BY AMANDA MOSES
On April 2nd, Coney Island’s Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park kicked off the 2023 season with their annual christening and “blessing of the rides” celebration.
The sound of laughter, excited screams, the thunderous zoom of roller coaster rides, and the jingle of carousel carnival music emanated along the cool sea breeze in Coney Island as hundreds flocked to the
two amusement parks on opening day.
Directly in front of the Cyclone, members of the Brooklyn United’s band and dance squad performed stellar drumming renditions. Swaying their bodies side to side as they pummeled their drum sets,
the teens shouted and cheered getting the crowd of spectators amped up for the festivities to come.
Elected officials including New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Mayor Eric Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and others joined the owners of Luna Park, the Zamperla family, as they christened the Cyclone by breaking a glass of egg cream soda over the first ride.
Luna Park officially opened in 1903 while the Cyclone held its first ride 1927, and in honor of the near century existence, the first 96 attendees were allowed to test out the roller coaster for free. Additionally, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park’s family, the Vourderis, held their annual blessing and ribbon cutting, officially welcoming all children to enjoy their bumper cars, roller coaster rides, and even games.
Photos by Amanda Moses
