Remember the Summer of Hope proclaimed back in May by Thor Equities as this summer’s Coney theme with rides occupying property on which the developer had demolished attractions in the winter of 2006-07? As it turns out, it would appear that “summer” is ending early. Regulars on the Coney Island Message Board have been reporting that some rides are being dismantled this week and saying that the amusement operator is reporting that all will be gone within a week or two, with some bound for a fair in Tennessee. Here’s a refresher on the “Summer of Hope,” which was much hyped:

“Nowhere in the world has a richer tradition of electrifying rides, mind-bending sideshows and fun-for-the-whole-family games than Coney Island,” said Joseph J. Sitt, President of Thor Equities. “Thor is fully committed to the amusement industry in Coney, and from the Ring of Fire to the world’s smallest woman, we’re sure the Summer of Hope will be a Summer to remember for the hundreds of thousands of thrill-seekers who will crowd into Coney Island from Memorial Day to Labor Day.”…Rides that will operate in “Dreamland” all summer include: Majestic Himalaya, Ring of Fire, Spin Out, Giant Gondola, Wacky Worm, Zipper, Mind Scrambler, Bumper Cars, Mini Himalaya, Mini Jet 6, and a Carousel. A petting zoo will also be located inside “Dreamland.” Sideshow attractions the will alternate throughout the summer include: The World’s Smallest Horse, the World’s Largest Alligator, the 100-lb. rat and the World’s Smallest Woman.

The sideshow attractions never showed and the petting zoo left in early June. Per Tricia on the CI Message Board:

Update from Thor’s disintegrating “amusement park”….Two additional rides are being torn down as I post this. The Giant Slide and a kiddie ride. The Himalaya is loaded on its trailer and just about ready to pull out. Goodbye, Joey Coney Island! Hello, Bedford County Fair in Tennessee! Geren’s guys [the amusement operator] say the rest of the rides will be leaving next Monday or the following week.

Summer of Hope, we hardly knew ye.