KINETIC CARNIVAL

Coney Island Won the Battle — But the Story Isn’t Over: A Full Breakdown of the Casino Fight

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 03:07:00 +0000

Coney Island has always survived big dreams, bad plans, and brutal attempts to reshape it. From the fires that toppled the great amusement palaces to decades of failed redevelopment schemes, this place endures because people fight for it.

This year, that spirit showed itself again.

After nearly three years of debate, proposals, rallies, hearings, lobbying, and community pushback, the plan to build a massive casino and luxury hotel complex inside the historic amusement district has officially been defeated. On September 29th, Coney Island’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) voted 4–2 against advancing the casino plan known as “The Coney.” Weeks later, the state selected three casino sites elsewhere in NYC—none of them in Brooklyn.

But while the casino project is dead, the larger fight for the soul of Coney Island continues.

This article offers a clear, thorough, and deeply informed summary of everything that happened—from the original proposal to the final vote—and what it means for the future of New York’s most iconic seaside amusement district.

The Casino Plan That Sparked a Community Battle

In late 2022, Thor Equities—joined by Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends Hospitality—announced its plan for a $3+ billion casino resort on Surf Avenue. The project included:

A 30+ story luxury hotel
Casino gaming floors
A 2,500-seat concert venue
Convention and retail space
A massive footprint that would have required demapping public streets
A location inside the heart of the amusement district, just steps from the Wonder Wheel

Developers framed the project as an “economic engine” that would transform Coney Island into a year-round destination.

But longtime residents, historians, amusement business owners, and preservation advocates saw something very different:

A towering development that would overshadow, privatize, and permanently alter the fragile character of America’s Playground.

The Community Fights Back

From the beginning, opposition was strong and well-organized.

Local Groups That Took the Lead

Coney Island USA
Save Coney Island veterans
Neighborhood activists and small business owners
Amusement operators
The grassroots group No Casino in Coney Island
Longtime residents who understood that a casino was fundamentally incompatible with the beachfront amusement core

These groups consistently highlighted:

Thor Equities’ long history of demolitions, empty lots, and stalled development
The risk of year-round traffic chaos in an area already strained
The danger of placing a casino in a community with high poverty and limited social services
The threat to public streets, sunlight, air, and the open feel of the amusement district
The precedent that such a mega-structure would set for future oversized development

Their message was simple and powerful:
Coney Island deserves investment—but not at the cost of its identity.

Community Board 13 Says “No”

In January 2025, Community Board 13 voted against the land-use changes needed for the casino project. Though advisory, this vote mattered.

It gave local elected officials political cover. It signaled that people who live and work in Coney Island do not want a casino consuming the amusement zone. And it reinforced a message to the state:
This project does not have local support.

The State Steps In: The CAC Hearings

Under New York’s casino laws, each proposed site must be reviewed by a Community Advisory Committee (CAC)—a six-person panel representing local and state officials. A project must receive at least four votes in favor to move forward.

Through the summer of 2025, the CAC held hearings where:

Union groups and paid supporters spoke in favor
Residents, amusement workers, and preservation advocates spoke against
Experts warned about environmental and traffic impacts
Questions about electrical load, emergency response capacity, and parking gridlock went unanswered

One CAC member famously criticized the environmental study as a blueprint for “traffic hell.”

The Vote That Ended the Casino Bid

On September 29, 2025, the Coney Island CAC cast its decisive vote:

YES:

Governor’s appointee
Mayor’s appointee

NO:

State Senator’s appointee
Assemblymember’s appointee
Brooklyn Borough President
Councilmember Justin Brannan

Final: 4–2 Against

This legally ended the project.
It could not advance to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.
Coney Island’s bid was officially dead.

That night, Coney Island USA held a creative “funeral” for the casino—a celebration of local power and community victory.

December 2025: State Confirms Three Casino Sites (None in Brooklyn)

On December 1, 2025, the state announced the three downstate casino locations:

Resorts World Aqueduct (Queens)
Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Citi Field (Queens)
Bally’s Ferry Point (Bronx)

Coney Island was not—and could not be—among them.

This sealed the outcome:
The amusement district has been saved from the casino threat in this licensing round.

Why This Was Such an Important Win

A victory like this has bigger meaning than just defeating a development proposal.

It proves:

Coney Island still has a soul worth protecting.
Community voices can overpower deep pockets.
The amusement district is not just real estate—it’s heritage, culture, history, and identity.

A casino would have introduced a privatized, towering fortress into one of the last remaining free-and-open amusement corridors in the country. It would have cast literal and symbolic shadows over the Wonder Wheel, Deno’s, the Boardwalk, and the small businesses that shape Coney Island’s character.

This was not NIMBYism.
It was cultural preservation, plain and simple.

But Is the Fight Over? Not Completely.

What Comes Next for the Amusement Distric

This casino proposal is dead, but the dynamics behind it still exist:

Thor Equities still holds valuable land and still has development ambitions.
The amusement district remains vulnerable to oversized, mismatched proposals.
The future of Surf Avenue and Neptune Avenue is still unwritten.
Another casino licensing round could happen years from now.

That’s why continued reporting, transparency, and community involvement matter.

This victory is a pause—an important one—not the end of the story.

