The Coney Island mermaid parade began in 1983. Started by Dick Zigun founder of the Coney Island USA a non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of Coney Island. It has taken place annually on the first Saturday of summer.

The parade may attract a couple of thousand participants and well over 100's of thousands of spectators, some of which traveled to Coney Islands beaches to escape the heat that usually marks this day.

The parade pays tribute to the grand days of Coney Island when it was the premiere amusement destination in the New York Area. Next to the annual Village Halloween Parade, the mermaid parade is closest New York has to a Mardi Gras.

What makes the Mermaid parade popular are the costumes or lack there of, and general good spirits all around. There is a section for vehicles of all kinds, floats.

Presiding over the parade are a mermaid King and Queen. In 2005 the King was David Johansen (Buster Poindexter) and the Queen is Karmen Guy (Mad Juana). Other years David Byrne, Queen Latifah, and Moby have filled the royal seats. The organizers encourage bribery to increase the chances of winning the costume contests.

Dancing, music and wild costumed creatures are in abundance, attracting thousands of photographers.

External links

• Coney Island Mermaids - Photos
• Flickr Albums - Photos