Have you spotted clusters of flamingo-costumed women flapping around Englewood lately? You’re not seeing things. Lately, these “Flamingals” have been cropping up everywhere, spreading cheer, laughter, and a flurry of pink feathers wherever they go.
You might’ve caught them wandering the Englewood Farmers Market, dancing at a parade, or bringing pink joy to one of the local events. They’ve kind of become local celebrities. Two years ago, they even landed on the cover of the Englewood REVIEW during the Christmas Stroll.
The Englewood REVIEW recently had a chat with Mary Beth Cantell, who helps lead this flock. The Flock of Flamingos have been brightening up Englewood for three years now, and they’re only getting bigger, with 39 members and counting.
When we asked Mary Beth how this all started, she laughed, “I’m from Massachusetts and had seen a video where a bunch of women dressed in these blow-up flamingo costumes and just ran around the beach. I wanted to do it back home, but it never worked out. When we moved here, I told some friends about the idea, showed them the video, and everyone just said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!’”
Now, the group pops up all over. They’ve brought their pink parade to everything from the Christmas Stroll and Moose Lodge children’s party to ice cream socials and grand openings, like the new car wash on 776.
Mary Beth laughs about wearing the inflatable costumes during parades. “It’s fun, but hard to walk, so we skip the long parades. Still, we always do the Stroll. Last time it was raining, we ended up onstage, giving flamingo kisses to a little girl. Someone took a shot, and suddenly, we were on the front page of the Englewood REVIEW.”
People just love it. “We performed at a 70th birthday in Venice and got everyone up dancing. It really is pure joy,” Mary Beth told me. “And, come on, flamingos were basically made for Florida.”
As the group’s grown, so has their audience. These days, they get requests everywhere. Homeowner’s associations invite them to parties, vendors at farmer’s markets clamor for photos, and they even took the stage at the annual Coldwell Banker fundraiser. And yes, they’ve joined the drum circle a time or two.
Mary Beth and her co-leader, Charlene Peterson, keep it easygoing. New members just check in with them and learn the ropes. It’s all about having fun and making people smile. The Flock of Flamingos never charges for appearances, but if anyone wants to donate, they give it all to the American Cancer Society.
If you’re hoping for a Flamingo sighting, or maybe want to join, reach out to Mary Beth (781.910.9930) or Charlene (570.956.8079). Are you planning an event that could use a blast of pink and a lot of laughter? Call them. They’d love to bring a little joy to your corner of Englewood.
