There must be something about the Cyclone that screams out “let’s have a contest.” Is it just the historic ride’s hard-working PR department? Or something about Coney Island’s old-timey, freak-show-wholesome appeal that naturally lends itself to public display? Whichever, we’re smack in the midst of another rollercoaster-runoff: this year’s Mr. Cyclone Contest. There are 21 semi-finalists left (14 Brooklynites), all hoping to become the ride’s next macho mascot. Vote for your favorites online to narrow the field to seven for this Saturday’s live finals.
Who are some of the characters in the running? There’s Brooklyn’s Erik Knapp, a Mermaid Parade medal winner who was first in-line for the Cyclone’s opening day five years in a row. And there’s Paolo Buffagni, an Italy-born Brooklynite who knows something of “great heights and passionate turns” from his time in the opera. These are just a couple of the Cyclone-loving contestants. Read about the rest of them, and vote for your top seven here.
The finalists will compete this Saturday, Aug. 7, at an event hosted by Murray Hill and Miss Cyclone herself, Angie Pontani. There’ll be live music by Breadbasket & the Garden State Surfers, along with DJ Joe Gonzales. Plus “Coney Island Lager Beer Garden, Hot Rods, Vendors & More!” 12 to 3 p.m. at W. 10th St. off Surf Ave. More info here. Free.
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I vote for Peter Ellis who stood up while riding and was killed, in 1988.