[NYguy]

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article...TATE/130329931

Coney Island scores biggest opening in years
Large crowds drawn from far and wide put a strain on supplies of Sandy-themed gear including t-shirts,
one with a mermaid holding back a tidal wave and another reading "Keep Calm and Coney On."





By Matt Chaban
March 25, 2013

Almost five months to the day after Superstorm Sandy surged through Coney Island, shrieks of terror were replaced by shrieks of delight as the area's famous amusement parks opened on schedule on Palm Sunday. Many business owners and operators along the boardwalk said it was, many times over, the best opening day in memory.

It was a tough act to pull off. Only after 146-days of round-the-clock work were the operators able to come back, many of them working up to the very last minute to open on schedule. Still, many rides and attractions were destroyed, with some remaining to be replaced, and most every operator having to pay out of pocket to do so.

"The energy is just incredible," said Diana Carlin, owner of the tiny Lola Star boutique next to Nathan's on the boardwalk. She said she was not expecting such a large turnout and had been selling out of much of her merchandise. Especially popular was Sandy-themed gear, including a red-and-white T-shirt that read "Keep Calm and Coney On," and a new design depicting a mermaid holding back a tidal wave from smashing into the rides.

Sharon Johns was wandering the famed boardwalk with her husband and son. A teacher from Little Rock, Ark. on spring break, Ms. Johns had come to New York to visit her husband, who works for FEMA. They had a lot of work to do, and they still have a lot of work to do, so I'm surprised they're open," Ms. Johns said of all the Coney operators. "It's definitely impressive. And the hot dogs are amazing."

The boardwalk was nearly full, not only with revelers but also the usual crowd of joggers and dog walkers and Russian immigrants wandering by from nearby Brighton Beach. Almost everyone had a small purple "W" Sharpied onto their hands, a sign they had taken their free ride on the Wonder Wheel. Many visitors carried with them palm fronds—having come straight from church.