Coney Island Shuts Down For Hurricane Irene

Image courtesy Jim McDonnell (facebook)

As Mayor Bloomberg announces Coney Island and the rest of Zone A to evacuate before the first major threat of the 2011 hurricane season hits the north eastern states, police SUV's rove the streets warning Coney residents to leave, boardwalk businesses board-up and flee, and all Coney events cancel and post-pone.

The CIDC's Coney Island Fun Guide has put out an important Hurricane Announcement.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke this morning from Coney Island informing New Yorkers about the city's transportation and power stoppages during the hurricane. Most of Coney Island events for the weekend have been canceled.  They include: The Cyclones baseball game, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, and CIUSA's Ask The Experts Series.  Indie Rob Leddy, Coney Island USA administrator has put out detailed information on the Coney Island USA message board about event cancellations and postponements for their organization. 

Many Coney Islanders are bracing for what is not a usual event in New York.  They are expressing their concerns on their Facebook spaces.  "Starting to slightly rain in Coney - breeze going - waves crashin", writes Rubys Host.  "I think it's time to go to the grocery store, you know, before hell breaks loose", says Coney photographer Lorna Keuning.  Lola Star, hopes to be laughing after it's all over, realizing we were all just being over-cautious. "I hope we laugh about the paranoid way we fortified you [her store] by making a wall with our outdoor displays and sandbags to keep the water out", she writes on her Facebook.  It now seems that paranoid we're not being. Irene is considered a major threat despite its waning strength.  "The Red Flags of Coney Island were back in force tonight as they prepare for Irene", writes Jim McDonnell with his photograph (image above) on Facebook. 

(Image courtesy of Eric Kowalsky)

Coney photographer, Eric Kowalsky snaps an ominous shot of W. 12th Street, which depicts an impending doom to loom over Coney in the next few hours.

To maintain a current live view of Coney Island's amusement area, keep an eye on EarthCam's Coney Island Cam. (hopefully a constant picture stream will not be affected by the Hurricane).

The beach along Zone A, stretches from Sea Gate to past Manhattan Beach. And is under a mandatory evacuation ordered my New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. A mandatory evacuation has, supposedly, never been ordered in the New York City area in our life time.

In 2008, KC reported about a possible flood of biblical porportions that could inundate America's Playground.  As reported in the Weather Channel's documentary, "It Could Happen Tomorrow".  the documentary depicts the possibility that scientists predicts could happen in the next couple of years when the next big hurricane travel up the east coast could head directly for New York City.  Let's hope this scenario doesn't happen here tomorrow. 

Coney Events: The 21st Annual Sand Sculpting Contest

The annual sand sculpting contest and Unity Day is this Sunday, August 6th, 2011 at noon. Get your buckets and creative juices out to the Coney Island beach from 10th to 12th streets.  Amateur sand sculptors are invited to pile it up on the sand and make something spectacular.  The event is presented by Astella Development Corp. and the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium.

Excerpt from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website:

The amateur sculptors, coming from Coney Island, other parts of NYC, and beyond, will compete in five categories: Individual Adult, Individual Child, Adult Group, Child Group, and Mixed (Children and Adults). First, second, and third place winners in each category will be awarded generous cash prizes.

In addition to amateur sand sculptors, a professional will wow spectators with an unbelievable “How did he do that?!” creation in the sand, commissioned by the Aquarium.

Entertainers will rock the boardwalk while the contestants are at work. Face painting and craft activities for children will be part of the day’s festivities. In addition, along the boardwalk, local organizations will provide informational materials, along with give-a-aways.

The event is FREE of charge.  Those interested in the Sand Sculpting visit to apply online at: www.astelladevelopment.org, or register at the event.

Above Image by lornagrl

The The 21st Annual Sand Sculpting Contest
on the Coney Island Beach at 10th & 12th Streets
Sunday, August 6th, 2011
12 noon to 5pm

FREE of charge

Coney Island Loses A Passionate Soul

Images courtesy of Charles Denson

He became passionate about his dream of bringing a one-of-a-kind electric Himalaya back to Coney, where he would man the ride, blasting Motown favorites out onto the new Coney Island. His dream will now live on. Perhaps the Himalaya will return in his honor. He was Andy Badalamenti; a Coney Island ride operator who passed away this past Monday. He was a resident of Coney his whole life and a ride operator of classic rides including the Tornado Roller Coaster, The Bobsled, and one of his favorites; the Himalaya.

He worked at the Tornado Roller Coaster while being one of the few Coney Islander's who's ever actually lived under a coaster. Marked forever into Coney Island folklore is the image of Andy atop the smoldering ruins of the Tornado Roller Coaster as he stood promising a rebirth and a mighty comeback for the coaster. “We’re gonna fix it! The Tornado will be back!”, proclaimed Andy, as written by Charles Denson, author of "Wild Ride: A Roller Coaster Family".

He later went to work for the police stables in Brighton Beach, where he was able to fulfill his other passion for animals.

He worked as a keeper for Coney Island land hoarder, Horace Bullard, guarding some of Coney's most precious relics, while driven with a dream of restoring them to their former glory. But one which could have only gone as far as Horace would care to allow, as they sat unkempt for many years. The illegal destruction of the Thunderbolt coaster by the Giuliani administration was a hard blow for Andy. One which he never was able to overcome.

