There almost wasn’t a Mermaid Parade this year, but the community responded and it’s all set for June 22 at 1:00
Coney Island
Saturday, June 22, free, 1:00
Parade starts at West 21st St. & Surf Ave.
Mermaid Riverboat Ball: Queen of Hearts, $75, 8:00 – 11:00 pm
www.coneyisland.com
Back in early May, there was a chance that one of Coney Island’s signature events would not take place. A dispatch from Coney Island USA founder Dick Zigun announced, “We do not know whether there will be a Mermaid Parade this year. Don’t panic — we have a plan. But first I want you to understand were we are and what we’re up against.” Zigun described the growing size of the parade, new city regulations and restrictions, and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy, but New Yorkers responded via a “Save the Mermaid Parade” Kickstarter campaign and a Red Hook Winery benefit, so the thirtieth anniversary celebration is a go. Whether you’re marching in it or just playing spectator, there is nothing quite like the Mermaid Parade. An annual tradition since 1983, harkening back to the Coney Island Mardi Gras, which was held from 1903 to 1954, the parade begins with classic antique cars before giving itself over to scantily clad sea creatures and very strange floats, making their way from West Twenty-First St. & Surf Ave. at 1:00 and winding east to West Tenth St., turning south to the boardwalk, and heading to Steeplechase Plaza, after which 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, David Johansen, and Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson, are comedian Judah Friedlander and author Carole Radziwill. The Mermaid Riverboat Ball after-party ($75) will take place on board the Queen of Hearts, featuring members of the Coney Island Sideshow, burlesque performers (Little Brooklyn, Kita St Cyr, Sincerely Yours, Wae Messed, Heather Whatever), DJs (Fresh Prince of Darkness, Lemar Soulflower, Frank Clemente & Stereomike), live music (the Moto-Wrays, Amour Obscur, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6), and other bizarre participants and activities hosted by Adam Realman, with a cash bar along with free Two Boots Pizza, Dub Pies, and nonalcoholic drinks.