Coney Islanders and other Brooklynites braved the first snow of the season to visit the first weekend of the Coney Island Winter Wonderland charity event at the Coney Island Museum. The second-annual event became even bigger this year, with a holiday market, a visit from Santa, a yo-yo performance, and a holiday laser light show, according to the organizer who came up with the idea.
“The whole thing was my brainchild, and it evolved into a whole event,” said organizer Stephanie Torres-Porter of Coney Island USA, the arts organization which sponsors the event. “People can come down, see a show, hang out with Santa.”
Organizers encouraged youngsters to snap “selfies with Santa” for $5, with proceeds benefitting the American Heart Association. In another room, Sunset Parker Justin Weber showed off his Diabolo Chinese yo-yo tricks to an eager audience, dressed up as a toy soldier. And vendors hawked their handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, and hats at the holiday market.
One local who sold her handmade goods there said that the event’s turnout was an indication of its success.
“The event drew out a lot of people,” said Natasha Feliciano, who sold her crocheted hats, wreaths, and dolls at the event.
But the highlight of the event may have been the holiday laser light show, which included a 3D virtual Cyclone roller coaster. Plus, organizers donated the $12 admission to the Humane Society, Torres-Porter said.
Brooklynites who missed out on the first weekend of fun can check out the festivities this upcoming weekend.