Annual Jellyfish Jamboree celebrates Earth Day

Posted

More than 100 people showed off their creative sea creature costumes made out of recyclable materials on Sunday at the Jellyfish Jamboree Earth Day celebration.

The annual event — organized by the LBNY-Arts Council, Artists in Partnership and the city — featured a parade along the boardwalk, a costume contest and activities at Kennedy Plaza. Participants marched from Riverside to National boulevards and to Kennedy Plaza outside City Hall to take part in carnival games, hula hooping, a participatory art sculpture sponsored by South Nassau Communities Hospital and more.

Everyone involved received sand dollars that would be applicable for discounts at local restaurants and businesses, including Blacksmith’s Breads, Decor and Lots More, Earth Arts, Scout Design Shop, Maple Lanes RVC, Shade Amour and Yoga Nanda.

“It was a really fun day,” said Elizabeth Connolly, director of development for the LBNY-Arts Council and organizer of the Jellyfish Jamboree. “Riptides was helpful — they were cheering us on. Next year is going to be bigger and better.”

Awards for the best costumes were presented to the most creative sea creatures who marched in the parade. Judges Liz Treston, Nancy Beck and Ian Danby observed the costumes and called the shots. Lorenzo Herman won first place in the costume contest, Youth and Family Services won for the best float, Ruby Patton and Michaela Knachman won for the most creative costumes, Alanna Skelly won for the most joyful and Bryan Sepp won for the most eco-friendly costume. Magnolia and Meadow Campbell and Molly Spiro also won prizes.

Katie Mitchell kicked off an afternoon of live music followed by Benoir and the Gypseas of Studio Noir. State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and Girl Scout Troop 2260 also attended the day’s festivities.

“It was great to be on hand to present the winners who participated in the Jellyfish Jamboree and to see the costumes created to express a commitment to saving our planet,” City Council Vice President Chumi Diamond said on Facebook. “As a community, we continue to lead in conservation initiatives and other programs to protect our precious planet. Thank you to PSEGLI and all of our other sponsors for powering this event. A special shout out to the Long Beach CSEA for ensuring the event was ready to go and the City of Long Beach New York Police Department for keeping us all safe.”