A Walking Tour of the Once Fabulous Coney Island Midway

Step right up, on Saturday September 14th,for the greatest show along the midway. Join noted theatre historian Cezar Del Valle for a walking tour of the sites and remains of Coney Island's colorful theatrical past.. The walk ends at the sideshow where tour-goers are promised a special treat.

Step right up, on Saturday September 14th, for the Greatest Show along the Midway! Join noted theatre historian Cezar Del Valle for a stroll along Coney Islands show biz past.

During its fabulous heyday, Coney Island was more than just rides, sideshows and amusement arcades, it was home to numerous cabarets, variety halls and movie shows. Along the Bowery midway, one could listen to Ragtime Jimmy" (Durante) tickle the ivories, order from singing waiter Eddie Cantor, or catch the Jolson Brothers at Hendersons. Watch out, however, for that bouncer at the College Inn, a Brooklyn tough by the name of Alphonse Capone.

The resorts colorful theatrical past will come alive as Del Valle leads tour-goers past the sites and remains of vaudeville stages and movie houses. The walk ending at the last 10-in-1" sideshow in America where proprietor Dick Zigun promises a special treat.

The tour begins in front of the Shore theatre at noon. Take the F, Q or W subway lines to the last stop at Stillwell Avenue where you will see the theatre with its vertical sign.

This walk is sponsored by the non-profit Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment (BCUE). For additional information, please call them at 718-788-8500 Ext. 208 or visit www.bcue.org.

Fees for all BCUE walks : $8.00 non-members, $6.00 members, $5.00 seniors and students with ID.