Coney Island's USA Spring Gala to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Mermaid Parade

The Host Committee for the Coney Island USA Spring Gala is being co-chaired by acclaimed film director Darren Aronofsky (BLACK SWAN, The Wrestler, The Fountain and Requiem For A Dream) and Senior Vice President of George Arzt Communications, Jane Crotty.

The Spring Gala has become one of those can't miss events of the year. Featuring performances from the cast of the legendary Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Aerialists, Fire Dancing, Burlesque, Go-Go Dancers, Magic, Juggling, a Laser Show, Live Body Painting and Hosted by Adam The First Real Man and *World Famous Bob*, the Spring Gala is the one time a year Coney Island brings all of its wonder and entertainment into Manhattan. This year the Gala will be full of Mermaids and Mermen as many guests arrive to the Gala in costume. Others just dress that way normally. 

Each year the Mermaid Parade has a King and Queen to lead the procession. Past Royalty have included Harvey Keitel, Queen Latifah, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, David Byrne, Moby, Karen Duffy, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa and David Johansen. Already confirmed for this year's Gala celebration are former Mermaid Parade Kings and Queens Joe Franklin, Phoebe Legere, Alison Gordy, Fred Kahl, *World Famous Bob* and more to be announced. The parade consistently draws over half-a-million people to Coney Island and is the one event of the year where glitter counts as clothing.
 
All proceeds of the Spring Gala go directly towards funding Coney Island USA's innovative arts programming such as Sideshows by the Seashore, The Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach, the Coney Island Film Festival and the Mermaid Parade. Tickets are $250 for VIP, $100 for supporter and $60 for general admission and may be purchased at www.coneyisland.com.

Who: Coney Island USA
What: Annual Spring Fundraising Gala
Where: Webster Hall (125 E 11th Street)
When: 7pm - 11pm
Why: Raise funds for and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Mermaid Parade

ABOUT: Coney Island USA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation based in the amusement park area of the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. In existence since 1980, Coney Island USA has developed and produces a number of different programs including some of New York City's best-loved summer programming, such as the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach and the Coney Island Film Festival. 

INFO:  Gala tickets / Donations For Auction, contact Tim Pendrell at (402) 707-4568 or tim@coneyisland.com