Coney Island Rides Blessed for Post-Sandy Opening

Coney Island had its amusement rides blessed Sunday for the season opening five months after Hurricane Sandy. 
 
The October storm destroyed homes and businesses, and damaged rides. Sandy flooded the electrical equipment of Deno's Wonder Wheel, at a cost of close to a half million dollars.  
 
Valerio Ferrari, president of the company that operates Luna Park, says the beachfront community has been "to hell and back.''
 
On Sunday morning, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz helped open the attractions with the 29th annual blessing of the rides.
 
The Cyclone Rollercoaster got an "egg cream christening.''

Some local groups protested the opening, saying there should be more focus on the neighborhood's residents and businesses who are still struggling to recover from the storm.

"Although the amusement park is running, still a lot of people are in the dark, using generators," said protester Aida Leon.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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