The city promoted the beach season Thursday as Brooklyn residents count down the days until Coney Island Beach opens.
Parents, children and the young at heart enjoyed good food and music on the boardwalk at the Parks Department's ceremony. Patrons ate Nathan's hot dogs and sweet treats.
"The people, the atmosphere ? it's a great day. You can't beat it," one dad said about the reason his family comes to Coney Island.
Coney Island Beach officially opens for the season Saturday, May 26. It will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.
Related information:The City of New York