer but it cannot run without the help of its employees. On May 27th the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Coney Island Development Corporation will hold a job fair to take of that. They have announced approximately 200 jobs available for ‘those who want to be able to live at home but run away with the circus for the summer’. Those positions include ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers and custodial and maintenance personnel.


The CIDC also plugged their plan into the job fair announcement saying the job creations for Coney Island for the Circus Boom-A-Ring is just a ‘preview to what is in store for Coney’s future’.


Applications can be obtained online at the Coney Island Development Corporation Web site.

Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus
and the Coney Island Development Corporation Present
THE CONEY ISLAND BOOM A RING TO HOLD JOB FAIR
On Wednesday, May 27, at Keyspan Park in Coney Island
10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Open to anyone age 16 and older who wants to apply for a position with The Coney Island BOOM A RING, playing June 18 – September 7 on the Boardwalk in Coney Island!

Coney Events: Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow

The Coney Island USA zazy burlesquers hit the beach with thrills of flesh feasting!

From CIUSA:

2 Shows in 1! Straight from the carnival to Coney Island. The Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow and The Wild West Follies team up to give you a Double D Dose of Danger and Dancing Girls in this star-studded circus sideshow stunt spectacular. With whip-cracking, knife-throwing, gun-spinning and tassle-twirling tasty treats. Super sexy sword-swallowing, snake charming, and red-hot fire and flames it's a guaranteed good time. Get all the glitter, glamour, and gut-wrenching thrills of a Vegas review show in good old Coney Island.One Night Only!

Featuring Molotov Malcontent, Ginger B. Goode, Thrill Kill Jill and Tyler Fyre.

BURLESQUE AT THE BEACH!
Lucky Daredevil's Feast of Flesh & Wild West Burlesque
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009
10PM
$15
Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street

Gathering To Save The Amusements

The Save Coney Island group is holing a meeting for volunteers to save Coney's amusement future which is shrinking under current plans for it's redevelopment.

Save Coney Island Volunteer Meeting:

This is the final hour. The fat lady is clearing her throat. The fate of Coney Island will be decided this summer.

A greedy developer and a flawed city rezoning plan threaten the future of the “People’s Playground.” At the end of the summer, the City Council will vote on a plan that would reduce the size of the amusement area to a small strip of land by the Boardwalk and put four high-rises right in front of it. We have a little over two months to convince the City Council to oppose the City’s plan or to convince the City to change it. Help us save this national treasure!

Save Coney Island will be holding an organizational meeting to plan our final strategy and decide the events for the summer. We need to turn this into the city-wide issue it deserves to be!

This is our last chance!

Please attend this meeting:
WHEN: Tuesday May 19th at 7PM
LOCATION: Downtown Brooklyn at FUREE Headquarters
ADDRESS: 81 Willoughby Street, Ste. 701
(7th Floor)

We’ll fill you in on the background to the fight to save Coney Island, and help you get involved.

Want to get involved but can’t make the meeting?

E-mail us at Info@SaveConeyIsland.net and introduce yourself. Let us
know if you have any special skills, connections or ideas that might be help us Save Coney Island.

Coney Vid: End Of The Line

End Of The Line

Description:
My first completed film, shot on Super 8 in July 2007, the last summer Coney Island's Astroland was going to be open. I had never visited the park before, but wanted to get there before it was closed forever so one summer while taking a course in NYC, I brought my Super 8 camera and spent the day filming there.

Posted by HOSHINOAOI [YouTube]

New Coney Blog: Amusing The Zillion

Here comes a new Coney Island blog that shows promise. One brought to you by a seasoned carny person and writer. The author has already been one of the most active Coney lovers on the Internet on the Coney Island USA message board. And on the inside from the Coney Island History Project. She is Tricia Vita. Who was probably inspired to start her own Coney Island blog after the passing of one Coney's voices, Bob Guskind of the Gowanus Lounge. In addition...(humbly speaking) this blog has not been able to step up to the plate, as of yet. Tricia was compelled to continue speaking out and express herself about her much loved Coney Island through her own blog: "Amusing the Zillion".

