Queen Mermaid Laurie Anderson and King Neptune Lou Reed, seen here with high-wire acrobat Philippe Petit, will lead the annual Coney Island festivities today (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Coney Island
Parade starts at West 21st St. & Surf Ave., free, 2:00
After-party: New York Aquarium, $25, 6:00 – 11:30
www.coneyisland.com
Once upon a time, we actually marched in the Mermaid Parade, before it grew into the crazy, massive celebration it has become. Starting off with antique cars leading the way for some of the most bizarre costumes you’ll ever see, the parade traverses Coney Island today, starting at West 21st St. & Surf Ave. at 2:00 and winding its way east to West 10th St., turning south to the boardwalk, and heading to Stillwell Ave., where King Neptune and Queen Mermaid will lead their minions into the sea. This year’s regal pair, following in the footsteps of such famed New Yorkers as David Byrne, Roz Chast, Harvey Keitel, Queen Latifah, and David Johansen, is none other than the ubiquitous Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson. The Mermaid Parade Ball after-party will take place on the oceanic deck of the New York Aquarium, featuring sideshow and burlesque performers, live music by the Razorbacks, free rum cocktails from 6:00 to 8:00, and more.