By Steffen Klenk
The stars were shining at Steel Pier last Thursday, June 29, as Atlantic City’s iconic amusement park celebrated its 125th anniversary. Last week’s celebrations were held opposite the famous wheel and featured several regional celebrities and dignitaries. The Catanoso family was honored by Mayor Marty Small Sr., members of the City Council, and the local State Assembly delegation.
Vicki Gold Levi, author, curator, historian, and consultant for the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire, made an appearance, along with Atlantic City’s Singing Lifeguard Jim Craine, who performed a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Steel Pier first opened on June 18, 1898. Once dubbed the Showplace of the Nation, the seaside attraction has hosted legendary musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Al Jolson, and John Philip Sousa. Former attractions formerly included such acts as the diving horse, the Human Cannonball and diving bell. Today, guests can enjoy such rides as the sling shot, helicopter tours, and observation wheel, with spectacular views of the surrounding skyline.
A pair of new roller coasters are set to debut in the coming years. The pier is teaming up with manufacturer Premier Rides to construct a new spinning Wild Mouse, set to debut in 2024, in addition to a Sky Rocket II, coming in 2025. To learn more about Atlantic City’s Oldest Theme Park, or to purchase tickets, visit www.steelpier.com.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