Conclusion: A Moment to Celebrate—and Stay Vigilant

Coney Island won the battle.
The amusement district stands safe—for now.
The Wonder Wheel will not be dwarfed.
The Boardwalk will not be shadowed by a 30-story tower.
And the fantasy, freedom, and weirdness that make Coney Island magical survive another day.

But Coney Island’s story has always been about tension: between commerce and creativity, between big plans and fragile traditions, between real estate and real joy.

Share your thoughts: Should casinos be kept away from the amusement district? Comment below or share this post.

Share your thoughts: Should casinos be kept away from the amusement district? Comment beshare

SOURCES

🔗 Key Sources (with links) on the Coney Island Casino Debate

Source	What it Covers / Why It’s Important
Spectrum News NY1 — “Coney Island casino bid voted down by Community Advisory Committee” (Sep 29, 2025) (NY1)	Reports on the 4-2 CAC vote that rejected “The Coney,” effectively ending the bid.
Brooklyn Paper — “Committee officially rejects proposed Coney Island casino” (Sep 29, 2025) (Brooklyn Paper)	Confirms the CAC’s decision and includes local reactions.
NY1 — “Councilman Brannan to vote no on Coney Island casino proposal” (Sep 26, 2025) (NY1)	Public statement from an elected official explaining why he opposed the casino — useful for quoting local political opposition.
CBS New York — “3 casinos are coming to downstate New York” (Oct 14, 2025) (CBS News)	Context for the broader downstate casino licensing process and confirmation that Coney Island’s bid is not among the winners.
New York State Gaming Facility Location Board (Official site) — “Applicants” page listing all proposals for downstate licenses (2025) (Gaming Facility Location Board)	Primary official registry of all casino proposals, including “The Coney.” Good for documentation / verification.
City & State New York — “Breaking down every 2025 New York casino license bid” (Feb 10, 2025) (City & State New York)	Overview of all the bids, including “The Coney,” their proposed sites, and how the process works — useful for background context.
FOX 5 New York — “What is the current status of each NYC casino proposal?” (Sep 29, 2025) (FOX 5 New York)	Snapshot of where the major NYC casino proposals stood right after the CAC decisions.
CasinoBeats / CDC Gaming Reports — “Remaining three NYC casino bidders submit supplemental applications” (Oct 15, 2025) (CasinoBeats)	Shows how the rest of the city-wide process continued — useful for showing that Coney Island was definitively excluded.
No Casino in Coney Island / Coney Island USA’s info page — “Say No to the Coney Island Casino” petition page (2025) (Coney Island USA)	Community-driven resource documenting grassroots opposition, petitions, and local organizing — helpful to show community voice and activism.

📚 Additional Context & Industry-Wide Sources

Casino.org — “MGM Empire City, Resorts World and Hard Rock Will Likely Win New York Licenses” (Sep 23, 2025) (Casino.org)
CoverS / Covers.com — “Three remaining NYC casino candidates make final pitch” (Oct 17, 2025) (Covers.com)
Yogonet — “New York casino race narrows to four finalists as state board weighs bids” (Oct 13, 2025) (Yogonet)

These don’t focus specifically on Coney Island — but they help place “The Coney” bid within the larger context of NYC’s 2025 casino licensing round.

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Joey Chestnut Wins It Again at Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:15:00 +0000

Joey Chestnut wins 2017 Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest

For the tenth time, Joey Chestnut wins the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest taking in 72 wieners at this year's hot dog eating contest sponsored by Nathan's Famous. Chestnut stuffed down eight less dogs and buns that he intended to. His goal was 80. Chestnut "Jaws" ate two more than last year, beating his record and the most hot dogs and buns eaten at the hot dog eating contest in Coney Island.

Carmen Cincotti came in second with a walloping 62 hot dogs and buns, and Matt "Megatoad" Stonie lagged behind in third with 48 dogs and buns.

Ten years ago Takeru Kobayashi was the reining champ being the six time winner of Coney Island's annual 4th of July Hot Dog eating contest. A Coney Island traditional still going strong which draws huge crowds to the area.

Happy 4th of July from Kinetic Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 18:33:00 +0000

It's been three years since Kinetic Carnival has stopped posting. In 2012 Kinetic Carnival began to slow down. There have been a few attempts to restart this blog. And those attempts have not been terminated completely. Once again, in the works, is a new verve to start Kinetic Carnival up again along with an audio podcast. The new proposed Kinetic Carnival will feature the cutting edge and future of world wide attraction based entertainment in this new age of technological advancements as well as throwbacks to the celebrated past while keeping a focus on its Coney Island roots. We are expecting to announce these new ventures this year. In the meantime, have an exciting summer!

Riding The Virtual Thunderbolt

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:13:00 +0000

Snapshot from the Luna Park NYC virtual ride video (BELOW)

As good as it gets until riding the actual new reborn Thunderbolt this May!

A major new addition which marks another milestone in the victory on the battle over condos in Coney Island is slated to open this May 2014 on the same location of its predecessor. The reincarnation of the Thunderbolt roller coaster, from the original which opened in 1925 is a steel coaster built by Italian amusement firm Zamperla of Luna Park NYC. The original Thunderbolt lay abandoned for almost two decades until it was abruptly torn down in 2000 for being considered a future eye sore for the spectators of the new ball park stadium, at the time, by then NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

The Luna Park operated ride, which broke ground on March 10th comes with a $10 million dollar price tag. And with a set time frame to open in just a couple of months - it demonstrates the rapidness in which coasters are built. But for the time being you can get an idea of what you’ll expect with the virtual animated ride video which takes you over the 115 foot tower for a vertical drop, a loop that’s 100 foot in height, an 80-foot zero-G roll, a 112 degree over-banked turn , a Stengel dive, a dive loop, a corkscrew, and two airtime humps. The ride reaches speeds of up to 56 mph.

