Coney Island reopens to fanfare and continued post-Sandy concern
Coney Island’s amusements re-opened this past weekend, not just for the season but in the wake of significant damage caused, last October, when Hurricane Sandy made landfall.
With the sun beaming brightly overhead, “This opening was one of the best,” noted Dennis Vourderis, the co-owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, a Coney classic which reopened on Sunday, March 24, as did three-year-old Luna Park and the Cyclone. It followed by one day a Coney first, as the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held a qualifying event right where the main event will be held on July 4.
“There is no better way to show our commitment to Coney Island and all its businesses, residents and fans than to kick off the summer season with a great event on the boardwalk,” said Wayne Norbitz, president and COO of Nathan’s.