Coney Island USA facts for kids
Landmark building, once a Childs Restaurants branch
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| Established | 1980 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
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| Type | Art, cultural |
| Founder | Costa Mantis, Jane Savitt-Tennen, Dick D. Zigun |
Coney Island USA is a special group that helps art and culture. It was started in 1980. Its main goal is to make the Coney Island area in Brooklyn, New York City a lively and fun place.
The main building for Coney Island USA is right in the middle of Coney Island's fun park area. This building has a theater. Here, they put on a show called "Sideshows by the Seashore." This show features performers with amazing and unusual talents. It runs all the time during the warmer months. The building also has the Coney Island Museum.
The Coney Island Museum shows off items and memories from the amusement park. It also has things about the beach and the neighborhood's history. The museum often changes its art and culture exhibits. It is open during certain times of the year.
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History of Coney Island USA
Coney Island USA was started in 1980. The founders were Costa Mantis, Jane Savitt-Tennen, and Dick D. Zigun. Over the years, many groups have helped support Coney Island USA. These include city departments and local leaders.
In 2025, Coney Island USA joined other local groups. They worked together to speak out against a large casino. This casino was planned for the Coney Island area. Patrick Wall, who leads Coney Island USA, explained their concerns. He said a huge casino might keep people inside. Visitors might not explore the rest of the amusement park. This could mean less business for other local shops and attractions.
Coney Island Film Festival
The Coney Island Film Festival is an event that happens every year. It shows independent films. These are movies made outside of big Hollywood studios. The festival takes place in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It began in 2001. Coney Island USA is the group that puts on this festival.
In 2021, the festival showed 108 films. These movies came from all over the world. News reports have described the festival's movie choices as "fantastic" and "eclectic." Some films highlighted in the past included The Cruel Tale of the Medicine Man and The Longest Friday of the Year. Another film shown was the documentary The Prince of Mermaid Avenue. The festival is known for its fun mix of movies. It often features themes like mermaids and sideshow artists. MovieMaker magazine has called it one of the "Coolest Film Festivals in the World."
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Coney Island USA is also famous for organizing a big annual event. This event is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The very first parade happened in 1983. It is a popular and colorful celebration.
See also
In Spanish: Coney Island USA para niños