Amusing the Zillion wonders if they should recreate the Mae Timpano house that sat at the foot of the ride and which was featured in the 1977 Woody Allen movie, “Annie Hall”. That would be a wonderful idea – perhaps a museum of the house recreating the rumble that little Allen's character felt as he ate his breakfast cereal in the kitchen. ATZ also states that this reincarnation of the Thurnderbolt Roller Coaster is the first fully custom built ride in 87 years, since the Cyclone in 1927.

Other versions of the video can be viewed at Luna Park’sYouTube channel.

Performance Benefit For Coney Island USA

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Courtesy of Coney Island USA

SoHo Rep, a support hub for local contemporary theater throughout New York City is hosting a benefit performance to aid the cultural arts center, Coney Island USA to help them in their recovery and restoration efforts from Hurricane Sandy. The benefit performance will take place Sunday, November 26th 2012 at

The critically acclaimed production is entitled "We are Proud to Present A Presentation..." by Jackie Sibblies Drury which The New York Times called "An inventive new play...with incendiary results" and Flavorpill named it "one of the best shows of the year."

All proceeds for this performance will go to help Coney Island USA in our recovery efforts. Thanks Soho Rep.!

Click here for further info and to purchase tickets in advance!

Soho Rep.
46 Walker Street (between Broadway and Church)
New York, NY 10013
By Subway: Franklin St (1)
Canal Street (J, M, Z, N, Q, R, W, 6)
Canal Street (A, C, E)

Bring Back The Boardwalks Fund Raiser

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Here is the press release from the organizers of the Silent Art Auction and Fundraiser to help Bring Back the Boardwalks.

BRING BACK THE BOARDWALKS FUND RAISER to benefit the rebuilding efforts in the Far Rockaways and Coney Island Silent auction on Saturday, November 17th from 2pm - 9pm at Trais Gallery in Soho, located at 76 Wooster Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY.

What: BRING BACK THE BOARDWALKS will donate 100% of the proceeds of the silent auction to the recovery and rebuilding of the communities of the Rockaways and Coney Island. As New Yorkers, so many of our memories are connected to the boardwalks of these wonderful places so close to NYC in the Rockaways and Coney Island. We are all rallying together to help these places recover, rebuild and... come back again.

ARTISTS: Alex Sherker, Amanda Wachob, Annie Purpura, Ashley Love, Ben Pier, Billy Gray, Bryce Oprandi, Carter B Smith, Chris Rubino, Chuck Donoghue, Claire Vuillemot, Claw Money, Craig Wetherby, Curtis LOVE ME, Chris Mendoza, David Cook, David Ellis, Dennis McNett, Distort, Damon Way, Dan Flores, Dan Sabau, Deanne Cheuk, Dave Ortiz, Eli Gesner, Eric Patton, FAILE, Fernando Lions, Futura, Giovanni Reda, Greg Bogin, Greg Simkins, Harif Guzman, Hilliary Fisher-White, Ira Chernova, Jack Sabback, James Muchmore, Jason Campbell, Jason Goldwatch, Jeff Mayer, Jeremy Fish, Jen Davis, Joana Seitz, Jocelyn Wilkerson, John Lehr, John Roman, Julian Gilbert, Karine Laval, Kisha Bari, Luis Tinoco, Mariah Robertson, Marilyn Rondon, Megan Burns, Mia Graffam, Micah Ganske, Michael Halsbald, Mike Aul, Milton Glaser, Natalie Keyssar, Nick Sethi, Nina Hartmann, Othello Gervacio, Pablo Power, Paul D. Miller, Paula Scher, Pat Conlon, Peter Donin, Peter Huynh, Peter Pabon, Peter Sutherland, Phil Frost, Ricky Powell, Rostarr, Rob Jest, Sabrina Elliott, Sam Friedman, Schandra Singh, Shawn Barber, Shie Moreno, Shepard Fairey, Stack-Aly, Stash, Sue Kwon, SWOON, Tamara Santibanez,Tat Ito, Todd St. John, Tom Sachs, Twiggy Levi, Vanessa Rondon, Wyatt Neumann

BRING BACK THE BOARDWALKS Committee: Ulli Barta, Marilyn Rondon, Dave Ortiz, Tim Strazza, Wyatt Neumann, Elijah Wood, Spike Jonze, Adrian Grenier, Dante Ross, Paul D. Miller, Willy Wong, Kelley Campau, Joy Deibert, Kyrie Tinch

When: Saturday, November 17th from 2pm-9pm

Where: Trais Gallery in Soho, located at 76 Wooster Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY.

Contact: Bringbacktheboardwalks@gmail.com

Zipper Documentary's Encore Screening

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 04:07:00 +0000

One of the best Coney Island documentaries screens again at the NYC DOC film festival this Thursday, November 15th at the IFC Center located at 323 Sixth Avenue. "Zipper - Coney Island's Last Wild Ride", directed by Amy Nicholson.

