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The Coney Island boardwalk had a triumphant reopening this past Sunday as thousands of people swarmed the beloved rides and reveled in some pre-summer fun. Despite this positive step towards recovery, many Coney residents aren’t joining in the joy. Still hurting from the devastating destruction left by Superstorm Sandy, protesters demanding action were seen alongside park revelers.

According to a report by Crain’s, the reopening of Coney Island’s boardwalk and rides was a smash success and one of the biggest openings in the park’s history. The usual gaggle of Russian immigrants, dog walkers and joggers navigated a deluge of thrill-seeking roller-coaster lovers, filling the boardwalk with energy and happiness.

“Normally Palm Sunday is a day for the locals and the diehards, but we had people here from all over,” Wonder Wheel operator Steve Vouderis told Crain’s. “It feels good to be back.”

Despite all the revelry and enthusiasm expressed over the return of the rides, Coney Island’s amusement business is still not 100 percent. According to a report by the New York Daily News, Coney Island’s famed freak sideshows are still not operational and won’t be expected to return until May.

Workers need two more months to finish repairing the nearly half million dollars worth of damage inside the Coney Island Circus Sideshow theater on Surf. Ave which was under four-feet of water after the Oct. 29th disaster.

It’s the first time in 32 years since the freaks missed their opening day acts.

“We aren’t happy that we aren’t open. But we are exciting about what we are rebuilding,” said Coney Island USA founder Dick Zigun who runs the shows.

Frustration was also felt by the now long-suffering Coney Island residents, with many protesting the slow progress in restoring much needed public facilities like the library and post office and clearing piles of debris.

“We’re in an isolated peninsula here on Coney Island, and we feel that they forgot about us,” a protester told PIX 11.

Local politicians on hand for the festivities surrounding the reopening of Luna Park promised relief but stressed that time is a factor in making sure all the funds from the $60 billion Sandy aid package are distributed properly.

“Its going to take several months, but the good news is, [the bill] is both generous and flexible, and is aimed at helping people from every different walk of life who were hurt by Sandy,” Senator Charles Shumer told PIX 11.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz understood the slow pace of the federal dispersal of the approved funds, but expressed empathy with the protesters.

“I think they’re right actually,” PIX reported Markowitz saying, “but it should go must faster than its been going.”

Coney Island may have been battered by Superstorm Sandy last October, but local business operators are still hoping for a record summer, according to a report by Crain’s.

Optimism for a full rebound of America’s Playground comes in the form of all the money and hard work poured into Coney’s rebuilding following the superstorm’s impact. According to Wonder Wheel owner Dennis Vourderis, the dozens of attractions have been repainted and refurbished, giving the area a fresh new look.

“We’re gonna look as good as the first day we opened,” Vourderis told Crain’s. “Probably better.”

Other signs of encouragement stem from the record number of visitors Coney has drawn in recent years, as well as a desire by New Yorkers to make sure the local landmark remains bright and strong.

Since a contentious redevelopment in 2009, attendance at the amusement park has set new records each summer, peaking at more than 1 million visitors last year, a 50% increase over the 2011 season.

What’s more, this summer Coney Island will have something else going for it, a wave of public support.

“We’ve gotten so much support in the recovery, online, on the streets, in donations, and I just know that support is going to be down here when we’re open, to celebrate,” said Johanna Zaki, director of operations at the Alliance for Coney Island, a newly formed business group.

Despite the enthusiasm for a full Coney comeback, one famed event – the annual Mermaid Parade – might not make it this year:

The future of the famed Mermaid Parade is also in doubt, because its operator may not be able to afford the event. The parade has grown more popular in recent years, reaching more than half-a-million spectators last year, but so has the cost of hosting it.

Coney Island USA, which has a museum and performance space on Surf Avenue, sustained more than $400,000 in damage, said Dick Zigun, who runs the organization and parade and is often considered the “mayor” of Coney. Mr. Zigun is banking on a fundraiser at Webster Hall Sat., March 9, to see him through. “Without that money, we’re going to have to cut back somewhere,” he said. “As it is, unless we get a lot of walk-ups to the party, I’m not sure we’re gonna make it.”

2009 Mermaid Parade - Photo courtesy of Whiskeygonebad via Flickr

Dick Zigun, the Officially Unelected Mayor of Coney Island, will give his annual overview of the current state of affairs in America’s Playground this Sunday, May 30. Zigun is expected to highlight the launch of the New Luna Park, the excitement of the long-anticipated “rebirth” of the amusement area, and the remaining questions about the future of the important historic structures that remain intact in Coney Island’s historic district. The proposal for Peace Talks and New Strategies for Amusements will be put forth. The event takes place at 4:30 p.m. at the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Avenue, between Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street).

The speech comes ahead of the 2010 Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade that ushers in the freak spirit for Coney Island’s summer. This year, legendary musician and Brooklyn native Lou Reed of Velvet Underground will be crowned King Neptune, alongside Queen Mermaid Laurie Anderson – Reed’s wife and fellow musician. The parade takes place on June 19 at 2 p.m. Marching begins on Surf Avenue at West 21st Street.

On Friday, NYC Economic Development Corporation sent out its request for proposals (RFP) for amusement operators on the shiny new land it just bought. Worked into the guidelines is a requirement that all applicants must have attractions in place for the Summer 2010 season on a lot that accounts for roughly half the city-owned land. This guarantees something to see next year, and hopefully it’s better than the dreaded Sitt Sideshow. Continue Reading »