Empire State Review Team 
New York City — Coney Island welcomed the summer season with its annual fireworks display on Tuesday night, drawing thousands of visitors to the iconic boardwalk. The event, organized by the Alliance for Coney Island, marked the official opening of the beach and amusement park for the summer.
The festivities included live music, food vendors, and the unveiling of new rides at Luna Park, including a state-of-the-art roller coaster named “The Cyclone 2.0.” The fireworks display, synchronized to a playlist of classic and contemporary hits, lit up the night sky to the delight of spectators.
“This is what summer in New York is all about,” said local resident Maria Lopez. “Coney Island brings people together like nowhere else.”
Local businesses, which depend heavily on the summer tourism season, are optimistic about a strong turnout this year. Recent renovations to the boardwalk and improved subway access have made the area more attractive to visitors.
City officials emphasized the importance of safety, with additional NYPD officers and lifeguards stationed throughout the area. “We want everyone to have a fun and safe summer,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