Q and A after screening with directer

The film follows the closing of a long-time running carnival wild ride; the Zipper and its operators as they are forced to zip up and shut their Coney business. What started as a small film about the stomach-churning ride, turned into a full scope of the greed and politics behind the fight and plight of the world famous amusement area in Brooklyn, New York. The film's director, Amy Nicholson, presents a well-informed and entertaining look at the up and back between power figures and their critics. Both reactionists and those really effected by its change. At times, facial reactions by speakers, breeds new statements which speaks for themselves.

After the first showing at the SVA Theater, there was a question and answer session by the festival's moderator and the film director. Audience members were treated to fun Coney gift bags, and a invited to the after-party.

After screening gift bags

"Zipper: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride" film celebrate it's encore presentation with two more showings at the IFC Center located at 323 Sixth Avenue at W. 3rd Street, Thursday, November 15th at 3:00 pm and then again at 9:30 pm.

Visit the Zipper's Facebook page for updates.

First Snowfall In Coney Island

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:55:00 +0000

The first winter storm of the season was a light snow fall for the New York area but a further annoyance for those that just recently got power back and started to dry up from Hurricane Sandy. But winter storm Athena was no Sandy, and it wasn't expected to be. Snow mixed with rain causing slippery conditions was it's worse outcome, for most people. Some did lose power right after it came back on after superstorm Sandy put them in a blackout for many days.

Last week the hurricane washed sand inland past the boardwalk, and the sand dunes, some created by winds, others by releif workers for the cleanup, got a coating of Athena's snow. As well, the debris-laden beach received a blacket of snow, obscuring any evidence of a hurricane aftermath.

But signs of a post-storm Coney was evident from the stacks of furniture and merchandise from businesses that were piled outside to be hauled away by santitation. The non-profit Coney Island USA organization also lost merchanise that was destroyed by the storm. For me it was a tempting pile of 'garbage'. Coney beer glasses from the Shmaltz beer company, Coney Pilsner bike shirts, and other Coney t-shirts and items sadly destroyed and now useless with no value.

Overall, the quiet white boardwalk was still with nothing but Tom's Restarant open with some activity. A few guests coming in to warm up and eat, as well as a few Coney denizens strolling in and utilizing the corner boardwalk restaurant as a meeting place. Coucelmember Domenick Recchia walked in tall and celebrity-like to meet with a group of people at the back of the restaurant. A few usual Coney figures like Stanley Fox were slumming around the Restaurant.

The clean up and relief seems to have slowed down compared to last week. More assesment needs to be made in order to get a better picture on what the outcome for the coming Spring and Summer seasons will be.

Coney Vid: Coney Historian Braves The Hurricane

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:29:00 +0000

He dared to stay and confront the crashing waves of Hurricane Sandy as she roared onto land and flooded the shoreline at Seagate Brooklyn. Coney Island historian and author Charles Denson braved the flooding waves to make his video. This is rare footage that shows how the sea level rises in a storm and gushes in over the shoreline and begins its path of havoc and destruction.

Hurricane Sandy Devastates Sea Gate And coney Island

Posted by Coneyologist [YouTube]

Relief Efforts In Coney Island Continue Needing Your Help

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Image Courtesy of Timothy Murray

Coney Island took a big hit with hurricane Sandy. Though the Huffington Post writes about the uncertainty of Coney Island; hanging in the balance - Coney Island's cleanup is still in need of more help in order continue with the relief efforts.

Coney Island USA writes:

We could use the following to assist in cleaning up our flooded Ground floor at 1208 Surf Ave. - Daily food for workers, coffee maker, filters, coffee, dehumidifiers, fans, squeegees, mops, mop buckets, protective clothing such as hazmat suits, household heavy duty rubber gloves, N95 disposable respirators, paper towels, cleaning cloths, brooms, Lysol concentrated cleaner, disinfectant. If you are able to donate any of the above items, we would kindly accept them from Noon - 6pm, seven days a week. Please bring or ship to Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave. Brooklyn NY 11224. We are between Stillwell Ave and West 12th street.

Visit Coney Island USA website for more information:

(This post wast originally made via the Blogger iPhone app)

Beyond Coney: Video Compilation Of Superstorm Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:16:00 +0000

New York is only beginning to assess the damage, the clean up, and all the repair work ahead. This was one of the worst storms in our recent history. Here is a compilation of videos that were posted on YouTube in the last couple of days titled or tagged with Sandy hurricane and storm. Granted, some posters uploaded videos that may not actually be from Sandy but some were hard to tell for sure. It seems like palm trees are in the background in one clip, but we took the liberty to let one pass for creative expression. All YouTube posters have been credited at the end of video.

Hurricane Sandy - the superstorm! A YouTube Compilation

Description: October 28 -30, 2012, the North Eastern United States experienced one of the worst storms in history. This is a compilation of YouTube videos about the storm that wreaked havoc on the north eastern United States.

Posted by: Omar Robau [YouTube]
A KinetOscope presentation

Coney Island's Sandy Aftermath Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Photo by Jim McDonnell - The Shore Theater

In the aftermath of monster storm Hurricane Sandy, some brave individuals headed out to help and observe the destruction. Coney Island photographer, Jim McDonnell, took these devastating images (facebook) of the destruction left by this Frankenstorm. Jim McDonnell's photos of the Sandy aftermath can be seen on his facebook photo album entitled The Morning after Sandy in Coney Island.

