Coney Island to welcome 2019 with fireworks, carousel rides

December 20, 2018 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

As this scene from last year shows, the Parachute Jump is a spectacular sight on New Year’s Eve. Eagle file photo by Corazon Aguirre

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Times Square is a legendary place to spend New Year’s Eve, but it isn’t the only location in New York where one can have a great time ringing in 2019.

The Alliance for Coney Island is organizing a blowout New Year’s Eve in Coney Island and is hoping to draw large crowds to the amusement area on Dec. 31.

The outdoor event will feature fireworks, an illuminated Parachute Jump that will count down to New Year, free admission to the B&B Carousel in Luna Park and live music from the band Priceless. Revelers who believe that they can sing as well as Ariana Grande will get the chance to show off their talents at a karaoke event.

“We are excited to once again produce a New Year’s Eve celebration for Coney Island and all of New York City,” said Alexandra Silversmith, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island.

This is the fifth year in a row that the alliance has organized a New Year’s Eve party. The alliance is a not-for-profit, private–public partnership that works with business leaders, Borough President Eric Adams, the City Council and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to revitalize Coney Island.

The Coney Island New Year’s Eve spectacular is different from other celebrations around the city, according to Silversmith. “Unlike other New Year’s Eve events, this NYE celebration is unique in having Brooklyn’s Eiffel Tower as the focal point, along with family friendly activities and Coney Island flair,” she said, referring to the Parachute Jump.

The good times get under way at 9 p.m.

Just before midnight, the Parachute Jump will begin the countdown. When the clock strikes midnight, a dazzling fireworks show will take place in the skies over Steeplechase Plaza.

“There’s nothing that compares to counting down the end of the year by the lights of the world-famous Parachute Jump, and then enjoying fireworks over the beach on our beautiful boardwalk!” Adams said.

In addition to the festivities at the Parachute Jump, Coney Island will be hopping that night in other ways.

The world famous New York Aquarium which will be open until 9 p.m. and the Eldorado Auto Skooter will be welcoming visitors with its fun and fast bumper cars.

“There is no better place to welcome in the New Year than Coney Island,” said Luna Park President Alessandro Zamperla.

Councilmember Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) called Coney Island “the iconic People’s Playground” and said the New Year’s Eve celebration, although only five years old, has become “an already beloved tradition.”

Luna Park and the Red Apple Group are sponsoring the New Year’s Eve celebration in Coney Island. Adams, Treyger and the One Brooklyn Fund also provided funding for the event.

For more information, visit www.AllianceforConeyIsland.org.