Siren Star Eline Powell leads Float With Happy Mermaids
Written by: Albert Terc
Photos: Albert Terc and Aluche_Events
Every culture celebrates the summer solstice in different ways. New Yorkers shut down Surf Ave. in Coney Island, Brooklyn for one of the largest art displays related to all things from the ocean. People come from all parts of the country to be part of the annual tradition. There were thousands of creative costumes with strategically placed seashells all around. The Mermaid Parade is in its second version and pays homage to Vaudeville, burlesque, and all things related to fascination of the travelling circus. Hundreds of thousands of viewers stepped right up to see one of the greatest shows in Coney Island.
Founder Dick Zigun Starts Off the Parade
WKTU Radio DeeJays Lulu and Lala
Charm City Tail Star Having Fun
A reviewing stand was set up across from MCU Park, a minor league baseball stadium, where easily corruptible judges weighed in on who would get top prize for the most creative costumes. Parade founder Dick Zigun raised a large key to Coney Island to open the parade. He announced this was the largest Mermaid Parade ever. Congrats, Dick. Coney Island born American icon Arlo Guthrie and wife Nora were this years King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. Then the fun really started with thousands of wild costumes and marching bands setting up a fun filled day. Kicking things off were the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corp Marching Band. They were warming up for the big 50th parade celebrating Pride next week. Of course, there is always a social message in these parades. The New Green Deal Mermaids were out in full force giving warnings of what could possibly happen if rapid changes don’t occur.
Dressed For the Occasion
Jakobee As an Axolotl
Stunning Angel Fish
It’s hard to say which bands and dancers were having the most fun. The Hungry March Band helped save a marcher that nearly passed out from exhaustion. The Tail Shakers had their dance routine on point. Thunderous booms were coming from the all female marching band Fogo Azul sporting their pink flamingo attire. A perennial favorite ,Charm City Tails, come from Baltimore each year with an original dance routine. Right behind them were the Big Apple Babes showing how it’s done. New to the parade were the Baltimore Highsteppers. Closing out the parade is a crowd favorite. The Rockaway Mermaid Brigade had a zodiac theme float and the crowd just loved it.
This is the wildest parade of the year so far. It is one of the largest art parades of the country and a chance for NYers and visitors to show off their amazing creativity. Have a fun and safe summer.
Above Photos by Aluche_Events
See Ya Next Year
NYC Parade Life 