The Shore Theater signage (above) is destroyed and most likely never to be replaced since the future of the theater is still unsure. And like the image in the "Planet of the Apes" of the Statue of Liberty's head broken off and stranded far from its perch, this giant hamburger (below) will spark the same feeling to anyone who knows Coney Island well.

Photo by Jim McDonnell - burger boy's burger

And the new Grimaldi's pizza restaurant (below) is in shambles. It was bashed in by Hurricane Sandy pulling down the massive spider webs that were intricately placed to decorate the restaruant for Halloween.

Photo by Jim McDonnell - Grimaldi's Pizza

And in one image (below) what is seen in other photos, seems to the mark where the water rose up to.

Photo by Jim McDonnell - Coney Island mural

All photos courtesy of Jim McDonnell. See all his photos on his facebook here.

Coney Events: A Political Wax Work

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:15:00 +0000

Poster by Jason Lonon

Is it Halloween already, because there is a creep in the air. Is that patriotism I smell or are they rubbing wax on this election because one candidate has the look of latex while the other is doing a good impersonation of a Disney animatronic president. Yet, I feel the ghosts of dead presidents are awakening only to wreak havoc on the holiday before the election – or perhaps the election itself. Which brings me to what I’m really referring to. Presidential hopeful or not, a demented tour of the old Presidential Wax Works could prove quite rewarding or simply quite creepy. Don’t take it from me, take it from the work's 70’s old night watchman. But be warned: Please leave your sanity at the door.

The last leg of Dirty Works At The Wax Works starts tomorrow, Wednesday, 24th 2012!

Photos by Laure Leber

As the Coney Island USA’s Creepshow at the Freakshow puts it:
DIRTY WORK AT THE WAX WORKS is a demented story told by the 1970's Night Watchman of Coney Island's infamous Presidential Wax Works. If you take his after hours, crackpipe smoking, hallucinated tour though the Hall of Presidents, don't be too shocked or offended, if you hear excessive swearing and encounter excessive graphic violence including:

A Shooting Gallery Re-Enactment of the Kennedy assassination.

Zombies eating Richard Nixon's brain and a Funeral interrupted by a Booger hanging off of George Washington's nose.

DIRTY WORK AT THE WAX WORKS is October's perfect mash-up of Halloween Horror & Horrifying Presidents!
Vote for our Creepiest Carny Ever!
Or Vote for our League of Zombie Fighting Creepshow Commanders in Chief!
Vote for the Worst Presidents and Best Halloween Ever!

Come see what the New York Press called "not only the best and wildest haunted house in town, but the smartest as well."

Dates and Times: Show starts on the hour. Click date, to buy tickets in advance. All tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Advance purchase recommended.

Wednesday, October 24, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Thursday, October 25, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Friday, October 26, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Saturday, October 27, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Sunday, October 28, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Monday, October 29, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Tuesday, October 30, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)
Wednesday, October 31, Halloween!, 6pm - Midnight (last ticket sold at 11pm)

Under 16 must be accompanied by parent. No one under 10 will be admitted!

Click here for the 2012 Press Release.

See a Fox News NY piece, of the 2008 version of this script, by clicking here.

Creepshow At The Freakshow!
Dirty Work At The Wax Works
October 24-31, All Tickets $10 In Advance Or At The Door
Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Ave.
Sideshows By The Seashore (between Stillwell Ave. and West 12th Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Phone: 718-372-5159
Email: info@coneyisland.com
By Subway - D, N, F, Q to Stillwell Ave. - Coney Island
www.coneyisland.com

World Premiere Screening Of “Zipper” At NYC’s Doc Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Zipper ride in February 2007

It’s been five years since the Zipper ride in Coney Island was dismantled, strapped on a tuck bed and whizzed along Surf Avenue, passing in front of me while I was staring out from the bar at the old Surf & Turf Grill. The ride was leaving Coney Island for good and on its way to Honduras. The story behind the dizzying carnival ride is finally told. It’s a 77 minute documentary which will premiere at Doc NYC: New York's Documentary Festival. The film goes behind the scenes of the greedy battle to grab Coney Island’s fun and merriment right from under it. And in the heart of this story is the Zipper, a carnival contraption that is almost forty years old and, at the time, run by operator Eddie Miranda. As a result of his rented lot being swiped away by a gluttonous real estate tycoon, Miranda is forced to zip up and sell. Though the doc at one point follows the ride to its final destination at a seaside town in Honduras, the film candidly examines the cast of characters from the developer to the city officials who together create a power struggle over the future of the world-famous amusement destination.

“The Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride”, with its log line; ‘A small-time ride operator and his beloved carnival contraption become casualties in the battle over the future of Coney Island’, is directed by Amy Nicholson. Despite the digital age, the filmmaker chose to shoot in 16mm. The film’s press kit describes the reason for film. “…shooting on film was essential in reproducing the analogue feeling of a place like Coney Island. In early production meetings, the discussion always centered around capturing the essence of Coney Island’s assault on the senses. We used the opening of Dog Day Afternoon as our inspiration. Everyone has seen Coney Island in pictures and on film; we wanted the audience to have the experience.” In addition, some of the time lapse segments in the film were shot with the Canon 5D. The film’s main cinematographer was Jerry Risius.