In here bio, Tricia writes:

Today I’m a New York-based writer who spends the summer working in Coney Island. This season you’ll find me running a game on Jones Walk, helping out at the Coney Island History Project’s exhibition center under the Cyclone, or having a beer at Ruby’s or Cha Cha’s.

I’m a contributing editor of Games: The Magazine for Creative Minds at Play. My articles about Coney Island have appeared in Islands, Preservation and Metropolis, among others. I’ve also written for amusement industry trade publications Amusement Business and IAAPA Funworld.

Tricia Vita

Good luck Tricia on your new Coney blog, though you probably won't be needing it much because you already have all the ingredients to offer a wonderful place about Coney Island and the amusement world to the community.

Coney Vid: Coney Experienced Through The Eyes Of The Deaf

Most of us take for granted the sights, sounds, and smells of Coney Island, but for some the sound is turned down low or off. This video is narrated through the American Sign Language.

Note: If you read sign language, please translate for us and add in comment for this post. Thank you!

ASL Across America with Keith Wann - Episode 4

Description:
Today's stop, Coney Island, NYC. Come spend the day with your host Keith Wann and he travels ASL Across America and stops in Coney Island. Sponsored by http://www.callvrs.org/.

Posted by codawann [YouTube]

Sitt's Setbacks Gets In'Tents'...or Not!

Images credits - left: Bess Adler, middle and right: Captain_Nemo

It seems Thor Equities couldn't care less. They're having tent problems as well as ride operators most likely leaving them stranded. They are now forced to close later due to these setbacks as well as the reported rain. As reported by the Brooklyn Paper and Ruby's Bar & Grill site: Thor's setbacks may have them blushing.

Brooklyn Paper reported:

In an embarrassing setback, Coney Island's would-be savior, developer Joe Sitt, has postponed the highly publicized grand opening of rides, freak shows and vendors this weekend.

Sitt's "Festival by the Sea" has been hyped for months and will still open this weekend in Coney Island, but noly half of the 25 rides will be on hand at the West 10th Street and Surf Avenue site. (Sittland East / former Astroland site) Sitt's bazaar of food, crafts and knickknack vendors will be nearby, but they will be exposed to the elements because of a ten mishap.

Dianna Carlin (Lola Staar), who was carelessly kicked out of Coney Island by Thor Equities and the MTA told the paper: "Amusements aren't his industry. He obviously doesn't have the necessary experience in the amusement business."

Stefan Friedman, Thor Equities spokesperson recently told this blog that up to 25 rides will be definitely coming to Coney Island by May 15th. With only about three rides (Ring of Fire, Scrambler, and the Himalaya) parked at Coney at the moment,and the weekend already started,it sure looks like they are falling short of their promise and speculated.

The impending rain has also caused a delay in opening. The rain date


Sitt Not on it - Joe's Coney 'Festival' Suffers setback [The Brooklyn Paper]
Sitt's "Festival by the Sea" Hits Setbacks [Ruby's Bar & Grill]

Shame On The MTA And Thor Equities For Kicking Out A Coney Luminary

Jeers goes to Thor Equities as well as the Manhattan Transit Authority for failing to protect one of Coney's achievers. One who has demonstrated to have the qualifications that are needed to really save the character of Coney Island. A doer, an entrepreneur, a dreamer, and an eccentric in her own right: Dianna Carlin a.k.a. Lola Staar.

Lola Staar and her fabulous little pink boutique has been squeezed up between other thriving businesses on the Coney Island boardwalk for years. It was the only operator who was denied a lease for the 2009 summer season and carelessly evicted. She's been blamed for speaking out against her landlord, developer Joe Sitt and Thor Equities.

A new home in Coney Island for the boutique was to open at the Stillwell Avenue station on Surf Avenue but due to the MTA's inapt an dslug-paced 'review process'. They have not given her any indication of when she'll be able open her store at the station.

Dianna Carlin and her Lola Staar boutique has been forced into exile and out of Coney Island. She's been given the boot. She will now operate out of the 'The Brooklyn Flea' in Fort Greene.

In a press release Carlin explains, in part:

"If Joe Sitt had true intentions of developing the Amusement District and creating alluring attractions like what he professes his 'Flea by the Sea' is going to be, he would encourage creative artists like myself to set up shop there, instead he has forced my business out of Coney Island and into the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene" said Dianna.

