Amusement park plans kosher fun for Passover

Broward’s own kosher crusader is doing it again.

For the second year running, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier has organized a day of faith and fun for observant Jews — and everybody else — during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

On April 17, Boomers! amusement park and arcade in Dania Beach will close its concession stands and make room for specially prepared barbecue grills that meet the strict food-preparation requirements of the holiday.

”We are celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people coming out of slavery,” said Andrusier, the religious leader of the Chabad of Southwest Broward. “We don’t have to live like slaves in the kitchen. We can go have fun at Boomers!”

They’ll serve barbecued chicken and hot dogs, potato chips, cans of kosher-for-Passover Coca-Cola and Diet Coke from New York, and Icees.

During the weeklong holiday which this year begins at sundown April 12, Jews must avoid leavened bread, products made from flour, and a long list of other foods, depending on the level of observance. Thus, no bun with those hot dogs on a stick.

An estimated 5,000 people attended last year’s event at Boomers!, Andrusier said.

”The speakers play Jewish music. We take over the whole park,” Andrusier said.

Andrusier successfully pushed to add kosher options at Joe Robbie Stadium, now Dolphins Stadium, and he organized Yidstock, an event that combined concerts and rides for kids.

Last December, Andrusier organized Universal Chanukah at Universal Studios in Orlando. Two restaurants served only kosher food. Some park mascots — Curious George, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Scooby-Doo — helped light the menorah candles.

The idea is to have families — young adults, teenagers, kids and parents — celebrate together in a wholesome, fun environment, Andrusier said.

Visitors from around the state and the globe are slated to attend the event and stay in South Florida hotels.

”Florida is the mecca of Passover vacations,” Andrusier said.

For one admission price, the amusement park’s 622 video and arcade games will be free all day, as will the roller coaster, go-karts, stock-karts, bumper boats, and 200-foot-high Blender, batting cages, laser tag, five miniature golf courses and the park’s other rides.

Games offering prizes will still require tokens.

Newport Beach-based Palace Entertainment, the parent company of Boomers!, tries to work with its visitors, said Rebecca Tortorelli, vice president of marketing.

”We want our guests to be as comfortable as possible and have the best time,” Tortorelli said. “We will do whatever we can to accommodate their special requests.”

Boomers! is at 1700 NW First St., Dania Beach. Call 954-921-1411.