["Zipper: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride" Trailer]

Though, Coney Island as an amusement destination seems saved, for now, the film takes us back to a point where its future was in limbo. It helps to remind us that, like the Zipper, it can suddenly teeter back to something we didn’t expect. The biggest part of Coney’s saving grace has been the shiny new Luna Park by Zamperla, but as Amusing the Zillion blog points out, the lease for Luna Park is up in 2020. and at that point the City plans to issue an RFP for a permanent amusement operator. And with talks resurfacing of casinos coming to New York by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who mentioned in an article, when referring to a possible casino at the redevelopment of Willets Point, the possibility of even casinos in Coney Island, Brooklyn. That could have gambling overshadow the amusements. Do we really want another Atlantic City here? So, this film’s fortunate existence helps to keep us reminded of how things could’ve gone or could still go.

We hope the Zipper is being kept up to par down in Central America. Though it is accompanied by its old Coney mate, The Spider ride, the Zipper has been seen breaking down, according to the YouTube video below. Riders are seen getting out and climbing down off the ride.

But as Amy Nicholson tells Kinetic Carnival in an email, the people who now own it are the nicest people ever. “I have checked with one of the sons who I keep in touch with on Facebook and he says the Zipper is still going strong”, she writes. The folks down in Honduras are happy to have such relics from Coney Island. They told Nicholson that the rides draw huge crowds every time.

The film’s trailer projects a fascinating experience, whether you are enamored with Coney Island or not. It feels, to me, that the music and the way it observes its characters, strikes the very chord of what Coney Island is now, has been, and will always be; a place where you can’t get too serious because at the heart, it’s all fun and games.

“Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride”, will be celebrating its world premiere at
9:30 PM, Saturday. Nov. 10, 2012 - SVA – (Buy Tickets) and at
3:00 PM, Thursday. Nov. 15, 2012 - IFC Center – (Buy Tickets)

Amy Nicholson is expected to attend

For detailed information about its festival screenings visit:
http://www.docnyc.net/film/zipper

Go for a web-ride on the official site at: http://zipperfilm.com/

Amos Wengler's New Song For A New Coney "Welcome To Coney Island"

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:53:00 +0000

Songwriter, Amos Wengler

["Welcome To Coney Island" Music Video below]

On my recent trip to New York I met up with my Coney Island friend Mr. Amos Wengler, who told me he was excited about his new song for the new Coney Island. With not much preparation I got my field recorder and Amos played his song with heart and soul. I found it very catchy. For the rest of my stay and on my way back home I couldn't get it out of my head. But I was pleased. He asked if I could videotape it. I wasn’t much prepared but taped him and thought I’d figure it out when I get back. I didn’t quite know exactly what to do with the little footage and field recorded song that I now had with me of Wengler’s new pride and joy, but a promise is a promise.

Amos is sort of a Coney Island Santa Clause in a lifeguard uniform. Though his usual attire is more the shorts and sandals garb with a guitar strapped over his shoulder, I asked Amos how he comes up with a song and he told me that the title usually pops in his head first, then he plays around with it for a while until 'it' happens. “I grab the guitar and it just sort of comes out”, he said. “And I’m kind of surprised myself and I say ‘hey!’ how did I do that”, he adds with wonder and a proud grin under his cotton candy beard. He says that's the way it usually works for him. He gets inspired by the title. He keeps a recorder nearby for when it happens.

Amos Wengler has been writing songs since he was sixteen, about the time that he was a lifeguard on Bay 12 in 1965 at Coney Island.

When I asked him what keeps in Coney Island, he chuckles and says he’s stuck here. But he does find himself in Coney because he loves the atmosphere and the ocean, including the many people he knows here. They’re his friends. He feels if he goes someplace else, he’d be lost.

Amos Wengler takes part in many Coney Island events including the famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. He is a Coney Island Polar Bear and has sort of been the music backdrop creator for many Coney Island popular festivities. He has songs for the Mermaid Parade, The Hot Dog Eating Contest, The Polar Bears, and now for the New Coney Island. He hopes this one will catch on. He also hopes to record the song in a studio with accompaniment and arrangements.

Like many denizens of Coney Island, Amos also feared the impending doom for Coney’s amusement district. But the fear is over and amusements are here to stay, proving that Coney Island is a rare survivor in the face of gentrification. Though its make up seems gentrified it has always stood up for its principals. Wengler gives a sigh of relief, for if it were for condos to rise at the footprints of the amusements, he would probably have no more songs in him to write about Coney Island. “That would be a bummer, if it was all condos here, I would probably write an anti-condo song. But for sure that would spoil it", he says.

He’s excited about the new boardwalk with the new restaurants, the big new rides, the Scream Zone, Grimaldi’s Pizza, tattoo shops, and all the re-vamped stores. “So, people are watching”, he adds. Which will only make things grow further. He said you see a lot more people here on the weekends...a lot more. It would be interesting to see how this winter will look like.

I thanked Mr. Wengler for sharing his song with me and though it comes here in the form of a modest little music video in autumn, we both agree it will be catchy enough to be heard to next summer and beyond. The New Coney Island needed a song and this is it.

