| Mermaids Out of Water at Coney Island |
|
|
| Written by Administrator | |
|
The Mermaid Parade http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml  Photo by: Bryce Weinert  Photo by: Bryce Weinert  Photo by: Bryce Weinert  Photo by: Bryce Weinert The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air, and the beginning of summer, along with the history and mythology of Coney Island. It is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as mermaids, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, and Coney Island postcards and amusement rides. Also featured are antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and even some yachts on flatbed trucks. Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings; they ride in the parade and assist in the official opening of the ocean for the summer swimming season by marching down the beach from the boardwalk, cutting ribbons representing the seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. The event is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, in which costumed parade participants gather with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music and enjoy acts performed by some of New York City's hottest burlesque and sideshow stars. |
