ACE Appreciation Day at the Cyclone, Roller Coaster History Day at the Coney Island History Project
August 26th, 2010
ACE Appreciation Day at the Cyclone, Roller Coaster History Day at the Coney Island History Project
THE CYCLONE WELCOMES “ACE”–THE AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS–AND THE HISTORY PROJECT CELEBRATES THE HISTORY OF ROLLER COASTERS IN CONEY ISLAND August 28, Saturday, from 2 pm, American Coaster Enthusiasts Ride the Cyclone!
 Vintage postcard of the Cyclone. Photo © Charles Denson Archive On Saturday, The Cyclone is welcoming members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) during their annual visit to Coney Island. We are declaring it ”ACE Appreciation Day” in appreciation of ACEers devotion to the Cyclone since the group was founded in 1978. In 2002, the American Coaster Enthusiasts recognized The Cyclone as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historical significance. The Cyclone is one of only 17 roller coasters in the world to receive the designation. Since 1927, the legendary Cyclone has been the definitive ride at Coney Island and was designated a New York City landmark in 1988.
 La Marcus Thompson's Switchback Railway, Coney Island, 1884 The block occupied by the Cyclone is rich in roller coaster history. In 1884, the Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway, the first roller coaster designed as an amusement ride in America was built on the site. Its designer and builder La Marcus Thompson became known as “The Father of Gravity.” In 1901, Edward Prescott’s Loop the Loop, one of the first vertical looping coasters, was built on the site. Giant Racer, Mile Sky Chaser, Jackman’s Thriller, Red Devil Rider, Rough Riders, Wildcat and The ZIZ are also among the 45 “Best-Known Coney Coasters” listed in Charles Denson’s book “Wild Ride: A Coney Island Roller Coaster Family.”
 Entrance to Loop-the-Loop Ride, Surf and 10th. Built in 1901. National Roller Coaster Day on Aug 16 commemorates the date the patent was issued in 1898. Photo © Coney Island History Project Archive The Coney Island History Project exhibition center on Surf Avenue under the Cyclone will join in Saturday’s celebration by sharing rare photos of roller coasters, including one of the Tornado from the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce and donated by Jack Ward. Charles Denson, History Project Director, will interview coaster enthusiasts for CIHP’s Oral History Archive.
Among Saturday’s ACE riders will be Colleen “Cyclone” Whyte of the Bronx, who has ridden “the mother of all coasters” thousands of times, including 70 times nonstop at the celebration of the ride’s 70th birthday, in 1997. Whyte is the Regional Representative of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, which is the largest coaster club in the world, with nearly 7,000 members from all 50 states and more than a dozen other countries. ACE has also been active in efforts to preserve classic wooden coasters, including the 1902 Leap the Dips, the world’s oldest roller coaster, located at Lakemont Park, in Altoona, Pa., and the current campaign to raise funds to restore and reopen the 1937 Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park, Pa.
Cyclone Schedule and Ticket Info
The Coney Island Cyclone is open daily through Labor Day, then weekends only through September.. Hours are 12 noon till closing. Ticket prices are $8 for the first ride, $5 for additional rides. For directions and more information visit www.coneyislandcyclone.com or email us at info[AT]coneyislandcyclone.com.
Friend us on Facebook, join our Facebook Group and follow us on flickr and twitter!
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11214
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
Tags: ACE, ACE Appreciation Day, American Coaster Enthusiasts, Coney Island History Project, Cyclone, Loop the Loop, Roller Coaster History, Switchback Railway
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August 10th, 2010
The Cyclone’s Photo Album: First-Ever Mr Cyclone Contest!
 Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani and the first ever Mr. Cyclone - Joshua Jerome Lee - 2010 Mr. Cyclone Contest - 8-7-10. Photo © Jim McDonnell The Mr Cyclone Contest was fabulous fun and seriously competitive at the same time. Congratulations to “Mr Cyclone” Joshua Jerome Lee! Josh lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn. In the talent portion of the contest, he performed a free style rap about the Cyclone. Awesome!
A big hug (ever been hugged by a roller coaster?) from the Cyclone for each of our 7 finalists. Thank you for being part of this historic event and making it a Coney Island must-see. If you missed the event, check out Jim McDonnell’s photos and his video on YouTube and slide shows on flickr by Coney Island Cyclone, Bruce Handy and MissApril1956.