"Welcome To Coney Island" by Amos Wengler [Acoustic Version]

Posted by Omar Robau (ConeyHOP) [Youtube]

Disclaimer: This acoustic version of this song was recorded live with a high quality H4 Zoom Recorder, but still can not compare to a full studio recording.

Coney Film Festival Showcasing Films For It's Dozenth Year

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Image of official poster courtesy of Coney Island Film Festival

It's the 12th Annual Coney Island Film Festival and the legendary Sideshows By The Seashore this weekend, (today) September 21st to the 23rd, 2012! Also at the Coney Island Museum. According to their website the Pre-Sale has ended. On site physical tickets (for any program not sold out) may be purchased at the box office during festival hours, Friday 6:30pm - 11:00pm, Saturday 12:30pm - 10:30pm, Sunday 12:30pm - 6pm. Though this posting comes on the night of it's first night of screenings, there's still time to catch the festival this weekend.

As described in the CIFF website, the following are sold out: Programs 5,7,9,13,15, Saturday Screening Pass, Sunday Screening Pass.

Tickets are available for the following: Full Festival Pass, Opening Night Film (Play Dead), Opening Night Party, Saturday Night Party, Programs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 (The Warriors) 11, 12, 14, 16.

A complete schedule and rundown of the films being shown can be seen by clicking here.

Coney Events: The 5th Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition!

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Courtesy of Coney Island USA

Direct from Coney Island USA:

Donny Vomit and Coney Island USA present: The 5th Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition!

Who will earn the Trophy Fez this year? Our contestants keeping getting hairier and hairier, more coiffed and poised and even more ready to compete!

Donny Vomit is looking for the natural, the fake, the best and the worst beard or moustache: this year every whisker counts.

Join judges Donny Vomit, Mike Haar; Tonsorial Artist, Trixie Little, The Evil Hate Monkey and co-host Adam The First Real Man, to celebrate a night of burly beards and manicured moustaches!

Flock to Coney Island for a night of tiki music from Fisherman, Strait Razor demonstrations and some fabulous sideshow performances and burlesque beauties. Grab your fuzzy friends and come down to Coney Island's Sideshows by the Seashore!

Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended (there are no extra service fees for advance purchase). Click here to purchase tickets in advance.

Awards include: Best Moustache Natural and Styled, Best Beard Natural and Styled, Best Sideburns, Best Fake, Best in Show, Worst in Show.

Judges include: Donny Vomit Mike Harr; Tonsorial Artist Trixie Little The Evil Hate Monkey

5th Annual Coney Island Bbeard And Moustache Competition!
Saturday, September 8^th 2012
6pm - 8pm Registration
8pm - 10pm Show, $15 In Advance Or At The Door!
at Sideshows By The Seashore
1208 Surf Ave.

Coney Events: Penguinpalooza!

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:08:00 +0000

(Image courtesy of Coney Island USA)

Direct from Coney Island USA:
Insectavora, Serpentina and More!
PLUS a VERY special blade box presented by Debi Does Magic and featuring Dick Zigun---THAT'S RIGHT! *THAT* DICK ZIGUN---as he performs as Madame Twisto!!!

LIVE AUCTION featuring fabulous items from Shmaltz Brewery, Huckster Fabrications, a ONE-OF-A-KIND Illustrated Penguin banner from Coney Island Artist-in-Residence Marie Roberts, and more!!!

ALL proceeds will go directly to The Illustrated Penguin for living expenses

Penguinpalooza!
The Benefit Show For The Illustrated Penguin!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29^th 2012
9PM $15 IN ADVANCE OR AT THE DOOR
Click Here To Purchase Tickets In Advance.
At Sideshows By The Seashore
1208 Surf Ave.

Coney Events: American Heroes Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Courtesy of Coney Island USA

The end of the summer season is nearing but it’s not slowing down. The Summer Variety Show has Adam RealMan again thrilled to bring the Coney Island Variety Show back to the stage at Sideshows by the Seashore , and this month he pays tribute to Elvis Presley in a ‘King Sized' extravaganza!

From the Coney Island USA website:

A wacky array of talented variety artists will honor Elvis just one day shy of the 35th anniversary of his untimely death, performing routines around the music, the personality and the eating habits of this legendary entertainer.
For the second year in a row, the Coney Island Variety Show will host Clownvis Presley, the only Elvis impersonating clown who’s appeared on America’s Got Talent. Expect giveaways and prizes from the Schmaltz Brewing Company and Norton Records. Featured performers: Aerialist: Rebekah Burke Juggler: Kyle Petersen Fire Eater: Insectavora The Elvis impersonating clown: Clownvis Presley

With special Elvis séance by star of the off Broadway hit ‘Spook Show’: Cardone
Hosted by that zany duo you all know and love, Adam RealMan and Kryssy Kocktail.

CONEY ISLAND VARIETY SHOW!
TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY!
American Heroes Tour
Wednesday, august 15 2012
9pm
$10 in advance or at the door
click here to purchase tickets in advance.
At sideshows by the seashore
1208 surf ave.

Coney Events: New York City's Got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 21:32:00 +0000

(Image courtesy of Luna Park)

Casting Call direct from the Luna Park website in Coney Island!

Do you think you have what it takes
to be titled the best performer in New York City?

