The crowds returned to Coney Island on Sunday as its famed amusement parks officially opened for the season.
It was a little chilly at The People’s Playground on Palm Sunday, but the sun was shining and the sky was blue as dozens of locals gathered for the annual Blessing of the Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and the egg cream christening of the Cyclone at Luna Park.
Built in 1920 and sold to the Vourderis family in 1983, the Wonder Wheel has become an icon “not just of Coney Island, but of New York itself,” said co-owner Dennis Vourderis.
The Blessing of the Rides is a longstanding tradition started by Dennis’ parents, Deno and Lula, and continued Sunday by two generations of the Vourderis family — Dennis and his nephew, DJ.
“Whether you’re riding the Wonder Wheel for the first time or the hundredth time, whether you’re here for the excitement, the nostalgia, or simply a beautiful day by our wonderful Atlantic Ocean, you’re part of our story,” Dennis said. “Thank you for your support, your loyalty, and the love you show this park.”
After a rendition of the National Anthem by the FDNY ceremonial unit, DJ reflected on the history of the park and of the U.S., which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this summer. The promise of “liberty and justice for all” is stronger now than it was back in 1776, DJ said, because now it applies to men and women and people of every race and creed.
“That search for a more perfect union, it’s never perfect. But it’s stronger today than it was then, and it’ll be stronger tomorrow than it is today, as long as we keep looking out for each other,” he told the crowd. “As long as good people like you keep fighting, keep pushing, keep holding people accountable to what’s right.”
To celebrate the Wonder Wheel’s 106th anniversary, the first 106 people in line got to ride the iconic ferris wheel for free.
“Some people thought the 20th was an important day because that’s when spring starts,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “But we all know here in Brooklyn, until that Wonder Wheel doesn’t get to spinning, spring doesn’t start. So welcome to spring today.”
After the ribbon was cut at Deno’s, the crowds headed next door for the egg cream christening of the iconic Cyclone rollercoaster at Luna Park. The park’s president, Alessandro Zamperla, wielded the bottle — joined by Reynoso, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, former council member Justin Brannan and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
The historic coaster is turning 99 this year, and the park offered its first 99 riders a free spin and a free egg cream mixed by the iconic Brooklyn Seltzer team.
It’s not just Luna Park’s rides that make it special, Zamperla said, but the park’s accessibility. The beloved theme park is open to all, regardless of their background, he said. Randy Peers, head of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, hailed Coney Island as a “respite from all of the other craziness we see in the world.”
“And it’s a respite for working-class people,” he added.
Both parks are open daily during spring break, and operate seven days a week starting Memorial Day weekend. The opening of the amusement parks marked the start of the busy season in Coney Island, and the nabe’s iconic restaurants — like Nathan’s and Paul’s Daughter — threw open their doors to visitors.
Daniel Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island, celebrated all of the nabe’s small businesses. When Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited The People’s Playground to announce the creation of the Coney Island BID, he was “awestruck,” by Dennis Vourderis, Murphy said.
“But the truth is, any day of the week in season you can see any member of the Vourderis family working here,” Murphy said. “Putting kids on rides, making sure the wheel turns and turns, making sure everyone who comes here is happy and satisfied, any day. Any day you want to be awestruck, please come down to Coney Island.”