Photo © Coney Island Cyclone
Before the pageant got underway on a stage on West 10th Street, the Mr Cyclone finalists went for a ride on the Cyclone. The Cyclone knows no fear and neither did they in their quest to become the first-ever Mr Cyclone! From front to back: Mr Cyclone semifinalists Erik Knapp, Brian Lease aka Fisherman, Joshua Jerome Lee, Brewster McCall, and Takeshi Yamada. Not seen in this pic: Pat Byrne, who was caught in a traffic jam and late to arrive. He rode the Cyclone afterwards. Robby Corrado won the front seat. In the next photo, Erik Knapp and Robby Corrado display the symbols of their devotion to the Cyclone, their incredibly beautiful tattoos!
Photo © Coney Island Cyclone
Takeshi Yamada, the curator of Coney Island’s Museum of World Wonders hands over his 6-foot-long taxidermied Mermaid after she was denied permission to ride the Cyclone! His sea bunny Seara went instead. Meanwhile, Brewster McCall, wearing aviator goggles, looks ready to ride.
Photo © Coney Island Cyclone
The 7 Finalists were judged in the following categories: Style, Talent and Coney Island Wits (Coney History I.Q.). The Romance category was a Dating Game style Q & A with Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani.
 The moment of truth. Photo © Jim McDonnell In the Strength & Endurance part of the Mr Cyclone Contest, Brian Lease aka Fisherman and the other contestants had to carry a greased watermelon through an obstacle course and fetch a beer, then make their way back to the starting point
Photo © Coney Island Cyclone
Of course the Cyclone was in the audience at the first-ever Mr Cyclone Contest.
Photo © Coney Island Cyclone
Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani and Mr. Cyclone – Joshua Jerome Lee take a ride after the competition. – 2010 Mr. Cyclone Contest . Photo © Jim McDonnell
Tags: Cyclone Roller Coaster, Miss Cyclone, Mr Cyclone Contest
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August 4th, 2010
August 7, Saturday, 12 noon in Coney Island: Mr Cyclone Contest -The Finals!
See the 7 Finalists Rise to the Challenge of Becoming the First-ever Mr Cyclone!
It’s been a whirlwind summer for the Searching for Mr Cyclone Contest! We’ve gone from nearly 200 applicants to 21 semi-finalists to 7 finalists chosen by public voting online. The Cyclone is thrilled to announce the names of the contestants in Saturday’s live competition! Drum roll please….Congrats to Pat Byrne, Robby Corrado, Erik Knapp, Brian Lease aka Fisherman, Joshua Jerome Lee, Brewster McCall and Takeshi Yamada!
Who Has What It Takes to Be Mister Cyclone?
—11:45 am, Cyclone Roller Coaster, Press & Judges Only! The 7 Mr Cyclone Finalists will ride the Cyclone with Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani! The Cyclone knows no fear and neither should the finalists in their quest to become the first-ever Mr Cyclone!
–12 noon–3:00 pm, Mr Cyclone Contest –the Finals! Onstage at W 10th Street off Surf Ave (near the Boardwalk) FREE!
The 7 Finalists will be judged in the following categories: Style, Talent (music, comedy and more!) and Coney Island Wits (Coney History I.Q.). The Romance category will be a Dating Game style Q & A with Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani. In the Strength & Endurance category, contestants will carry five-pound greased watermelons through an obstacle course while fetching hot dogs and beer! The Judges will be Nate Bliss, Lisa Crumb, Hawley Hussey aka Mermaid Hawley and M’Lady Uppercrust.
Searching for Mr Cyclone Contest
Hosted by Mr Showbiz Murray Hill and Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani
Live Music by Breadbasket & The Garden State Surfers & DJ Joe Gonzales
Plus Hot Rods, Vendors & More!
Follow the Cyclone on Facebook, twitter, flickr & MySpace!
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11224
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
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July 25th, 2010
Photo Album: First-Ever Cyclone T-Shirt Contest Fashion Show!
 Meet the 1st Prize Winner! T-Shirt Design by Noah Klein & Allison Garber, modeled by Noah Klein. Photo © Jim McDonnell via smugmug Friday night’s Cyclone T-Shirt Contest Fashion Show, Trivia Quiz and Hula Hooping Extravaganza was moved indoors to Ruby’s Bar due to a tornado warning! The cyclone never showed, but the venue change turned out for the best for The Cyclone: The historic and beloved bar on Coney Island’s Boardwalk provided an atmospheric backdrop for photos. Check out Bruce Handy’s Coney Island Photo Diary for a flickr slide show, Jim McDonnell’s Coney album on smugmug, Robin Souma’s set on Facebook, and the Coney Island Cyclone’s flickr set.