New York City's Got Talent

Luna Park has some great, FREE concert events coming up. Check them out:

New York City's Got Talent - August 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 5pm - 9pm

Watch Brooklyn's best talent acts compete for the chance to perform live in Luna Park's End of Summer Concert with Z100. In between acts, dance to the wild sounds of DJ Solo from Platinum DJ's.

End of Summer Concert - August 24th from 6pm - 10pm

Come out to Luna Park's summer blow-out party, hosted by New York's hit music station Z100. The winner of New York City's Got Talent will start the party for Z100.

Luna Park in Coney Island is on a search to find New York City’s next GREAT act. If you think your act is the best in New York, then we want to see your video!! We are looking for all different kinds of acts.

Entries will be viewed by our judges and only ten will be chosen to perform in Luna Park on August 3^rd

Luna Park and Z100 presents 2012 End of the Summer Concert.

Stop by West 10th Street from 6:00pm until 10:00pm This concert will be one to go down in Coney Island History!!

If you are interested in performing, please submit a video with
your name, act and city to events@caiparks.com before July 30, 2012.

Luna Park and Z100 Talent Contest Concert
August 3rd, 10th, and 17th 2012

West 10th St

6pm to 10pm

Coney Island

Coney Events: 3rd Annual Coney Island Talent Show

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:33:00 +0000

(Courtesy of Coney Island Talent Show website)

It's going to be a spectacle of sunshine and lollipops on the boardwalk Today at 3pm see a variety of acts demonstrate their talent and preform for prizes. It's the 3rd Annual Coney Island Talent Show presented by Thirsty Girl Productions.

From Coney Island Talent Show website:

The Coney Island Talent now in its third year has proven to be an event true to Coney Island’s nature and intent. It has brought in packed crowds each years and hours of entertainment for the young and the old. We are very excited to embark on our Third Annual event and look forward to working with all the Coney Island businesses in 2012!

Join Hostess The World Famous *BOB* and the fanfare of legendary talent that has come out of Coney Island, by being a part of the Third Annual Coney Island Talent Show on the boardwalk (between 10th and 12th street) on July 28th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Categories for this year’s talent contest are:

Creative kids 9-12 years old

Creative kids 13-17 years old

Circus Freaks and Sideshow Geeks

Song and Dance

Best Drag Performance

or Celebrity Impersonator

1st Prize in each category will receive a cash prize of $250, and day passes to participating Coney Island Amusements

2nd Prize in each category will receive a cash prize of $100, and day passes to participating Coney Island Amusements

3rd Prize in each category will a cash prize of $50, and tickets to participating Coney Island Amusements.

The Best Dressed person in each category will receive a special mystery prize.

This years celebrity judges include Dick Zigun , Julie Atas Muz, Broadway Brassy, Dirty Martini and Sequoia Harrison!

3rd Annual Coney Island Talent Show

Saturday, July 28th 2012

3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m

FREE!

On the boardwalk between 10th and 12th street

Coney Island

Coney Events: Coney Island Variety Show By Adam RealMan

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:08:00 +0000

(Image from the Coney Island USA website)

Adam RealMan will be presenting his Coney Island Variety Show on the Sideshows by the Seashore stage every third Wednesday of each month.

The Coney Island USA website says:

This fast paced vaudevillian romp showcases the best of New York’s variety artists. Each show promises a healthy dose of sideshow, magic, comedy, circus arts, storytelling, unusual acts and zany feats.

They will be fantastic giveaways and a few prizes from the folks at both the Schmaltz Brewing Company and Norton Records.

Featured performers for the July 18 show: Synchronized Swimmers: The Good To Go Girls, Award Winning Storyteller: Peter Aguero, Hula Hoop Sensation: Pinkie Special, Strongman: Chris Schoeck. (Chris will attempt to break the worlds record for ripping decks of cards in half) Also Magician and Star of the off Broadway hit "Spook Show": Cardone

Hosted by that daring duo you all know and love, Adam RealMan and Kryssy Kocktail.

Coney Island Variety Show!

Wednesday, July 18th

9pm

$10 In advance or at the door.

Click here to purchase tickets in advance.

Sideshows By The Seashore

1208 Surf Ave.

Coney Island, New York

Coney Vid: Bus Driver Steven St. Bernard Save Little Girl's Life

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Bus driver in Coney Island saves a little from a three story fall and is being hailed a hero today. Steven St. Bernard saw little girl dancing atop an air conditioner three stories high and ran to save her as she fell on his shoulders.

Steven St. Bernard, NYC Bus Driver Hailed A Hero

Posted by wiseuppeopletv [YouTube]

Coney Events: Circus Sideshow Open Daily

noreply@blogger.com (Omar Robau) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:25:00 +0000

[Image from the Coney Island USA website]

The cultural arts center in Coney Island marches on with their ten-in-one circus sideshow at Sideshow By The Seashore. Part of Coney Island USA. They’re here, they’re real and they’re all alive! Alive on the inside. The freaky and amazing curiosities are performed daily and include a wide variety of zany characters; Insectavora, Serpentina, Ray Valenz, Scott Baker, Illustrated Penguin, Betty Bloomerz, Princess Pat, Baron Von Geiger, Alejandro Dubois, John Mendez, and Alfonso Cruz

Coney Island Circus Sideshow
Open Daily
1 pm to 8pm (Last ticket sold at 7pm)
TICKETS $10 for adults, $5 for kids (under 12)
Sideshow By The Seashore
1208 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, New York