Celebrate Back To School on Mermaid Avenue

CONEY ISLAND – Mark your calendars – this Saturday, September 8th from Noon to 4PM on Mermaid Avenue from West 15th Street to West 20th Street, in partnership with Councilman Mark Treyger and the NYC Department of Transportation Weekend Walks program, the Alliance for Coney Island will host the Annual Coney Island Back to School Community Fair.

“What better way to celebrate the start of a new school year than by bringing the community together for a day of free, fun activities, helpful resources, and free school supply giveaways,” said Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Education.

The event will feature over 60 organizations and resources to help families to get kids ready for the new school year, as well as music and other entertainment.

“In today’s difficult economic times, many parents struggle just to make ends meet. Today’s event will hopefully help to alleviate the high cost of supplies and send children to school with some of the items they need for a successful year,” said State Senator Diane Savino, noting that there will be donated backpacks filled with school supplies for the first 500 elementary and middle school students who attend with a guardian. (Backpack distribution will be on a first come first serve basis at the Alliance for Coney Island tent while supplies last.)

“By putting everything from health screenings to backpack donations in one place, the Community Fair makes it easier for busy families to get their kids ready for school, all while putting a smile on everyone’s faces. I wish all new and returning Coney Island students the best of luck in their studies this year,” said Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.

“We are proud to partner with our local elected officials and local businesses to give back to the community and provide essential school supplies to students while also creating a celebratory day on Mermaid Avenue, the main commercial corridor for our residents and businesses,” said Alexandra Silversmith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Coney Island.

The event is made possible by the generous support from elected officials as well as donations received from AA Driver Training Center, Applebee’s Grill & Bar, the Brooklyn Cyclones, BJ’s, Community Board 13, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, King’s Plaza, Net Cost, Proto Properties and Xincon Home Health Care Services.