Andy looked like he might have been a tough man in his youth, who has quelled as he began to mature. Thought he was still quite young. He always wore a smile and would always have a sparkle in his eyes as he lit up when talking about Coney Island. He was a contemporary Coney Island fixture and one of Coney Island's real characters.

He was battling with cancer. He legacy will live on. He will be missed.

Andy's wake was held yesterday and will also be held today July 28th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home, 2005 W. 6th St at Avenue T, in Brooklyn. The funeral will be at 9:45am on Friday, July 29, at the Church of Saints Simon and Jude, 185 Van Sicklen St at Avenue T.

 

Coney Events: The Mermaid Parade Ball At The New York Aquariuam

This year the Coney Island Mermaid Parade will be held at the New York Aquarium.  This pool-side party is sure to be a spectacular event.

From Coney Island USA:

Calling all Mermaids, Mermen, and Spectators! Join us for the 2011 Mermaid Parade Ball, the Parade’s official after party. We will celebrate the night together and listen to live music, watch burlesque, experience mermaids leaping out of the pool, watch a sea lion show, and catch great sideshow acts performed by some of New York City’s most fantastic and unique performers.


Hosted by Adam The First Real Man


Featuring Burlesque by Little Brooklyn, Creamy Stevens, Lefty Lucy, Kat Mon Dieu, Princess Pat, Fem Appeal, Nasty Canasta and Miss Dixievon Trixie


Go Go: LaMaia, Mary Cyn, Dangerrr Doll, Evelyn Vinyl, Sarah Hassan, Celia Next Time, Fifi Dupree, Marni Halasa,


Kitten Kabooty


Mermaids: Bambi the Mermaid, Julie Atlas Muz, Sita Lange and Sasha the Fire Gypsy


Hula Hoopers: Justina Flash, Cosmic Swirl, Sasha Fire Gypsy


Live Music by The Moto-Wrays, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6


DJ Fresh Prince of Darkness.


Special appearance by the cast of the 2011 Coney Island Circus Sideshow


Synchronized swimming show by the Gotham Synchro-Synchronized Swim Team


Walk around magicians; Danny T, Gary Dreifus and Lee Alan Barrett


Luna Park's Lunatic Dance Team


And in a new innovation, we'll be announcing the Mermaid Parade winners at the Ball!


For ticket information visit the Coney Island USA webiste.

V.I.P. VIP fun galore!!! Magical Mermaids and oceans of fish will gather together for a little mermaid play!! This is the very reason you should become a VIP! You will receive exclusive VIP center - stage seating and a chance to play with live mermaids and kiss nature’s finest sea lions. In our mermaid VIP lounge you will get a chance to taste some light hors d’oeuvres, drink Smuttynose Beer, enjoy wine from Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, sip cocktails and listen to live music!! $75.

The 9th Annual Mermaid Parade Ball
The official after-party of the Mermaid Parade
Saturday, June 18th 2011
7 pm to 11:30 pm (21 and over)
at the NEW YORK AQUARIUM (OCEANIC DECK AND AQUA THEATER)
602 SURF AVE. @ WEST 8TH STREET
CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN, NY 11224

The 29th Annual Mermaid Parade In Coney Island Saturday June 18th 2011

It's going to be a fun-filled Mermaid Parade with a new Coney Island that now boasts a new amusement park with thrill rides and roller coasters.

from Coney Island USA:

A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events!

1year's King Neptune and Queen Mermaid of The 2011 Mermaid Parade are Brooklynnative Adam Richman from the Travel Channel's Man V. Food and Cat Greenleaf from the New York Emmy Award winning television show, Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf!

1208 Surf Ave.

Luna Park Opens This Saturday, April 16th 2011

Central Amusement International / Zamperla opens their one-year-old shiny Luna Park amusement park this Saturday, April 16th 2011, along with their new Cyclone Cafe. A full service restaurant located at the foot of the Cylcone where the Coney Island History Project was situated since 2007 at Surf Avenue and W. 10th Street.  The cafe will offer a balanced meal menu including healthy alternatives.  Adorned with Coney Island memorabilia, the cafe promises to be a delightful addition to the new Coney.

This year Zamperla also unveils its new Scream Zone loaded with four big thrill rides.  Touted as an extreme park that will feature which include; Soarin' Eagle, Steeplechase, Slingshot, and Zenobio!

Update: The new Cyclone Cafe (or restaurant) is not located at the foot of the Cyclone as we thought, but instead across the street at former Gregory & Paul's on Surf and W. 10th.  And The Coney Island History Project's new address is 3059 West 12th St, which is located on West 12th Street, just off the Boardwalk at Deno's Wonder Wheel Park

Kinetic Carnival - The Coney Island Blog's iPhone Version

The Coney Island summer season is gearing up.  And Kinetic Carnival is not slipping away.  We'll be back with more.  Now, you can view our upcoming Coney Island and beyond posts on your iPhone with our mobile version of this blog.  Go to: KineticCarnival.com and it will automatically show in your iPhone version. 

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