Today is the 42nd annual Mermaid Parade on Coney Island, self described as the ‘largest art parade in the nation.’ The grand-marshals this year are, King Neptune – Joe Coleman, and Queen Mermaid – Whitney Ward.
The event is meant, in part, to celebrate the beginning of summer so the Mermaid Parade typically takes place on a Saturday closest to the beginning of summer solstice in June.
The Parade starts at 1pm, rain or shine, on West 21st and Surf Avenue. It rolls east to West 10th Street, where the marchers and push-pull floats proceed to the Boardwalk and continue their march to Steeplechase Plaza, under the Parachute Jump. It’s a beautiful day today, if you can, why not catch the fun by the sea.
The Haus of Dcaligari 