The Flamingos Are Coming!

2014 Lego Flamingo

Pink Flamingos are making their way back to Parma. Just like the swallows return to Capistrano, and the buzzards return to Hinkley, pink flamingos are popping up in yards all over Parma. Little known fact, there are more pink plastic flamingos in existence than there are real live ones. In the 1960's, Parma received fame when Ghoulardi, a local TV host, began poking fun of Parma with it's white socks, pink plastic flamingo lawn ornaments, gazing balls, kielbasa and pierogi. The pink plastic flamingo became a tradition on Parma lawns. 

In 2013 Flamingo Fever, Parma's first public art event was created. Flamingo Fever is sponsored by Polish Village CDC. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from this event benefit Polish Village. Talented individuals create unique table top sculptures from the traditional pink plastic lawn ornaments. The possibilities are endless. The flamingos are painted, and/or dressed up in various costumes. Once completed these are placed in local businesses throughout Parma for the summer. Businesses that have participated in the past enjoy displaying the unique sculptures, some humorous, others beautiful. It is a unique, fun way to promote shop local. The flamingos are auctioned off in the Fall at a banquet/auction. Events like this one foster a greater sense of community, bring enjoyment to the residents, and increase foot traffic at local businesses. Flamingo Fever is a fun event, from the creation of the unique sculptures, to the sightings at local businesses, and the banquet/auction in the fall.  

Polish Village/Old World Parma was created to facilitate the ongoing development and revitalization of the community by empowering residents, institutions, businesses and government to enhance the area's business climate and long-term economic viability. They have a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Polish Constitution Day parade in May, Annual Ward 2 Garage Sale in June, Treat N Greet in October, and the upcoming pocket park on Ridge Road. Polish Village has partnered with Parma Area Fine Arts Council to bring the Free Side Walk Chalk Drawing Event during the summer, and Cocktails & Canvas (acrylic painting at local taverns) this past fall. More events are currently in the planning stages for the future. 

For more information on Flamingo Fever, or for an application to enter your own creation, please email chairperson kathrynmabin@att.net. For more information on Polish Village, visit their web site at www.polishvillageparma.com, or follow them on Facebook. 

Kathryn Mabin

Board Secretary of Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc, or PAFAC, and Artist/Jewlery Designer, Owner Aire of Oppulence.

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Volume 8, Issue 5, Posted 8:46 AM, 05.03.2016