Coney Island USA Launches Fundraising Campaign to Support MERMAID PARADE

Coney Island USA, the non-profit multi-arts organization whose programming includes some of New York City's most unique and beloved events, has announced its "Feed the Mermaids" campaign to help fund the upcoming 35th annual Mermaid Parade, taking place on June 17th. This year's festivities will be presided over by Queen Mermaid Deborah Harry and King Neptune Chris Stein of Blondie.

A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and the official kickoff to summer in New York City. A celebration of the ancient mythology of the summer solstice mixed with seaside honky-tonk rituals, the Mermaid Parade showcases thousands of diverse and creative marchers cheered on by hundreds of thousands of eager fans. People come from all over the five boroughs and beyond, opening the summer season with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit, and community pride.

"What makes the Mermaid Parade so special is the fact that it was invented by artists, but is meant for everyone. It has no ethnic, religious, or commercial aims. It highlights pageantry and the vision of the masses," said Dick D. Zigun, Artistic Director and Mermaid Parade creator. "This parade - and Coney Island itself - is a place where people from all walks of life come together, take part in a little bit of New York history, and can truly be themselves - whatever form that may take."

Donations to the "Feed the Mermaids" campaign will go towards planning and execution of the entire parade, including logistics and security; city permits; insurance; equipment; general supplies; porta potties; tents; truck rentals; and support for the tireless team of 450+ volunteers and staff whose flawless execution brings the parade to life every year. Contributions can be made by texting MERMAID to 71777, or by visiting http://coneyisland.com/feed.

About Coney Island USA:
Coney Island USA - a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization - is dedicated to defending the honor of American popular culture through innovative exhibitions and performances. Presenting and producing exciting new works, our approach is rooted in mass culture and the traditions of P.T. Barnum, dime museums, burlesque, circus sideshows, vaudeville, and Coney Island itself. Preserving and championing a set of uniquely American visual and performing art forms, we seek to create an international forum for cultural preservation and discourse, and where Coney Island represents these impulses, we strive to make it once again a center for live art and entrepreneurial spirit.

Coney Island USA operates out of a landmark building in the heart of Coney Island. We produce and present programming in three unique venues: the Coney Island Museum, Sideshows by the Seashore, and the Shooting Gallery/Arts Annex. Serving both New York City and an international community that includes visitors and enthusiasts of various cultural forms, our signature activities include the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, the Coney Island Film Festival, and new theatrical work.

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