The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is back this year, and thousands of art enthusiasts and mermaid lovers are expected to attend in Brooklyn.
This year’s Mermaid Parade, recognized as the biggest art parade in the United States, will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 1 p.m. This marks the 42nd year of the annual event.
For over three decades, people from all over the United States have flocked to the Coney Island shore to witness the annual Mermaid Parade. Initially inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras parades of Coney Island, this celebration has evolved into a unique community event, shaped by its participants. The parade was originally conceived by Dick Zigun, the former artistic director of Coney Island USA (CIUSA), a non-profit arts organization situated in the center of Coney Island’s amusement district, and is still produced by CIUSA to this day.
The celebration honors the creative spirit of a hundred years of Coney Island’s innovation, merrymaking, and grandeur. The event features an array of imaginative sea creatures, mermaids, and a regal King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. Additionally, the parade showcases an exciting lineup of marching bands, lively dance troupes, and even baby strollers and mechanized floats.
Organizers state that the event highlights the imaginative talents of people hailing from the five boroughs and beyond.
In the late 1980s, visiting this place was a top priority for anyone visiting New York, and it was listed as a “must-do” activity. It’s now regarded as the official start of summer in the city.
Drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area and providing an economic boost to local businesses, it guarantees a thriving summer season.
The City Council is proud to support this program with public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. It is a partnership that we value greatly.
Parade Route:
On Saturday, June 22, rain or shine, the parade will commence at 1 p.m. It will begin on West 21st Street and Surf Avenue and travel eastward to West 10th Street. The procession will feature marches and push-pull floats that will proceed to the boardwalk. From there, participants will continue their march to Steeplechase Plaza, located under the Parachute Jump, where the event will come to an end.
Following the parade, a procession will commence at approximately 5 p.m. The procession will be led from the judges’ stand located at 19th Street and Surf Avenue, passing through the Maimonides Park Parking lot and concluding at the beach.
After the parade, participants can join the procession from the Parachute Jump’s endpoint to continue the march. The official beach ceremony will be held on the beach, and the summer swimming season will commence with the opening of the ocean.
WHERE TO WATCH THE BEST SHOWS
There are numerous spots to catch a glimpse of the parade and the best part is that it’s completely free. The boardwalk is a popular choice for many, but it’s important to note that only marchers and push-pull floats can be seen from there.
According to the organizers, if you watch the parade from Surf Avenue, you will get to see not only antique cars but also motorized floats.
If you opt to view the parade on Surf Avenue, keep in mind that the crowds can get very dense, much like those in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
To avoid the crowded streets and difficulty in crossing, it is recommended to stand on the north side of Surf Avenue (the side without the beach) if you don’t plan to stay for the entire parade. This way, you can easily make your way to the subway or cross the street without any trouble.
If you require ADA-accessible viewing for the parade, head to the NYPD Command Center on the north side of the street located between 10th and 12th streets. This viewing area is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is designed to be accessible for all individuals.
Best Places to Park Your Vehicle
Starting at 10 a.m. on parade day, several streets in the area will be closed and won’t reopen to traffic until after 6 p.m.
If you plan on attending the parade, there are several parking options available to you. You can park at the New York Aquarium or Maimonides Park parking lots. Alternatively, there are private parking lots located between Surf and Neptune avenues, as well as West 8th Street and West 17th Street that you can consider using.
It’s important to keep in mind that to access a lot of these parking areas, you’ll have to arrive before the street closures at 10 a.m.
We highly recommend utilizing mass transit as a means of transportation.
Join the Parade on Foot
You still have the chance to join in on the celebrations! Whether you want to participate as an individual marcher or with a group, registration is open. Adults can register for $35 while children can register for $20. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the festivities!
On the day of the parade, those who wish to participate in the procession with floats, antique cars, or as marchers are required to check-in and register. The designated location for this process is the parking lot on Surf Avenue, located between 21st and 22nd streets. This check-in and registration process is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day of the parade.
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