JOINT STATEMENT OF CONEY ISLAND USA AND DICK ZIGUN

Dick Zigun and Coney Island USA are pleased to announce that we have amicably resolved our differences. We now agree that Coney Island USA is the sole and rightful producer and presenter of the Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, and the sole and rightful owner of the MERMAID PARADE and CONEY ISLAND CIRCUS SIDESHOW trademarks. Both parties regret any acrimony among and between them and wish this entire dispute could have been handled better. Breakups are never easy, especially after 40 years together.

While Dick will always remain the “Permanently UnElected Mayor of Coney Island,” he is no longer a part of the Coney Island USA organization, which is now under the artistic direction of Adam Rinn, who has been part of the Coney Island USA family for many years. Dick would like to emphasize that his baby, Coney Island USA, is well-positioned to continue to contribute to the Coney Island Arts community that has been Dick’s home and office for decades. Dick is proud of Coney Island USA’s programming, including the Mermaid Parade, the Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, Burlesque and special events. He is excited for the future of Coney Island USA. Dick has always been and will remain active in the Coney Island Arts community, which included such organizations as the Coney Island Chamber Of Commerce and Astroland. He looks forward to new opportunities in 2023 and beyond.

Coney Island USA is a non-profit corporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and has been operated as a non-profit since its founding in 1981 by Dick, Costas Mantis, and Jane Savitt. Board members are not paid, and have no financial interest in Coney Island USA’s operations, as that would be a conflict of interest. In fact, Coney Island USA Board members are required to personally donate to the organization. Like Dick, all Board Members have strong connections to Coney Island. The Coney Island USA Board members are artists, performers, teachers, clinicians, public servants, non-profit executives, and professionals who believe in the mission of Coney Island USA. There are no real estate developers, Coney Island landowners or Coney Island businesspeople on the Board (save for a seat reserved for the Alliance for Coney Island). Without the financial and material support of the Board of Directors, Coney Island USA would not exist.

Coney Island USA recognizes Dick’s extraordinary contributions, both to our organization and to Coney Island. We wish him great success in all his future endeavors, and are honored and grateful to continue his legacy, here in the People’s Playground.