Coney Island Mermaid Parade Celebrates 30th Anniversary

(2010 Mermaid Parade. Photo: Flickr user any.nyc)

This Saturday, June 23, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade celebrates its 30th anniversary with its annual parade down Surf Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Led by Queen Mermaid Annabella Sciorra and King Neptune Jackie “The Jokeman” Martling, the parade is self-proclaimed the “nation’s largest art parade and one of New York City’s greatest summer events.” 

From the Coney Island USA website:

Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the not-for-profit arts organization that also produces the Coney island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade pays homage to Coney Island’s forgotten Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954, and draws from a host of other sources resulting in a wonderful and wacky event that is unique to Coney Island. 

The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression. The Parade is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, as well as antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and the odd yacht pulled on flatbed.

Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings, riding in the Parade and assisting in the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season by marching down the Beach from the Boardwalk, cutting through Ribbons representing the seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. In the past, David Byrne, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses.

The 30th anniversary parade begins at 2pm, followed by the Mermaid Ball after party featuring Moby from 7pm to 12:30am at the New York Aquarium.

Register now to march in the parade or simply show up for the festivities.

More information at ConeyIsland.com.