 M'Lady Uppercrust modeling Victor Mingovits design at the Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show, July 23, 2010, at Ruby's Bar, Coney Island. Photo via Coney Island Cyclone's flickr “The Cyclone” sends a special shout out to all of our T-shirt design finalists: Jessica Aaron, Queens, NY; Kylie Cohen, Millburn, NJ; John Connor, Brooklyn, NY; Merrill Friedman, Brooklyn, NY, Michael Grand-Jean, New York, NY; Noah Klein and Allison Garber, Brooklyn, NY; Lynn Kowalewski, Brooklyn, NY; Jesus R Meneses, Rego Park, NY; Victor Mingovits, Budapest, Hungary; Matthew Schneider, Wauwatosa, WI; and Yomena, Barcelona, Spain. Your creative and original designs made the Cyclone’s first-ever T-shirt contest a stellar success!
 Minnie Tonka modeling John Connor's T-shirt design while John chats with MC Noah Tarnow at Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show. Photo © Coney Island Photo Diary’s flickr At the event we had live voting and the results were added to the online vote total. First prize was awarded to Noah Klein & Allison Garber’s design featuring the mustachioed figure who stands at the Cyclone entrance saying “you must be 54″ tall.” The design will be the official Cyclone T Shirt for the 2011 Season. The prize is $500 Cash and a season ticket for the Cyclone.
Noah and Allison are Brooklyn natives, happily married (at Coney Island’s New York Aquarium!) and artistic collaborators whose wild creations you can see every year at the Mermaid Parade. According to the couple: “When hearing about the T-shirt contest we knew right away we wanted to pay homage to that familiar friendly face that welcomes adults, and brings joy to kids on that memorable day when they are finally tall enough to ride the words greatest roller coaster.”
 Carol Hill Albert of Cyclone Coasters congratulates T-shirt Design Contest Winners Noah Klein & Allison Garber. Photo © Jim McDonnell via smugmug The high quality of the designs inspired the creation of two special awards in addition to the 1st prize. The Vernan Keenan Memorial Award went to Jessica Aaron’s tattoo-inspired design. Matthew Schneider won the Harry C Baker Memorial Award. The $100 cash awards are named after the designer and the builder of the Cyclone.
 Jessica Aaron modeling her tattoo inspired design at Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show. Photo by the Coney Island Cyclone via flickr A special thank you to MC & Coney Quizmaster Noah Tarnow, DJ Joe Gonzales, Miss Saturn, and all of the models in the Cyclone Fashion Show–the T-shirt designers and their friends; burlesque performers Darlinda Just Darlinda, Minnie Tonka, Gigi La Femme (Miss Coney Island 2010), Honi Harlow and Ginger Lily; and drag performer M’Lady Uppercrust.
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 Miss Saturn performing at Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show, July 23, 2010, at Ruby's Bar, Coney Island. Photo © Coney Island Photo Diary’s flickr  L to R: Honi Harlow wearing Yomena’s design, Ginger Lily wearing Matt Schneider's design, M’Lady Uppercrust, MC Noah Tarnow at Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show. Photo © Coney Island Photo Diary’s flickr  Kylie Cohen Modeling her T Shirt Design at Cyclone T Shirt Contest Fashion Show Photo via Coney Island Cyclone's flickr  Hands Up! Merrill Friedman's Cyclone T-Shirt Design modeled by his sister. Photo via Coney Island Cyclone’s flickr  Jesus Meneses tells Noah about his T- shirt design, modeled by his friend Jose. Photo © Coney Island Photo Diary’s flickr  Gigi LaFemme Modeling Michael Grand Jean’s T Shirt Design, MC Noah Tarnow. Photo © Coney Island Photo Diary’s flickr  Darlinda Just Darlinda Modeling Lynn Kowalewski’s Cyclone T Shirt Design. Photo © Jim McDonnell via smugmug  Meet the Designers of the Official Cyclone T-Shirt for 2011! T-Shirt Design by Noah Klein & Allison Garber, modeled by Noah Klein. Photo by the Coney Island Cyclone via flickr
Tags: coney island, Contest, Cyclone, Fashion Show, Roller Coaster, Ruby's, T-shirt, T-Shirt Design Contest
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July 7th, 2010
Due to rainy skies, we are moving the contest indoors. Thank you to Ruby’s Bar for hosting the Cyclone T Shirt Fashion Show, Trivia Quiz, and Hula Hooping Extravaganza!
