Saturday, June 20th, 2pm. Rain or Shine.
A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade and one of New York City’s greatest summer events.
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Subway: D, F, N or Q subway to Stillwell Avenue
Car: Exits 6 and 7 on the Belt Parkway
King and Queen of the Parade this year:
King Neptune Mr. Harvey Keitel and his Queen Mermaid Daphna
New Parade Route in 2009! Please note: Check In/Registration is at a new location! Push-pull floats and marchers: register at Surf Avenue and West 21st Street. Motorized floats and antique cars: register by the Surf Avenue Sidewalk at West 19th and West 20th street. The Mermaid Parade Seeks Volunteers.
A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade and one of New York City’s greatest summer events.
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, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, and David Johansen have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses.
The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, purchase raffle tickets, and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City’s hottest burlesque stars. Come on out and join in on one of Coney Island’s best days of the summer!
Special Appearance by The Uptown String Band from The Philadelphia Mummers Parade!
More info, directions, frequently asked questions, best viewing spots:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for visiting nycfamilyfun! Because this is a kid-friendly site, comment moderation has been enabled. All comments must be approved by the blog author. Only family-appropriate comments please. ABSOLUTELY NO unrelated or non-kid-friendly ADS, LINKS or soliciting will be posted.