As you may or may not know, April 1 is opening day for Coney Island. While the fact that it falls on April Fool’s Day this year is dripping with irony, we’d simply point out that Coney Island’s current season–from just before Easter through Columbus Day–is one of the longer one’s for a Northeast waterfront spot. Anyway, here are details on the festivities, courtesy of Coney Island USA.

1) Coney Island USA’s 2nd Annual Band Organ Rally comes your way from 12-6PM – Free. For more info, call (718) 372-5159

2) The World Premiere Performance of Save Coney Island, a new song by Coney Island composer Amos Wangler with chorus sung by Coney Island’s Polar Bear Club at 2:30 PM – Free

3) Herman Melville’s The Confidence Man at 5:00PM – Admission $10. Join Trav S.D. and company performing a new adaption of Melville’s epic tribute to the American tradition of swindles, hoaxes, practical jokes and blarney. April 1, 2007 marks the 150th anniversary — to the day — of the publication of Melville’s experimental masterwork, his last novel published during his lifetime. For more info, call (718) 372-5159

4) Denos Wonder Wheel Park brings us the “Blessing of the Rides” at 11AM with live music and a ribbon cutting with Miss Coney Island. Park opens at Noon. For more info call (718) 449-8836

5) Astroland celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the Cyclone and the 40th and final Anniversary of the park starting at 11:30AM. The festivities include the Hungry March Band, Miss Cyclone, Miss Coney Island and Kinky the Clown. First 100 Cyclone riders ride free!!!! For more info, call (718) 265 2100