It’s a tradition 97 years in the making — taking an egg cream and breaking it into the Brooklyn Cyclone to celebrate its opening for the season.

Luna Park’s rides opened up Sunday to visitors for the spring. Pam Saxelby brought her granddaughters from Park Slope.

“It’s just really fun because it’s nice for them to smile,” Saxelby said.

What You Need To Know

  • After being postponed Saturday due to weather, Luna Park officially opened for the season Sunday and many New Yorkers braved the cold to take part

  • To celebrate 97 years in operation, the first 97 people to ride the Brooklyn Cyclone Sunday rode for free and got a free egg cream 

  • Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso broke an egg cream into the Brooklyn Cyclone to mark the beginning of the season
  • People at came from both the city and other parts of the country, including Chicago

The Tumpanes were visiting from Chicago and were some of the first people at the Park.

Owen Tumpane said he thinks the best part of Coney Island is, “the rides and being so close to the ocean.”

Officials also gathered at the park along the iconic boardwalk for opening day.

“I’m just so happy to be here to celebrate all of Brooklyn, all of New York City. Please come out,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.

Officials said Coney Island is all about innovation and supporting local businesses. The people behind the rides said they have new attractions to bring in even more visitors this year.

“Everybody wanted to get more speed so we are bringing the electric Eden raceway, which is actually a battery-powered go-carts attraction,” Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central International Inc., said.

The Saxelby’s said they’re ready to continue the family tradition of visiting the park and build new traditions as well.

“The fact that this has been here for so many years and all of the generations are still so excited about it,” Saxelby said.