[title]
As of now, it's unclear whether the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade (a Brooklyn institution) will be happening anytime soon. Originally scheduled for June 20, the 38th edition of the exuberantly semi-nude celebration of all things sideshow and nautically–nonsensical has been pushed back to an undetermined date, though organizers vow it will take place this year. Coney Island's own April kick-off was also delayed and rescheduled for a return in some form during NYC's Phase 4 reopening; considering we're not even through Phase 1 yet, let alone Phase 2, that could take some time.
But fret not fans of fanciful fun in the sun: Coney Island, USA, the organization behind the parade, just announced the winners of its first ever “Put on a Funny Face Mask Contest” contest, which issued a call on Facebook for unusual mask designs to honor the people who made PPE during the height of the Covid-19 crisis. Awards called "Maskies" were bestowed for categories such as "Best Overall Mask," "Best Coney Island-Themed Mask," and "Best Formal Mask," which were given out in a ceremony over Zoom. Among those featured were former Queen/Mermaid Laurie Anderson and Coney celebs (you can watch the full proceedings on YouTube).
Hopefully, there will be no need for another such contest in the future, but in meantime, and without further ado, here are some of the winning entries (and more).
Melissa Lawson (Best Mask)
Ruben Santana (Best Coney Island Mask)
Suzie Sims-Fletcher (People’s Choice award)
Jenny Du Puis (Best Formal Mask)
Vanessa Sterbenz (Mask Makers’ Choice, First Place)
Jennifer Erin Taves (Mask Makers’ Choice, Third Place)
Anthony Whitaker (whose mask makes reference to his experience as a 9-11 first responder)
Most popular on Time Out
- Here’s what will reopen in NYC during Phase 2
- 14 notable NYC restaurants and bars that have now permanently closed
- Here’s what you can expect the next time you take the subway
- Why you should be watching this new HBO show set in NYC
- When will hair salons reopen in NYC?