This weekend will be Lola Staar's grand opening in the Brooklyn Flea!! 'The Brooklyn Flea' is committed to supporting artists and small entrepreneurs. Since it's inception in 2008, they have featured 150+ vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, plus delicious food. It is open from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—every Saturday. "Joe Sitt has a thing or two to learn from the shining success of the 'Brooklyn Flea'!" said Dianna Carlin "I am really excited to be able to sell my adorable Coney Island tee shirts there!!"

Thor Equities claims they are genuinely concerned with keeping Coney Island very Coney Island. But caring less about keeping a bustling Astroland amusement park to put in less of the same and caring less about keeping a unique flavor of Coney that is Lola Staar simply shows that their intentions after all may be to dupe Coney Island for what it stands for and simply a tactic for profit at any costs.

The MTA is a city agency that seems to be in disconnect with city officials who claim they want to preserve Coney Island's future. According to the press release, they have displayed the same lack of care that Thor Equities has for Coney Island.

Creative artists, entrepreneurs who dare to dream and turn them into reality is what Coney Island desperately needs more of not less.

The full press release can be viewed here.

Lola Staar's Dreamland Rollerrink will still be open and rolling for the summer.

Coney Event: View Divers In Coney Waters Live

The Cultural Research Divers Mission conducts their Classroom on the Pier Research Diving program, this morning, on the Steeplechase Pier in Coney Island. Participants hear discussion on relics and underwater explorations of the Coney Island waters. 30 school kids from South Richmond High Staten Island, will be attending the show.

The Cultural Research Divers Mission:

Join us for an Exploratory Dive off
The Steeplechase Pier-Take An Underwater Look at Coney Island!
Watch Video
Viewing time 14:56 minutes
Broadband Connection
Dial-up 56kConnection
In this very interesting video you can also catch the recently discussed
horeshoe crabs
VEIW the 2006 Research Diving Photos

Coney Island is where educators, environmentalists, historians and commercial divers gather to contribute their expertise to this one-of-a-kind, live, interactive classroom. Come by and explore with us as we discover together the rich,underwater heritage Coney Island holds. You will be amazed at what lies in these waters, from the tropical marine life, to its historic treasures. You can see it all at Classroom on the Pier.

Commercial Divers Gene Ritter and Lenny Speregen will give you a unique look at their underwater expedition, from above--on a monitor showing it all, Live! Kids and adults alike are always fascinated by what they find. Learn a bit of Archaeology, Marine Biology, History, some of the concerns of our local ecosystem--and about
the diving equipment the divers use to "Go Below".

The Cultural Research Divers Mission
Classroom on the Pier
Research Diving
TODAY Friday May 15
11 am till 2 pm
on the Steeplechase Pier

Cultural Research Divers

Description:
Welcome! We're commercial divers who have made historic underwater discoveries, many in Coney Island, Brooklyn. We bring our knowledge and love of the ocean to all.

Posted on Google Video

Preaching On The F Train

Showman and activist, Reverend Billy Talen, who is running for NYC Mayor with the Green Party, is leading the way for an F Train fare hike whistle stop subway tour! This should be a grand spectacle as the Reverend knows how to do them. The Reverend who has been a big presence in Coney Island fighting for the underdog against big corporate take over has preached for saving Coney Island. Despite some local city officials promising to stop the fare hike, the city has approved increases in fare and tolls in New York City.

"F The Fare Hike" Whistle Stop Tour begins at 11am at the Fort Hamilton station in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Reverend Billy Talen and his team will ride the full length of the F train commute from Brooklyn to Queens, speaking and singing to commuters. The “F The Fare Hike” crusade will make stops at its campaign headquarters in SoHo, hold a mid-day press conference at Rockefeller Plaza, and travel to Jamaica, Kew Gardens, and then back to Coney Island.

View all the info on the whistle stop tour here.

Coney Events: Coney Icons Exhibit

The Coney Island History Project announces their Landmarks of Coney Island exhibit. "Coney Island Icons: The Story Behind the Landmarks of the World's Playground."

