Coney Island's Cyclone Roller Coaster To Open Sunday

Brooklyn, NY − Coney Island's world-famous Cyclone roller coaster will kick off its 2009 season Sunday, April 5. The first 100 people in line on Sunday will be treated to a free ride on the roller coaster.

A team of fourteen have been polishing track, painting cars and performing maintenance to ready the historic wooden coaster for its traditional Palm Sunday opening.

The opening festivities begin at 12 Noon with Miss Cyclone and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz breaking a bottle of authentic Brooklyn chocolate egg cream against the coaster's lead car.

New York City's legendary street brass party band, The Hungry March Band will also perform to make the party complete.

The Cyclone roller coaster opened on June 26, 1927. The 2009 season will be its 82nd year of operation.

Adjacent Astroland amusement park will remain closed for 2009, but the Cyclone roller coaster will continue to be operated by Astroland owner Carol Hill Albert.

"Astroland is in storage for the time being," said Mrs. Albert, who added "but everyone in Coney Island is working hard to make sure that this summer is an enjoyable one. Keep in mind, we have a beautiful beach in Coney Island, and the beach is free."

For more information about the Coney Island Cyclone, visit www.coneyislandcyclone.com

Related see: Cyclone, Cyclone Roller Coaster Pictures