It's hard to believe but the Mermaid Parade is upon us once more. Begun in 1983 by the Officially Unelected Mayor of Coney Island, Dick Zygun, the Mermaid Parade is successor to the Coney Island Mardi Gras, which ran from 1903 to 1954. A naughty-but-nice family-friendly bacchanal celebrating the return of summer and the DIY aesthetic, the parade lures thousands of participants of all ages and sizes, who don elaborate costumes and compete for trophies, including:
- Best Little Mermaid
- Best Mermaid
- Best Neptune
- Best Drill Team
- Best Marching Team
- Best Antique Car
- Best Float
I've been MC of the Mermaid Parade since 1989 (the same year Aerial View began) and I'm still amazed I get through it every year (the last few parades I've been immeasurably helped by my co-MC, Kay Sera, "down on the street"). It's like a three hour LSD trip without the acid (if anyone's thinking of doing acid and coming to the parade, DON'T: remember, "set and setting"). Behind my podium on the reviewing stand, I'm at the center of the action, dodging tossed beads, showers of candy, beer cans, the occasional bottle of whiskey - you name it. These are bribes, something heartily encouraged by the corrupt "jurors" who award the aforementioned trophies. How does one become a juror? Is there an election? Does one work one's way up the ladder, from municipal court, to circuit judge, to parades in general, etc? NO! One coughs up a healthy donation to Coney Island USA, the arts organization behind the parade.
The corner of Surf Avenue and 10th Street, in the shadow of the Astroland's Cyclone Rollercoaster is where the action (and PA) is, so show up early (Noon-ish) and snag a spot for the best view. For more background, here's an excellent write-up on the 2004 Mermaid Parade.
It was a fantastic day for the parade. I got some great pictures that are posted at http://nycphoto.interactivenyc.com and at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtkr/.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | June 25, 2005 at 11:58 PM