From CIHP:

Archival and contemporary photos, documents, anecdotes, interview, souvenirs and artifacts are used to tell the story of Coney Island's four city landmarks---The Cyclone Roller Coaster, Wonder Wheel, Parachute Jump and Childs Building. The exhibition is curated by Charles Denson, CIHP Executive Director, noted historian and the author of the award-winning book Coney Island: Lost and Found.

The Coney Island History Project has done a first-rate performance in preserving the memories and the glorious history our beloved Coney Island. For those who come here with their strong power and promise to make the future of Coney Island a wonderful place again need to take a better into its history. They need to understand that Coney Island has always been about amusements. And a lot of amusements from many amusement operators working side-by-side. If those with the power don't understand that and attempt to change that, then they do not respect Coney's history nor care about the specialness that has made Coney Island...Coney Island.


To view more information on the Coney Island Icons exhibit visit the Coney Island History Project website and don't forget to visit the exhibit under the Cyclone Rollercoaster.

Ringling Bros. Boom-A-Ring Circus To Add Additional Coney Shows

Additional shows for the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey's Boom-A-Ring Circus show for Coney Island have been added due to popular demand. Earlier shows have also been added to offer summer camp groups a better opportunity to attend.

Following is the circus press release:

The Greatest Show On Earth also announced two grassroots community programs to help ensure that Children of All Ages will be able to enjoy everything the Boardwalk has to offer in the Summer of 2009. The community programs, "The Coney Island Boom A Ring Brooklyn Borough Family Pass" and the "Cherie and David Kids Clown Coupon," are now active throughout Coney Island and Brooklyn. The Family Pass will allow families to spend just $8 on all non-VIP tickets to all weekday performances in June and July. With the Kids Coupon, families will be able to save $5 on each non-VIP kid ticket for every adult ticket sold. For the Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. shows, summer camps will save $5 on $20 tickets for groups of 15 or more.

Both sets of passes will be distributed via the Brooklyn Borough Public Library System, YMCAs, the Department of Recreations, and the New York City Housing Authority. The Coney Island Development Corporation will assist with the allocation to Coney Island schools and youth programs and the Brooklyn Tourism Visitors Center located in Brooklyn Borough Hall at 209 Joralemon Street will have the coupons on hand for families.

"This is just the first of many community programs we'll be engaging in throughout the summer," said Stephen C. Yaros, Feld Entertainment's VP of Event Marketing and Sales, Northeast Region. "Our goal is to reach out to families who live just a short drive or subway ride away. Coney Island is the ultimate New York staycation destination this summer and we want to make it as easy and affordable as possible for them all to enjoy The Greatest Show On Earth!"

Performances of The Coney Island Boom A Ring begin June 18 and will play through September 7. The air-conditioned tent will be located between the boardwalk and Surf Avenue, between 20th and 21st Streets. Ticket prices start at just $10 and range up to $65 for intimate Ringside seating. Ticket holders will be able to arrive an hour before show time for the All Access Pre-show to meet performers, learn circus skills and get a taste of the show before it even starts! On site will also be the Ringling Bros. Animal Open HouseSM where families will be able to get up close and personal with some of the show's four legged stars. This is an incredible opportunity for families to take pictures and ask questions of the animal-care staff who care for Ringling's performing partners 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information on The Coney Island Boom A Ring, visit www.Ringling.com/ConeyIsland. Group orders can be taken through "Group Sales Box Office" at 800-223-7565 or BestofBroadway.com.

If all this is not enough to give you a chance to explore the circus this summer, they are now Tweetering on Twitter at Follow The Coney Island Boom A Ring on Twitter:@RBBBConeyIsland.

Video Rewind - 1988: 80's Nathan's Famous TV Commercial

Video Rewind flashes goes back to pre-Coney redevelopment saga years takes a look at 'Coney's lull years'. From the late 70's to the turn of the century when Coney Island was still going but almost in an state of comatose caused by the first amusement-haters, Robert Moses and Fred Trump. And ends with the next big change in Coney Island that started with the creation of something bigger; the ballpark and the new subway station. That sparked the interest of the city followed by the big developer to finally redevelop Coney Island.


Vintage Commercial: Nathan's Famous Franks (1988)

Description:
Nathan's Famous Franks. Aired June 1988.

