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Pee-wee Herman fans, start pressing your gray suits and fluffing your red bow ties: Coney Island is once again turning into Pee-wee’s Playhouse for a day.
Coney Island USA will host its second annual Pee-wee Herman Universe Lookalike Competition on Sunday, August 23, celebrating the late Paul Reubens and the strange universe he created around his most famous character. (Despite the name, you don’t actually have to look anything like Pee-wee to compete.)
The event debuted last year as what organizers initially expected to be a one-off tribute. Instead, dozens of contestants showed up across three categories—and apparently nobody was ready to say goodbye when it was over.
“We figured it was a one and done thing, everyone had fun, it’s over, let’s move on,” Coney Island USA artistic director Adam Rinn said. “But as soon as the event ended the competitors and spectators asked if we’d do it again. Well, here we are with round two!”
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Competitors can enter as Best Pee-wee Herman, pulling inspiration from his iconic too-small gray suit and, for the truly committed, big white clogs. The Pee-wee’s Playhouse category opens the field to everyone from Miss Yvonne and Cowboy Curtis to Jambi, Reba the Mail Lady and the King of Cartoons. Movie fans can also dress as characters from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Big Top Pee-wee or Pee-wee’s Big Holiday. (Yes, Large Marge is fair game.) There’s also a new category this year: Pee-wee Pet, in which any pet can compete.
Celebrity judges will choose winners in each category, with Coney Island-themed prizes up for grabs. Rinn will host alongside the event’s co-producer, burlesque performer and performance artist Little Brooklyn.
“There is a whimsy and creativity in the Pee-wee Universe that so often gets left behind in adulthood,” Little Brooklyn said. “Anyone can find a little bit of themselves in the characters.”
Registration begins at noon inside the Freak Bar at Coney Island USA with the competition kicking off at 2 pm on West 12th Street. While you’re there, you can make a full Pee-wee-worthy afternoon of it with a visit to the Coney Island Circus Sideshow or Coney Island Museum.
Just remember, if somebody shows up wearing the same costume as you, there’s only one appropriate response: I know you are, but what am I?