Coney Island at Night

Coney Island is one of the hardest hit areas by hurricane Sandy. The landmark amusement area and boardwalk in Brooklyn has reopened last Spring, and here are some snapshots taken after sundown.

Luna Park At Coney Island, Brooklyn

Luna Park is an amusement park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, a second incarnation of the original park that existed from 1903-1944. It opened over a year ago on the former site of the nearby Astroland amusement park. Luna Park features mostly off-the-shelf spinning rides, including Air Race (riders pilot their own planes around "control tower", Electro Spin (combination of spinning ride and coaster), Eclipse (pendulum ride), Lunar Express (family roller coaster). It als o features the Scream Zone, the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel (ferris wheel) and Spook-A-Rama.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, A New York Independence Day Tradition

A colorful tradition of Independence Day in New York City, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual international competitive eating competition. It is held every July 4th at Nathan's Famous Corporation's original and best-known restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island in Brooklyn. This year, four-time defending champion, American Joey Chestnut won again by consuming 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. For the first time, the women's division was also held, and Virginia native Sonya Thomas who downed 40 hot dogs won. Both winners took home $10,000 each and the coveted mustard-yellow belt for Chestnut, and a pink belt for Thomas. The contest was televised live on ESPN. 

2011 Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Marking the unofficial start of summer on Coney Island in Brooklyn is the annual  Mermaid Parade that took place earlier this afternoon. I made these images of some of the colorful and outrageous costumes at the parade that pays homage to Coney Island's Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954. 

From the Mermaid Parade website:

About The Mermaid Parade

A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events. The parade is proud to have some incredible sponsors. Click here for answers to common questions.

Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the not-for-profit arts organization that also produces the Coney island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade pays homage to Coney Island's forgotten Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954, and draws from a host of other sources resulting in a wonderful and wacky event that is unique to Coney Island. The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression. The Parade is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, as well as antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and the odd yacht pulled on flatbed.

Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings, riding in the Parade and assisting in the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season by marching down the Beach from the Boardwalk, cutting through Ribbons representing the seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. In the past, David Byrne, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses.

The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, enjoy cocktails and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City's hottest performers.