This Friday, October 19th at 9pm!
Defending the Honor of American Popular Culture
Coney Island USA News
It is with great sadness that Coney Island USA must announce that we have lost a long time friend and loyal co-worker, Don Ferris. Don died of a heart attack on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
A Coney Island native, Master Carpenter, ride mechanic, and much more, he was involved with CIUSA since the early 1980's and was integral to the remodeling of Coney Island USA, from our expansion into the full Child’s Building in 2007, the reconstruction after Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and continued to work for our improvement until the day he died. Coney Island USA would not be what it is today without Don’s efforts.
After brief stints with the US Military and the NYPD, Don became involved with local amusement work and eventually became a traveling showman working East Coast carnivals from Canada to Texas. In the last decade of his life he worked throughout the neighborhood, building and rebuilding aspects on nearly all properties beloved by Coney Island Fans. He had worked for McCullough’s Kiddie Park on the Bowery, B&B Carousell, was featured in Amy Nicholson’s 2012 documentary “ZIPPER: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride.” And contributed source material to Dick Zigun's play "The Ride Inspector's Nightmare".
Often found at the Freak Bar at the end of a long day, Don was a working class hero with sand in his shoes, exemplifying everything that makes Coney Island the Peoples Playground.
We will miss him dearly and cherish the time he was with us.
Dear Friend,
I'm writing to you today as a fellow lover of Coney Island. Marching in the Mermaid Parade, visiting the Coney Island Museum, watching the world famous Circus Sideshow, enjoying a beer at the Freak Bar—these are just a few of the one-of-a-kind experiences that can only be found in Coney Island.
The staff and volunteers of Coney Island USA are committed to “defending the honor of American popular culture” by preserving the unique history and traditions associated with the People’s Playground, and helping to ensure that the fun continues for generations to come. However, as a not-for-profit cultural organization, we depend on the generosity of supporters like you to help make it a reality.
Thanks to your support, in 2017 we were able to:
· Present the 35th annual Mermaid Parade featuring Debbie Harry and Chris Stein as our King and Queen, as well as celebrate that milestone at our annual Spring Gala, hosted by Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser of “American Horror Story.”
· Partner with the New York Transit Museum to bring the “Five Cents To Dreamland” exhibition to Coney Island and welcome more visitors to the Museum than ever before, including many local school, youth, and special needs groups, as well as researchers from around the world;
· Celebrate the centennial of our landmarked headquarters at our first fall gala.
We are hoping to make 2018 better than ever, but we can’t do it without you. Please consider making a year-end, tax-deductible contribution, or purchasing/renewing a membership today at: www.coneyisland.com/coney-island-usa/donate. By making a gift, you’ll be joining us in celebrating “the sand in our shoes” and preserving our amazing history.
Thank you, once again, for your ongoing support. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year, and I hope to see you in Coney Island in 2018!
Sincerely,
Dick Zigun
Founder and Artistic Director
A Funhouse Philosophers Special Event!
Ring in the New Year with us, your Not For Profit Arts Organization at the Beach!
Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door.
Click here for further info and to purchase tickets.
Join us for our 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland at Coney Island USA! Get all of the details by clicking here!
Greetings from Coney Island!
Today is #GivingTuesday and as people all over the country are coming together to support what matters most to them, I hope you’ll think of Coney Island USA.
As a not-for-profit arts organization, we rely on the support of friends like you to bring spectacular programs like the annual Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Film Festival to life. Since our founding, Coney Island USA has celebrated creativity and diversity like no one else can, but we can’t do it without you.
Please consider making a donation today to help ensure that Coney Island’s history lives on and that there’s always a place for freaks, geeks, and fun lovers alike.
You can lend your support by making a donation:
Via our website: www.coneyisland.com/coney-island-usa/donate
Via text message: Send CIMUSEUM to 71777
And by spreading the word on social media:
Use @coneyislandusa and the hashtag #GivingTuesday
Thank you for sharing our commitment to protecting the honor of American popular culture, and I hope that you will stand with Coney Island USA today.
Sincerely,
Dick D. Zigun
Founder and Artistic Director
Coney Island USA
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Upcoming Events
Coney Island Museum
Open Saturdays 12pm-6pm, Sundays 2pm-6pm. See 2018 schedule below.
September 8, 2018 through Mid June, 2019, Saturdays 12pm - 5pm and Sundays 2pm - 5pm. Museum Closed September 15,16, 2018
Burlesque at the Beach
Friday, October 19, 2018 - 9:00pm
White Elephant Burlesque celebrates its 12 year anniversary with a collection of burlesque and boylesque delights. Viktor Devonne is deligthed to return for the second year installment of their pe
Special Events
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 12pm-6pm
Featuring Artists/Creators selling their handmade one of a kind art and products in our Freak Bar.
Ask the Experts
Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 5:00pm
Included with Museum Admission. $5 for Adults, $3 for Seniors, Kids (under 12) and residents of Zip Code 11224, at the door. Free for Members of Coney Island USA!
Coney Island Film Society
Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 8:30pm
Can the undead ever truly die? Join Phantom Creep Theatre, NYC’s preeminent spook show horror hosts, as they pull back the coffin lid to expose the actual corpse of Count Dracula!
Special Events
Sunday, October 21, 2018, 12pm-6pm
Featuring Artists/Creators selling their handmade one of a kind art and products in our Freak Bar.
Magic at Coney!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 12:00pm
Magical Promotions, together with Coney Island USA, presents an afternoon of fun and wonder for the entire family.
Special Events
Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 4:00pm
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and Playful Productions present a special showcase for young variety performers, ranging from absolute amateurs to world-class professionals.
Special Events
Friday, October 26, 2018 - 8:30pm
Join us on Friday, October 26th, for a haunting and fun-filled evening of Halloween-inspired puppetry! An exciting array of puppeteers will offer a spooky assortment of tricks & treats!
Special Events
Saturday, October 27, 2018, 12pm-6pm
Featuring Artists/Creators selling their handmade one of a kind art and products in our Freak Bar.
Burlesque at the Beach
Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 9:00pm
Terror! Horror! The most shocking burlesque show of the year! Do you dare to gaze upon Halloween A Go-go?!