The Cyclone, Coney Island's legendary, rickety wooden roller coaster, is celebrating its 90th birthday with a party at Luna Park this weekend.
On Sunday, June 25th, there will be a birthday event starting at 2 p.m., which will include performances from Fabolous and the Harlem Globetrotters, and feature activities like face painting and photo booths. And, of course there will be cake.
Then on Monday, June 26, at 11 a.m., the roller coaster will be honored in a "formal birthday ceremony" with 90-cent rides offered for 90 minutes, between noon and 1:30 p.m. Feltman's will also be offering 90 hot dogs for free after the birthday ceremony press conference, which will be held in front of the coaster.
The Cyclone, which was built in 1927, was named a NYC landmark in 1988 and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The roller coaster narrowly escaped demolition in 1972 (it was condemned in 1969!) but a successful "Save the Cyclone" campaign prevailed.
The rollercoaster has 2,640 feet of track with 12 drops and 27 elevation changes, including an 85-foot, 60-degree plunge. It can reach a speed of around 60 miles per hour:
"The Cyclone is an integral part of the Luna Park experience, and it is also a piece of New York history," said Valerio Ferrari, president of Central Amusement International and Zamperla USA. "We look forward to welcoming families, visitors and amusement enthusiasts to celebrate with us as we mark this very special milestone."
