September 4, 2009

Coney old and new: Warriors, Dreamland and a bell

Well yes, Coney Island did promise you a roller coaster ride. Here’s the latest news:

Tonight’s the final free Friday Fireworks on the Boardwalk. Update: There’s also a special Sunday night fireworks show this weekend.

Dreamland, the now-it’s-open, now-it’s-closed amusement park, hopes to reopen this evening, NY1 is reporting.

If not, there are full-moon rides on the Cyclone roller coaster tonight.

Last weekend, “The Warriors” 30th year reunion party was held at Coney Island USA. Check out the excellent photo gallery of very happy cast members who showed up for the sold-out event.

This Saturday, the cult movie’s anniversary again will be celebrated at Lola Staar’s Dreamland Roller Rink.

Yesterday, divers retrieved a 500-pound bell from the waters off Coney Island. It’s a memento from the park’s heyday, as it disappeared into the water during a massive 1911 fire that destroyed the old Dreamland Park.

Lastly, Playbill reports that tickets go on sale in October in London for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Love Never Dies,” the “Phantom of the Opera,” sequel. The connection? The story is set in Coney Island, circa 1907.

See the Coney Island calendar for more events and the free, downloadable Coney Island History Project audio walking tour.

Image source: Lola Staar’s Dreamland Roller Rink

September 4, 2009 2:59 PM in Cheap Stuff, History, Kids, Out of Manhattan, Sightsology

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