Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Coney Island History Project to celebrate third annual History Day
By amusementtoday | July 31, 2013
The public is encouraged to celebrate historic Coney Island on Saturday August 10 from 1-6 p.m. by attending the third annual History Day presented by Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park and The Coney Island History Project. The event will be held at the new Dreamland Pedestrian Plaza at West 12th Street.
History Day festivities will include live music by Ragtime and Dixieland by the Banjo Rascals, old timey Organ Grinders, playing hand cranked musical organs from around the world, Magicians, Clowns and the always-amazing Lady Circus. The performances are free to the public and will be held at the Coney Island History Project, the Pedestrian Plaza, and in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Kiddie Park.
Plenty of activities will be available:
•Those who dress in 1920s garb will get one free ride on the Wonder Wheel.
•Visitors can test their Coney Island knowledge at the Coney Island Trivia Contest with historian and author Charles Denson. Prizes will include ride passes for Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park and souvenir postcards.
•Those with a Coney Island story to share are invited to record their memories for the History Project’s Oral History Archive.
A new exhibit on “The History of Deno’s Wonder Wheel: Three Generations” will open on History Day at the Coney Island History Project and continue through October. This exhibit portrays the history of Deno’s Wonder Wheel and the Vourderis family who have owned and operated it for three generations. There will also be a presentation about mechanical street organs and the history of organ grinders by band organ builder and restorer Bob Yorburg at the History Project. Admission to the exhibit center is free of charge as well.
