UNIT: Parades

Happy Mardi Gras Day! Everybody loves a parade!
A perfect setting for community.

From 1903 thru 1954 a parade called a Mardi Gras celebrated the end of the summer season on Coney Island.
Now the Summer Solstice, the first day of summer, is celebrated at the Mermaid Parade. It is the largest art parade in the United States.

Here are other kinds of parades:
Carnival in Brazil
Chinese New Year
Easter Parade
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New Orleans Mardi Gras
New York’s Village Halloween Parade
Pride Parade


New York City’s mayor loves MERMAIDS ON PARADE, he sent Melanie a note. Click on image to enlargen.

More books about parades
”Pippa At the Parade”
”Easter Parade”

Image: detail from MERMAIDS ON PARADE published GP Putnam’s Sons

Unit: Coney Island

Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY was known for having world famous amusement parks.

Steeplechase Park 1897- 1964
Luna Park 1903-1946
Dreamland 1904 -1911
Astroland 1962- 2008.

Although the amusement parks no longer exist, some of the rides became New York City landmarks and cannot be destroyed. They are :
The Cyclone
The Wonder Wheel
The Parachute Jump

Did you know the hot dog got it’s name at Coney Island? You can now eat hot dogs at Nathan’s Famous.

Here is a list of books about Coney Island.

Image: from MERMAIDS ON PARADE by Melanie Hope Greenberg published by GP Putnam's Sons