What a sparkling reception!
Coney Island’s historic Cyclone roller coaster officially reopened for its 99th season Sunday morning – complete with its annual “egg cream christening” tradition.
“For 99 years, the cyclone has another ride,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso at a Sunday morning ceremony for the landmarked Big Apple institution, which is one of the only surviving wood-track coasters in the nation.
“Brooklyn: let’s get it,” he added as he christened the ride with a bottle of egg cream.
The quirky celebration, held for the Surf Avenue amusement ride since the 1950s, also marks a major milestone for the rickety coaster – a countdown to its 100th birthday in 2027, Luna Park CEO Alessandro Zamperla told The Post.
The first 99 guests on Sunday got to ride the Cyclone and receive an egg cream free-of-charge.
Discounted $40 unlimited ride wristbands will also be available all weekend, with some proceeds slated to benefit the Coney Island Sharks youth football team, the Coney Island Public Library and nonprofit Children of Promise.
Moments before the Cyclone was christened, the 41st annual Blessing of the Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park took place on the other side of the boardwalk, with a ceremony led by Pastor Mary Smith of Coney Island’s Salt & Sea Mission.
The first 106 Ferris wheel riders were also set to get to ride for free in honor of the attraction’s 106th birthday, reps said.
Luckily, Coney Island thrill-seekers aren’t just living on a prayer to ride safely – the city’s Department of Buildings inspects each ride at least twice a year, officials told The Post ahead of the opening weekend.
“We inspect every single ride to make sure they are running safely and according to City Code,” a DOB rep said. “If we do not think a ride is safe, we aren’t going to allow New Yorkers on it.”
The cyclone is also inspected each season by Luna Park’s in-house “master carpenters,” Zamperla said in an exclusive interview with The Post last week.
Though nearly 90% of the track has been refurbished since 2011, efforts remain to preserve its old school charm, he added — including keeping the ride’s manual brakes.
“It’s obviously a great attention to detail,” he said.
“You can keep it original and authentic, and still keep improving the experience.”