See you at 6pm at Ruby’s on the Boardwalk between 12th St and Stillwell Ave in Coney Island!
Cyclone T-Shirt Contest Finalists—Vote NOW!
$500 1st Prize & Audience Giveaways at July 23rd Cyclone T-Shirt Fashion Show!!
The top Coney Island Cyclone T–shirt designs have been chosen and are online waiting for you to vote for your favorite. View the designs and vote here! Help select the official Cyclone T shirt for the 2011 season!
The finalists’ designs have been made into actual T-shirts and will be showcased in a fashion show in front of the Cyclone on Friday, July 23, from 6-8 pm hosted by Quiz Master Noah Tarnow with DJ Joe Gonzales and the hula-hooping Miss Saturn. You’ll have a chance to win free tickets to ride the Cyclone, T shirts, and other prizes when the Quiz Master asks the audience Coney Island-themed trivia questions and in Miss Saturn’s Hula Hoop Contest!
Models for the Coney-esque Fashion Show include the T-shirt designers and their fashionista friends, as well as burlesque performers Darlinda Just Darlinda, Minnie Tonka, Gigi La Femme (Miss Coney Island 2010), Honi Harlow and Weirdee Girl; and drag performer M’Lady Uppercrust. Don’t miss it! Friday Night Fireworks at 9:30 pm!
The winning design will be the featured Cyclone T-shirt at the Cyclone roller coaster store. The lucky winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a season pass to the world famous amusement for 2010 and 2011.
Thank you to our friends and fans from near and far who entered the Cyclone’s first-ever T-shirt contest. We received designs from nearly two hundred applicants, which made it tough to select the 11 finalists. They hail from everywhere from Brooklyn and Queens to Barcelona and Budapest! As George C Tilyou once said, “If Paris is France, then Coney Island, between June and September, is the world.” Congratulations and good luck to all.
The contest finalists are Jessica Aaron, Queens, NY; Kylie Cohen, Millburn, NJ; John Connor, Brooklyn, NY; Merrill Friedman, Brooklyn, NY, Michael Grand-Jean, New York, NY; Noah Klein and Allison Garber, Brooklyn, NY; Lynn Kowalewski, Brooklyn, NY; Jesus R Meneses, Rego Park, NY; Victor Mingovits, Budapest, Hungary; Matthew Schneider, Wauwatosa, WI; and Yomena, Barcelona, Spain.
Bios of Cyclone T-Shirt Contest & Fashion Show Finalists
Jessica Aaron extremely enjoys roller coasters, especially the Cyclone! She also enjoys being involved with different aspects of art and this contest has been a wonderful opportunity to combine both interests.
Kylie Cohen, a 21 year old Seton Hall senior, took her first ride at 9 years old on the Cyclone (last seat of course) with her dad, a Brooklyn native who has enjoyed “America’s Ride” for more than 30 years. Designing a T-shirt honoring the Cyclone combines her love of fashion with celebrating the world’s most famous coaster, which she continues to ride to this day!
John Connor is enthusiastic and optimistic about Coney Island’s continuing evolvement. In between riding the Cyclone (personal best: 17 times in one day), he recommends the offerings at Ruby’s, Beer Island and the Nathan’s Chili Cheese Fries. Lucky for him, he is only 20 minutes away by subway. The contest was a (self-indulgent opportunity and) challenge for him to create a design that could work on any color of T-shirt.
Merrill Friedman is an artist and graphic designer born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he continues to live, hang out and make stuff. Among his many summer fixations are: Coney Island, vintage amusement park rides, cool T-shirts, and being in a cool Coney Island vintage amusement park ride T-shirt contest.
Michael Grand-Jean is a native New Yorker who loves riding the Cyclone. He is currently a student at Hampshire College.
Noah Klein and Allison Garber are Brooklyn natives, happily married (at the Brooklyn aquarium!) and artistic collaborators (you can see their wild creations every year at the mermaid parade.) When hearing about the T-shirt contest they knew right away they wanted to pay homage to that familiar friendly face that welcomes adults, and brings joy to kids on that memorable day when they are finally tall enough to ride the words greatest rollercoaster.
