Senate Resolution No. 5831

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Coney Island USA upon the occasion of
hosting its 36th Annual Mermaid Parade on June 16,
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.