The beach opening went off without a hitch. The weather cooperated, unlike last year when it rained on us. I even got to meet the Mayor and he gave me a kazoo! One of the many giveaways was souvenir kazoos donated by Astroland Amusement Park. As Mayor Bloomberg walked in my direction, I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. He shook it and said “Hello. I am going to give you this.” He then handed me a kazoo that someone else had previously given to him. Quite the encounter! Otherwise it was a long day but we got a lot of positive media coverage so I’m happy. Since I subscribe to DirecTV, I don’t get the station NY1 anymore but I was told that I could be seen in one of the shots, with my back to the camera! I also met a guy who works for the Disney Corporate Office in Florida. He was vacationing in NYC and seemed very impressed with Coney Island. Maybe he’ll go back to work and suggest that they invest, ala Times Square. It was also great to have worked with the volleyball teams of Grady and Wingate High School, arranging for them to take part in the event by playing beach volleyball. Those kids and their coaches were thrilled to be there and I was happy to have them. But the best parts were what happened after the formal event ended... an unlimited lunch buffet courtesy of Greg & Paul’s and a ride on the Wonder Wheel. Yay Coney Island!

As is the tradition, the beach opening ceremony is always followed by Memorial Day weekend, which is the perfect time to crash and burn. I intend on doing just that.