Lynn Kowalewski is an art director/photographer who loves the Cyclone and screams like a little girl over every hill. She can often be found strolling the boardwalk, ancient film camera in hand, soaking up all of Coney Island’s special charms.
Jesus R Meneses says, “When people say they went to Coney Island first thing I would ask is ‘Did you get on the Cyclone?’ I’ve been coming here since I was 5 yrs old. When I saw the opportunity to design a T-shirt I was thrilled. My main hobby is graphic design. Good luck to all.”
Victor Mingovits was born in the Bronx. He visited Coney Island every summer when he was growing up, each year hoping he was finally tall enough to ride the Cyclone. He now makes his home in Budapest, where he rides the Hullámvasút, one of the last side-friction wooden roller coasters left in the world. It’s not the Cyclone, but it’ll do.
Matthew Schneider’s fondness for amusement park rides stems from being conceived, born and tent-schooled by German-American circus folk who operated the Pirate Ship in a traveling carnival. Adhering to a strict code of carnival appearance, he favors a head-to-toe tattoo, an anomaly in flyover country
Yomena is a freelance web designer from Barcelona, Spain. He is crazy about traveling and exploring big cities. His latest trip brought him to New York City, where he’s about to spend the summer. To learn more about him, please visit yomena.com.
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11214
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
Tags: coney island, Contest. Design, Cyclone, Roller Coaster, T-shirt
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June 27th, 2010
Apply by July 11! Searching for Mr Cyclone Contest
Our “Miss Cyclone” is still scanning the horizon for “Mister Cyclone.” The contest entry deadline has been extended to July 11th. Applicants already include a longtime Cyclone fan, musician, actor, artist and circus clown! We’re waiting for YOU to step right up and fill out the online application now for this fun new event!
The Mr Cyclone Pageant is set for Saturday, August 7th in front of the Cyclone Roller Coaster in Coney Island. After riding the Cyclone ONCE with Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani, contestants will be judged in the following categories: Coney Island Wits, Talent, Style and Romance. In the Strength & Endurance category, contestants will carry a five-pound greased watermelon through an obstacle course while fetching a hot dog and a beer!
To compete for the coveted title of Mr. Cyclone, applicants must fill out and submit the application on the Cyclone contest webpage to misscyclone2010@gmail.com by JULY 11th. The lucky chosen will advance to the live competition on August 7th. The Cyclone knows no fear and neither should you in your quest to become the first ever MISTER CYCLONE in the history of the free world!
The Winner of The Mr. Cyclone pageant will be named “Mr. Cyclone 2010” and take part in The 2011 Opening Day Ceremonies, The Mermaid Parade, receive a season pass to the Cyclone Roller Coaster for 2010, throw out an opening pitch at a select Cyclones game and revel in the glory of being Mr. Cyclone
Tags: coney island, Cyclone Roller Coaster, Mister Cyclone, Mr Cyclone, Pageant
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June 24th, 2010
Full Moon Rides on the Cyclone Roller Coaster!
This Saturday! Full moon rides on the Cyclone – Discover your inner loon!
Come in Vampire makeup or dressed like a Werewolf and receive $2 off the Cyclone Roller Coaster ticket for the full moon nights of Saturday June 26th, Monday July 26th and Tuesday August 24th, from 7pm-close.
Additional Full Moon Specials in Coney Island include “Buy One Get One Free Drink” on your first order at Ruby’s Bar and Peggy O’Neill’s from 7 pm-close. And 20% off all black T shirts at Lola Star Boutique all day long!
Tags: Cyclone, Full Moon, Lola Star, Peggy O'Neill's, Ruby's, Vampire, Werewolf
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May 21st, 2010
Coney Island Cyclone T-Shirt Design Contest & Fashion Show!
Do you or your friends have a cool idea for a Cyclone T-Shirt? We’d love to hear from you! The World Famous Cyclone Roller Coaster in Coney Island is holding its first ever Cyclone T-Shirt design contest!
The Top 10 Designs will be displayed at www.coneyislandcyclone.com and the public will be able to vote on their favorite graphic. The Top 10 will also be showcased in a July 23rd Fashion Show in front of the Cyclone.
The winning design will be the featured Cyclone T-shirt at The Cyclone Roller Coaster store. The lucky winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a season pass to the world famous amusement for 2010 and 2011.
