Call it a Parachute Jump into a new year.
Coney Islanders and Brooklynites from around the borough headed to the Riegelmann Boardwalk on Dec. 31 to ring in 2018 under the light of the colorfully lit Parachute Jump for the fourth-annual celebration and fireworks display organized by the Alliance for Coney Island.
Locals braved the frigid temperatures to listen to musical performances by pop cover band The Priceless Band and hip hop songstress Danielle Johnson, as youngsters whizzed around — for free — on the rides at the B&B Carousell and on the ice at the Abe Stark Sports Center. Fire act performers from Coney Island USA’s famous circus sideshow warmed up the atmosphere and regaled the harder-to-impress attendees.
The Parachute Jump replaced Times Square’s ball drop with light-up countdown to midnight. And when the clock struck 12, everyone craned their necks skyward, where resplendent fireworks soared, popped, and cracked through the sky to ring in the New Year.
The executive director of the Alliance said that she was glad to host the free event with Borough President Adams, and that it drew a considerable crowd even despite the frigid temps.
“Before this event, there were limited, if any, free festivities for families to celebrate the New Year in South Brooklyn and we’re glad to have created a safe and friendly atmosphere,” said Alexandra Silversmith. “Despite the low temperature, we still had many people join us for the fireworks and enjoy themselves.”
