Friday may might be your last chance to bump your a– off!
The bumper cars at beloved People’s Playground mainstay Eldorado Auto Skooter — which started colliding in 1972 — could be junked forever after this year if a new lease isn’t agreed upon, so ownership says they’re going out with a pile-up party.
The indoor ride and arcade’s new owner and longtime manager Gordon Lee has planned a two-night Halloween bash on Oct. 26 and 27 to say farewell to the summer amusement season and Eldorado’s many fans.
“We went all out with this,” said Lee, who got planning help from his friends at not-for-profit Coney Island USA, famed freakshow performer Adam Real Man, and the deejays at rave favorites Rock-N-Roll Disco. “We want to have one more ride.”
The first night of freaky fun will feature a gruesome sideshow act with Adam Real Man, go-go dancers, and a costume contest. The second will boast spinning turntables and pounding techno music on top of a Skeeball competition. And, of course, partygoers on Friday and Saturday will get unlimited bumper car rides — enhanced with stuffed zombie drivers and a crazy laser light show — finger food, and a raffle of sweet Eldorado swag.
For Lee, it’ll be a way for longtime customers to remember both the Eldorado and its co-founder, Scott Fitlin, who died almost exactly two years ago.
“He was a good man and one of the best music guys I’ve ever known,” said Lee, adding that he hoped those who loved Eldorado will look back warmly at its iconic song. “I hope they’ll have fond memories of the tune, ‘Bump, Bump, Bump Your A– Off.’ ”
Thor Equities owner Joe Sitt bought the Eldorado property from Sheila Fitlin in March, and rumors have flown he wouldn’t reach an agreement with Lee in 2013.
But don’t let the tears fall yet — Lee said he’s been negotiating with Thor and that there’s still a chance Eldorado’s engine will turn over again next summer.
“We have high hopes we’ll be back again this coming year,” the man in the driver’s seat said.
So it may not be the last ride after all.
Last Ride 2012 at Eldorado [1216 Surf Avenue, between W. 12th Street and Stillwell Avenue] Oct 26, 9 pm, $25. Oct. 27, 10 pm, $15. For tickets, go to www.broadwayworld.com. Must be 21 or older.
Reach reporter Will Bredderman at (718) 260–4507 or e-mail him at wbredderman@cnglocal.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/WillBredderman