Posted by PopeInnocentXIV [YouTube]

Coney Openners: Dreamland Cafe

At the Lola Staar Dreamland Rollerrink site you can now get your munchies satisfied with roller skating inside the famous Coney landmark, Childs building.

What could possibly be better that chillin' on the Coney Island boardwalk with an Iced Astro-Mocha and delicious Cotton-Candy-Butterscotch Muffin??

Dreamland Roller Rink is expanding our fabulous Concession Area to include coffee drinks, yummy baked goods, ice cream and delicious sandwiches!! Dreamland Cafe will be open to the public as well as patrons of the rink!! Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays!!

Coney Rumblers Car Club Slideshow

Last Saturday, May 8th, 2009 the Rumblers Car Club took place in Coney Island where Cars, Freaks & Rock 'n' Roll revved themselves up and shows their stuff. Flickr Slideshow by jaimie nyc.

Coney Events: Lola Staar Dreamland Rollerskating Rink Season Openner

The Lola Staar Dreamland Roller Skating Rink rings in the new season with a big bang holly rollin', skat-0-ramin, retro extravagantic launch party!

Fabulous Summer Spectacular Grand Opening May 23rd!

Hurray! The long winter wait is over! On May 23rd Dreamland Roller Rink will open it's door and reveal it's even more fabulous Summer 2009 incarnation!! Be prepared to be blown away by our fabulous new Cafe and Boutique!! Our amazing schedule of events and theme parties will sweep you up in blissful elation!!

Lola Staar Dreamland Rollerskating Rink
Flashdance Skate Party- Grand Opening Spectatular!!
May 23rd
7-12PM
$12 / $10 (reduced) $5 Skate Rentals
21+
Take me to DREAMLAND!!

Coney Isalnd USA 2009 Spring Gala Picture Slideshow

Here are the wonderful images by photographer Norman Blake of this year's Coney Island USA Spring Gala.

Coney Openings: 2009 Coney Island Film Society

The flicks start rolling for the Coney Island 2009 summer season with the Coney Island Film Society presented by Indiefilmpage.com and Coney Island USA.

Featuring classic drive in trailers, shorts, old commercials and more.
FREE POPCORN!

CONEY ISLAND FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS: "SUMMER OF HORROR"
SCHEDULE 2009

SATURDAY NIGHTS
MAY 16TH - SEPTEMBER 26th
At the Coney Island Museum 1208 Surf Ave.
between Stillwell Ave. and West 12th Street
Tickets $5 general public, $3 for film society members.
Doors open at 8pm - Pre-show at 8:15pm
Films start at 8:30pm

Coney Island USA members at the $50 or above level qualify as Coney Island Film Society Members. To become a member, which includes discounts to film programs as well as other programs and perks: click here.

Coney Events: The Surf & Turf Jams For The Summer

The Coney Island Surf & Turf Grill invites you to their Summer Jam as they kick off the 2009 season.

Drink specials all night! Come dressed to impress! Proper I.D. is a MUST!
18 to enter - 21 to drink!

Coney Island Surf & Turf Bar And Grill
Summer Jam
Saturday, May 16, 2009
$10 admission
at 1315 Surf Avenue (directly across from Nathan's)
Brooklyn, NY 11224

Coney Vintage Video: 1953 Rainy Day At Coney

See the Tornado coaster in the rain, people taking shelter under the boardwalk, and the people back then that were able to run much faster that us? This is a short clip from "The Little Fugitive".


Rainy Day at 1953 Coney Island

Description:

Rainy Day at Coney Island - Little Fugitive

Posted by regentblock [YouTube]

Coney Season Openers: Burlesque At The Beach

The Coney Island USA summer season has already begun to kick off! This Friday starts the wave and sandy, Burlesque at the Beach thats' actually located at the Sideshows by the Seashore.

