24 JULY 14 - JULY 20, 2017 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP
The Coney Island Circus Sideshow is a popular attraction at the
venue.
Coney Island USA
boasts over 30 years of
programming in Coney
BY JONATHAN SPERLING
EDITORIALBROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
There’s nothing more Coney
Island than Coney Island USA.
Since 1980, the non-profi t arts
organization has played a massive part
in revitalizing America’s Playground,
as well as providing programming
that has become integral to summers
in Coney.
Dick Zigun, Coney Island USA’s
founder and artistic director, recalls
that the idea behind Coney Island
USA came about not too long a er he
moved to New York City in the 1970s.
“The purpose of Coney Island USA is
to defend the honor of American popular
culture with innovative exhibits
and performances,” explains Zigun,
who holds a Master of Fine Arts from
the Yale School of Drama.
“Our mission also goes beyond Coney
island to vaudeville and burlesque
and popular culture in general," he
added. "We certainly relate to Coney
Island but go beyond just that narrow
focus.”
The organization forever le its
mark in Coney Island history by creating
the now-legendary Mermaid
Parade in 1983. For more than 30
years, the summer staple has invited
celebrants to express themselves with
themed costumes, motorized fl oats
and makeup.
According to Zigun, the Mermaid
Parade caused Coney Island USA to
become a full-time presence in the
nabe in 1985 and continues to attract
some 3,000 artists and hundreds of
thousands of spectators each year.
“For me it’s an honor to have made
up a New York City holiday. Not many
people get to do that in their lifetime,”
says Zigun.
Also popular is the organization’s
Coney Island Circus Sideshow, which
draws approximately 50,000 visitors a
year (daily through September 4 then
September 15-17 and 22-24; $10, adults;
$5, children). The 45-minute sideshow
harkens back to the early days of
American theater and burlesque and
features 10 live acts from professional
performers.
Other entertainment options presented
by the organization include
Burlesque at the Beach, taking place
at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
evenings through September 16 ($15,
except Friday, September 15 when cost
is $25; 18 and up to enter); and Magic
at Coney, which takes place Sundays
at noon, year-round ($10, adults; $5,
children).
There's also a museum featuring
artifacts from Coney's history, with
a permanent collection as well as
changing exhibitions. The current
special exhibition is "Five Cents to
Dreamland: A Visit to Coney Island."
Adult admission is $5; children get in
for $3. Hours through Labor Day are
Wednesday through Saturday, noon-6
p.m., Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Between Labor
Day and mid-June, the museum is open
from noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 2-6
p.m. on Sundays.
For more information about Coney
Island USA programs, visit www.coneyisland.
com.
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