originally posted on 4/28/2025
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.
Clear blue skies set the stage for the Palm Sunday opener and 40th annual Blessing of the Rides, co-hosted by the Alliance for Coney Island and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park (Brooklyn, New York).
The strong spirit of the Coney Island community was on full display, with attendees including representatives from the Coney Island History Project, the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team and Sideshows by the Seashore. Government officials in attendance included New York State Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, Oldga Fiori from the office of State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, New York City Council Member Justin Brannan, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park combines Coney Island’s old-school charm with modern rides such as Phoenix — a recent roller coaster addition to the park, courtesy of Vekoma.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
The event was hosted by Steve Vourderis and Deno “DJ” Vourderis and featured a presentation of the nation’s and state’s colors and a performance of the national anthem by the New York Fire Department’s Ceremonial Unit. Local resident Aneesa Folds gave a musical performance, and Pastor Mary Smith of Coney Island’s Salt & Sea Mission delivered the invocation.
Folds, who voices Cleon on the newly released “Warriors Album,” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, will star this summer in the world premiere of “Co-Founders” at A.C.T. in San Francisco.
A highlight of the annual Blessing of the Rides was the presentation of an ACE honorary membership to Deno “DJ” Vourderis, seen here with ACE honorary members Colleen White and Lee Ann Draud.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Colleen White and Lee Ann Draud with ACE Vice President David Dragun and ACE President Elizabeth Ringas.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the surprise presentation of an honorary ACE membership to DJ Vourderis by ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and Vice President David Dragun, recognizing his unwavering dedication to both the amusement industry and the ACE community.
ACE members were treated to two hours of unlimited rides throughout Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, including the iconic Wonder Wheel. After the festivities, members gathered for a group photo and enjoyed cupcakes in celebration of DJ.
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
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