Coney Island restaurant in Aspen Park, Colorado in July 2005. Serving hot dogs (of course), hamburgers, ice cream and more. Aspen Park is not "Aspen," Colo.
Rick & Wendy's cousins enjoying the fine outdoor cuisine in the bright July (2005) sun. Aspen Park is in the foothills, southwest of Denver.
Several miles toward Denver from Aspen Park, at Tiny Town, is the tiny version of Coney Island, on the right side of the railroad tracks.
The bun's bum. The not so flattering view of the 34 ft bun holding a 42 ft hot dog!
Saturday, March 18th, 2006, Coney Island is loaded onto a truck and hits the road, bound for Bailey, Colo., about 20 miles deeper into the mountains.
This is the Coney Island Run -- a hastily arranged drive to witness (and participate in) the move of the famous hot dog buiding. The MINIs surrounded and gave chase to the famous hot dog. We might even be on The History Channel!
This is one fast dog! We pulled over and let the dog go by as we snapped a few quick photos. This is the 3rd move in 36 years.
Go dog go! The first location was on West Colfax, in Denver in 1966. The dog was brought to Aspen Park in 1970.
Hot dog on a "tray"-lor, on its way to a new home in Bailey.
Heading west (actually south on Highway 285). There is a 900 ft elevation drop during the last two miles to Bailey.
The hot dog, as it makes its way further down the road. Photo by David Bierbaumer.
Even from far, the hot dog looks still looks super-sized. Photo by David Bierbaumer.
It's not all downhill to Bailey. Photo by David Bierbaumer.
Coney Island trucking along Highway 285. Photo by David Bierbaumer.
Coney Island arrives in Bailey, Colo. Located about 1/2 mile from the center of Bailey, along the South Fork of the South Platte River.
The intrepid MINI drivers ready to take a closer look.
The dog arrives at its new Bailey home.
Getting the dog into position.
Local, Denver and The History Channel media were on hand. This is big news!
Can't wait until those doors are opened, sometime around June 1st, 2006.
Wendy takes a closer look.
The back side of the giant bun.
The property deal was closed only one day before the move. This is the original Coney Island sign (see the first photo).
Getting the truck ready for the lift.
The grand opening is expected within a month or so. I could swear that the smell of hot dogs, hamburgers and fries was in the air.
Looks like this building has been tagged with a MINI5280.org business card. (Rick?)
One of the two new owners, Ron Aigner (center) of this historically registered building.
Relish, mustard, wienie and a little plaster.
The rear of the building has seen better days.
Just a little bit of wear and tear.
Not bad for a 35 year old building, right?
The onlookers having a good time on this sunny, almost Spring day.
Getting the crane in position for the 34 ft long bun with its 42 ft long weenie.
About to lift the 14 ton hot dog.
The hot dog rests on an iron structure.
Hot dog on the brain.
Up, off the hot dog tray-lor.
The flying hot dog.
The tray-lor moves out from under the dog.
Lowering 14 tons of hot dog to the ground.
The temporary location, until the foundation is ready.
And the crowd goes wild!
This hot dog is on a bed of Kentucky Blue Grass.
The rear view. The hot dog will be turned around and placed on a foundation near an existing building, showing its good side later.
Coney Island in the mountains of Colorado.
The grounded dog.
