Coney Island's Back In Business

Sunday marks the opening of the Coney Island's amusement area including the Cyclone roller coaster, Luna Park, and Deno's Wonder Wheel. 

On Saturday, the day before the official opening, Nathan's will host a hot dog eating contest. 

Ken Hochman, spokesperson for the Alliance for Coney Island, said Superstorm Sandy caused millions of dollars of damage, but the boardwalk and most rides were still structurally sound after the storm.

"They don't build them like this any more," he said, "The Wonder Wheel that was built in 1920 is made out of US Bethlehem steel and has withstood everything that nearly a hundred years has thrown at it with a perfect safety record."

Valerio Ferrari, president of Luna Park, expects 2013 to be a fantastic season. But he added it's been a lot of work to keep everything on schedule.

"The last couple of months we've been working 7 days a week," he said, "We have several millions of dollars with of damage, mainly electrical."

Borough President Marty Markowitz will be on hand to cut the ribbon and perform the blessing of the rides.