Mermaid Parade
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| Mermaid Parade | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mermaid Parade |
| Location | Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founders | Carlos Saucedo; Coney Island USA |
| Dates | Typically last weekend in June |
| Attendance | Varies (tens of thousands) |
Mermaid Parade is an annual summer parade and costume festival held in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA and artist Tobi Kahn alongside community organizers including Carroll Gardens and local performers, the event celebrates seaside culture, performance art, and community traditions. Over decades it has involved performers from institutions such as the New York Philharmonic, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and touring casts from productions linked to Broadway and Off-Broadway companies.
History
The parade emerged amid revitalization efforts following urban decline that affected neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, and districts influenced by the legacy of the Great Depression and postwar amusement culture centered on venues like Luna Park and the historic Astroland. Early organizers referenced local heritage tied to attractions such as the Cyclone (roller coaster) and institutions like the Stillwell Avenue transit hub and the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, parades and festivals in New York—echoing events like the Village Halloween Parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and neighborhood fêtes connected to groups such as the Brooklyn Arts Council—helped set precedents for large-scale public programming. Notable moments include collaborations with artists associated with Fluxus, exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, and benefit events connected to relief efforts after disasters like Hurricane Sandy.
Organization and Sponsorship
Primary stewardship has been by Coney Island USA, a nonprofit founded by figures from the SoHo and Greenwich Village arts scenes; it coordinates with municipal agencies including the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Mayor of New York City office, the New York City Council, and the Brooklyn Borough President. Corporate and institutional sponsors have ranged from legacy amusement operators such as Steeplechase Park stakeholders to media partners like The New York Times and broadcasters including WNYC and cable networks. Philanthropic funders have included National Endowment for the Arts, regional entities such as the New York Foundation for the Arts, and foundations associated with figures from Philanthropy networks; partnerships have involved museums like the Brooklyn Museum and cultural centers such as BRIC.
Parade Route and Key Events
The procession traditionally proceeds along Surf Avenue and West 8th Street near landmarks like Deno's Wonder Wheel and the Riegelmann Boardwalk, with staging near the Stillwell Avenue station and assembly points by the Parachute Jump. Signature elements include the crowning of a symbolic monarch performed on a public stage, musical performances drawn from ensembles such as the New York City Ballet collaborators and itinerant bands from neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope, and carnival-style floats referencing historical attractions like Astroland and entities linked to the New York Aquarium. Ancillary programming often encompasses competitions, youth workshops in partnership with organizations such as YMCA, and exhibitions involving collectives from Brooklyn Academy of Music precincts.
Participants and Costumes
Participants range from professional entertainers associated with groups like Cirque du Soleil alumni and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performers to community groups from Coney Island High School catchment and neighborhood civic associations such as the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce. Costume traditions draw upon mythic archetypes invoked in works like The Little Mermaid (Andersen) and stage productions from companies such as Disney Theatrical Group, but also incorporate references to artists and cultural figures represented in institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New-York Historical Society. Makers include designers who have shown at events like New York Fashion Week, craft collectives affiliated with Etsy sellers, and theatrical costume shops serving Off-Broadway companies. Judges and celebrity guests have included personalities connected to Saturday Night Live, film festivals like Tribeca Film Festival, and television programs on networks such as NBC.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The festival has influenced local identity across neighborhoods such as Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and Sheepshead Bay, inspiring related celebrations in cities with seaside heritage like Asbury Park, Santa Monica, and Atlantic City. Coverage has appeared in outlets including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Village Voice, and international media like the BBC. Academics from institutions including City University of New York departments and scholars affiliated with Columbia University have examined the parade in studies of urban culture, public festivity, and tourism linked to the New York City Department of Tourism initiatives. Tourism and economic analyses cite impacts on local commerce involving businesses registered with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and vendors participating through associations such as the New York State Restaurant Association.
Controversies and Challenges
Organizers have navigated disputes over permits with agencies like the New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department, funding shortfalls following changes in support from municipal offices and philanthropic foundations, and logistical challenges after storms linked to climate events that prompted coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Debates have arisen regarding commercialization involving corporate partners such as major media conglomerates, tension between preservationists tied to landmarks like the Cyclone (roller coaster) and developers connected to large projects overseen by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and questions about access raised by advocacy groups including Transportation Alternatives and neighborhood coalitions. Legal and regulatory matters have involved paperwork filed with the New York State Department of State and compliance with city codes administered by the New York City Department of Buildings.