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Coney Island Gets More Freaks, Money for Boardwalk
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 2, 2009
Modified Apr 2, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 2, 2009
Modified Apr 2, 2009
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It's on! John Strong's freak show is officially headed East to set up shop on Coney Island this summer, just blocks from Dick Zigun's Coney Island Circus Sideshow. A press release announces that this summer visitors to the area will be greeted by more than 25 fun-filled rides and dozens of circus freaks, courtesy of John Strong’s Shows, allegedly the largest collection of oddities and freaks in all of America. Did we mention his entourage includes a 17-inch horse named Tiny?
President of Thor Equities, Joe Sitt, declared, “Amusements and circus freaks form the backbone of Coney Island’s unique and wonderful history, and this summer, the people’s playground will be chock full of the rides, oddities and games that make Coney Island what it is. But beyond the fun and games, Thor’s summer plans will also put hundreds of people to work and give New Yorkers a low-priced option for family fun." One of those being put to work is Anthony Raffaele, a 30-year veteran of Coney Island, who will operate the new rides (like the Himalaya and Flying Bobsled) under his company, Dreamland Park Amusements. But while Joe Sitt is patting himself on the back about the jobs being created, he seems to blissfully ignore all of the jobs lost when he killed Astroland.
Sitt also neglected to mention the other backbone of Coney Island, the boardwalk—which Marty Markowitz was trying to save by lobbying for some stimulus money. The Daily News is now reporting that dreams do come true, "Mayor Bloomberg has come up with $15 million to help rebuild parts of the crumbling Boardwalk of Shame, thanks to an infusion of federal stimulus money to the city." However, that sort of money will only fix 15 of the 42 blocks.
Tagged
boardwalk
coney island
Freak Show
joe sitt
John Strong
rides
stimulus
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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