Honor Coney Island Parade

2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and support events of significance which contribute to the entertainment and vitality of the communities they serve and which exemplify the history and development of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Coney Island USA upon the occasion of hosting its 36th Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 16, 2018; and WHEREAS, Coney Island USA is a not for profit arts organization which defends the honor of American pop culture through innovative exhibitions and performances; and WHEREAS, The Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the nation and one of New York City's greatest summer events; and WHEREAS, A celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside, the Mermaid Parade showcases more than 3,000 creative individuals from all over the five boroughs and beyond, opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride; and WHEREAS, The parade highlights Coney Island Pageantry based on a century of many Coney parades, celebrates the artistic vision of the masses, and ensures that the summer season is a success by bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area in a single day; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1983, the Mermaid Parade brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune; it also creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as entertainment, and it allows artistic New Yorkers to find self-expression in public; and WHEREAS, An American version of the summer solstice celebration, the Mermaid Parade takes pride of place with West African Water Festivals and Ancient Greek and Roman street theater; it features participants dressed in hand-made costumes based on set themes and categories; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those organizations that have brought entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Coney Island USA upon the occasion of hosting its 36th Annual Mermaid Parade on June 16, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Coney Island USA.