All designs must be emailed to CycloneTeeContest[AT]@gmail[dot]com by June 15th, 2010 at 5pm. Please read design guidelines and contest rules on our website before submitting your T-shirt design.
Good luck everyone!
Tags: Cash Prize, coney island, Cyclone Roller Coaster, Fashion Show, T-Shirt Design Contest
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May 10th, 2010
Full Moon Rides on the Cyclone Roller Coaster
Discover your Inner Loon! Come in Vampire makeup or present a convincing Werewolf howl (that is ok’d by our head Vampire at the ticket booth!) and receive $2 off the Cyclone Roller Coaster ticket for the full moon nights of the 2010 season:
Thursday May 27th, from 7 pm-closing
Saturday June 26th, from 7 pm-closing
Monday July 26th, from 7 pm-closing
Tuesday August 24th, from 7 pm-closing
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11214
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
Tags: coney island, Cyclone, Discount Tickets, Full Moon, Roller Coaster
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March 15th, 2010
Coney Island Cyclone Opens for 2010 Season on March 28
First 100 People Ride the Roller Coaster for Free!
 Coney Island's Cyclone Roller Coaster: The Fun Begins Again on March 28, 2010! Photo © Coney Island Cyclone via flickr Brooklyn, NY, March 15, 2010—The world-famous Coney Island Cyclone is revved up and ready to roll for the 2010 season on Sunday, March 28, at 12:00 noon. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will crack a bottle of egg cream on the Cyclone’s first car as an array of New York City dignitaries and Coney Island fans cheer in celebration. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with the musical pageantry of the Hungry March Band, New York City’s magical street brass march band.
The first 100 people are invited to ride the Cyclone for free, so roller coaster fans are advised to arrive early. “I can’t wait for opening day and the first ride on the Cyclone! It’s become a tradition I look forward to all winter long,” says Angie Pontani aka “Miss Cyclone” of Brooklyn. The burlesque performer favors the front car and always manages to emerge from the thrilling ride without a hair on her beautiful head out of place!
Among the first riders will be Colleen “Cyclone” Whyte of the Bronx, who has ridden “the mother of all coasters” thousands of times, including 70 times nonstop at the celebration of the ride’s 70th birthday, in 1997. Whyte is the Regional Representative of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the largest coaster club in the world.
“The Cyclone has been copied about six times but has never been duplicated,” says Whyte, who has ridden hundreds of coasters on three continents and believes that the reason the Cyclone is the best is because it’s the one by which all others are measured. “The drops are sharp, the turns tight and it’s probably the best maintained coaster and undoubtedly the No. 1 in the world.”
The Cyclone is one of only 17 roller coasters in the world that the American Coaster Enthusiasts have designated as an “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark,” an award reserved for rides of historical significance. Since 1927, the legendary Cyclone has been the definitive ride at Coney Island and has transitioned splendidly over the years. Designated a New York City landmark in 1988, the coaster remains a contender as the public’s favorite ride not only at Coney Island but among the 21st century offerings in the amusement industry.
“We are once again proud to be opening another season of the world-famous Coney Island Cyclone,” says Carol Hill Albert, whose family has been operating the roller coaster since 1975. “With the arrival of the new Luna Park, this truly will be one of the most exciting summers in Coney in a long time. The Cyclone crew has been working all winter to polish, shine, replace, and renew the Cyclone from stem to stern. She’s ready to sail, and so we say, with our annual Brooklyn Christening, ‘Welcome and All Aboard!’”
On March 28, the Cyclone is expected to kick off a Coney-tastic season of fun at the People’s Playground. From the Mermaid Parade to the Siren Festival to the world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and Friday Night Fireworks, there is plenty to see and do in Coney Island.
Schedule and Ticket Info
After opening day, the Coney Island Cyclone is open daily from March 29- April 6, which is spring break for New York City schools, and from May 14 through Labor Day. Hours are 12 noon till closing.
The Cyclone is open weekends only from April 7-May 13, and after Labor Day through the end of September. Hours are 12 noon till closing.
Ticket prices are $8 for the first ride, $5 for additional rides. For directions and more information visit www.coneyislandcyclone.com or email us at info@coneyislandcyclone.com. Friend us on Facebook, join our Facebook Group and follow us on flickr and twitter!
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11214
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
Tags: 2010 Season, American Coaster Enthusiasts, Angie Pontani, Colleen whyte, coney island, Cyclone, Free Event, Miss Cyclone, Opening Day, Roller Coaster
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