Celebrate Coney Island’s history with free events at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park this Saturday
Deno’s Wonder Wheel courtesy of kzoop’s Flickr
While New Yorkers have been celebrating the historic seaside resort all summer long, this weekend the Coney Island History Project is hosting its seventh annual history day. On Saturday, August 5, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can learn about all of the classic rides and attractions of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, take a self-guided tour, and listen to free folksy music. Since it was built in 1920, more than 40 million people have experienced the park’s iconic Wonder Wheel.
Image via Shinya Suzuki’s Flickr
The Coney Island History Project, founded in 2004, is a nonprofit that aims to increase awareness and appreciation for the amusement park’s iconic history. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park features five adult rides and 16 kid rides. The park’s Wonder Wheel, which is Coney Island’s oldest landmark, has 16 gondolas that run down a short track inside of the wheel swinging in and out of it as it comes to the top.
As part of their history day this weekend, the non-profit designed plaques for 17 classic sites in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park. Visitors can pick up a free copy of the brochure and sign up for a self-guided walking tour of the 17 historic rides. Two guided walking tours of the plaques will be led by the Coney Island History Project. These tours are free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot for a guided tour here. If sold out, sign up for a self-guided tour that comes with a free brochure detailing the park’s history by each plaque.
Other free, unique attractions include Grandma’s Predictions, a fortune telling machine built in 1929, a dark ride “Spook-A-Rama,” and the “Moon Rocket” ride from Astroland Park. Entertainers like singer/song writer Jen Houston and DJ Dan Kingman will be performing, as well as special surprise guests. Plus, take free souvenir photos with an original Steeplechase horse and see Coney Island’s oldest artifact, an 1823 Toll House sign. While you’re in Coney Island, be sure to check out Luna Park’s iconic Cyclone coaster, which celebrated its 90th birthday in June.
Find out more information about the Coney Island History Day here.
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