2010 Coney Island Mermaid Parade & Mermaid Parade Ball

photo by Norman Blake

Coney Island, USA presents the 2010 Coney Island Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 19th in Coney Island, Brooklyn. This year’s parade features Lou Reed as King Neptune and Laurie Anderson as Queen Mermaid.

Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the not-for-profit arts organization that also produces the Coney island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade pays homage to Coney Island’s forgotten Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954, and draws from a host of other sources resulting in a wonderful and wacky event that is unique to Coney Island.”

The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression. The Parade is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, as well as antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and the odd yacht pulled on flatbed.

The 8th annual Mermaid Parade Ball takes place on Saturday, June 19th after the parade at the New York Aquarium.

Hosted by Adam (The First Real Man) Rinn and Featuring NYC’s finest Burlesque and Sideshow Superstars in all their aquatically themed glory! Confirmed performers Little Brooklyn, Creamy Stevens, Miss Coney Island 2009 Gal Friday, Tigger, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jenny C Quoi, Fem Appeal, Juliet Jeske as Princess Sunshine, Go Go By LaMaia, Sizzle Dizzle and Lefty Lucy, Shimmering Mermaids…Metal Goddess Belly Dancers. DJ Gregg ‘The Dutchman’ Van Vranken. Live Music By The Razorbacks! Special Appearance by the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and the Coney Island Girlie Freak Show!