From CIUSA:

Maximum Cowgirlesque! Just like the "Old-Days" but even better... Two Shows in One... Chris McDaniel's Cowgirlesque PLUS The Great Throwdini's Maximum Risk. You'll see knife throwing, trick roping, contortion, bullwhipping and burlesque in tonight's Burlesque at the Beach series. It'll be the first reunion of the cast of Maximum Risk — World Champions on the Edge! "Imagine what happens when a cowboy (Chris McDaniel) a pretty lady (Ekaterina) and a gentleman (Throwdini) play with ropes, whips, and knives" and watch Gal Friday and Madame Rosebud put the 'wild' in 'wild west'!

Burlesque at the Beach
SEASON OPENER!
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2009
10PM
$15
at Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street

Thor's Festival Is Still A Flea Market By The Sea!

Thor Equities event for Coney Island, 'Festival by the Sea' has a little red plane pulling a banner displaying the festival's logo. As silversalty a Flickr user points out in a comment on a Flickr picture page, if you view the static non-flash home page (without using javascript) the banner reads the 'Flea by the Sea' logo. Regardless, the festival is technically still is a flea market with 'entertainment'. Whether the added entertainment is how Thor Equities was able to get to bring their flea market to the C7 zone, no one seems to have the right answer. Expect it is has been said that Thor Equities was not approved by the city when applying for permit to bring in a flea market. So they added the entertainment, called it a Festival, and forgot to change the static home page logo.

Launch Of New Coney Children's Book: "Custard And Mustard"

"Custard and Mustard: Carlos in Coney Island", written boy Maureen Sullivan and illustrated by Alison Josephs launches this month at various events.

Thursday May 14, 6-9 pm, Book Launch and Exhibit of Original Paintings from Custard and Mustard 508 West 26th Street, NYC!


An Excerpt:

This delicate pretzel, all lacy and white? Don't let it fool you, you'd better hold tight. Your fast beating heart could end up in your mouth, when the car inching northward decides to plunge south.

A Review:

"A rollicking read! Kudos to artist Alison Josephs and writer Maureen Sullivan for bringing the one and only Coney Island magically to life for the enjoyment of young and old alike. How Sweet it is!"
- Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President

Bloomberg Cheers Marty’s Pro-Amusementness

After Borough President Marty Markowitz stands up for the city’s plan to protect Coney Island from big box retail and developer vulnerability, New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg gives him praise for his recommendations.

As Bloomberg said when commending Marty Markowitz on his recommendations for the city’s plan to revitalize Coney Island:

"Coney has always been a place where families of every economic means could come to play and to dream. It’s where I spent summers as a child and remains an essential part of childhood for generations of children past, present and future. It’s not about profits, it’s about families".

For pro-amusement-like minds, this is a step in the right direction. For those who wish big development to come to Coney without staying true to what Coney Island has been throughout its history is in tune with the same type of thinkers who helped bring about a boring public park space that you could see anywhere else, subsidized housing that you have everywhere else, another airport where you have enough, big box stores where you could put somewhere else in Brooklyn, another abandoned lot which is an eye sore, another expressway where we have enough, more condo towers where there are too much, a freight yard that should be covered, a truck facility that should be left for an industrial zoned area, and another mall where we have enough!

That is what has happened to all of New York City’s past amusement parks!

Here is a list of NYC’s past amusement parks and what has happened to them now. The information posted on the Coney Island USA message board by frequent and informative poster, Switchback.

• Rockaway Playland turned into subsidized houses
• Bergen Beach Amusement Park turned into an open-space public park
• North Beach Amusement Park turned into LaGuardia Airport
• Adventures Inn turned into an abandoned small airport beside to big box stores
• Kiddy City turned into an abandoned lot
• Golden City Amusement Park turned into part of the Belt Parkway
• Palisades Amusement Park turned into condo towers
• Sand Lane Amusement Park turned into a developer’s empty lot
• Freedomland turned into Co-op city
• Oak Point Amusement Park turned into a freight yard
• Starlight Park turned into a truck facility
• Fairyland Queens amusement park turned into Queens Center Mall

Even though Coney Island as a whole is what we are trying to protect. Coney Island has already suffered losses of its own amusement parks to these similar downfalls:

Steeplechase Park turned into a minor-league baseball stadium, Astroland Park turned into a temporary parking lot and temporary weekend-only flea market, and Luna Park turned into Luna Houses.


Mayor Commends B’klyn BP for Coney Recommendations [Brooklyn Dailey Eagle]