Date: June 15th 2009

Dear Mermaid Paraders!

We’re five days away from the 27th Annual Mermaid Parade, Hurray!!!

We’re busy preparing here at Coney Island USA and wanted to remind you about a few changes this year.

Please take a moment to read this Very Important Information carefully.

1. There’s a New Route!
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The Parade now begins on W 21st Street and Surf Avenue.

Check the website for more details and a map

http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml

2. There’s a New Registration Area!
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PUSH PULL FLOATS & FOOT MARCHERS Register at West 21st Street between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk.

MOTORIZED FLOATS Register on Surf Avenue at West 20th Street.

ANTIQUE CARS Register on Surf Avenue at West 19th Street.

3. There’s a new Staging Area.
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for those PUSH PULL FLOATS accustomed to pulling their trucks into the staging area, you will NO LONGER be allowed to pull your TRUCK into the staging area. West 21s Street is much more narrow than West 10th Street and there is simply no way to allow cars and marchers on the street together safely.

but DON’T WORRY! We’ve got you covered. You can pull your truck up to our Push-Pull Float Building Area on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Street. You can pull your truck into the Building Area and leave it parked while you build, but space is limited, so as soon as you’re done building, you need to repark your truck into a public parking space for the remainder of the day. You may not leave it parked in the building area.

To help us help you get through registration quickly and smoothly, please try to ASSEMBLE your ENTIRE GROUP before going through registration.

For Your Convenience: There will be FOOD and WATER available for purchase inside the Staging Area. There is also pay-for parking conveniently located on Surf Avenue at West 22nd Street.

As in past years...

NO ADVERTISING is permitted on floats unless cleared by Coney Island USA staff ahead of time. You MAY NOT advertise a bar, for-profit business, or not-for-profit group or event unless you pay a sponsorship fee. If you have not cleared advertising ahead of time, it will be removed from your float or marching group.

Registration is open at 10 AM; the Parade begins at 2 PM

The Parade will run on time, rain or shine.

We'll be back with another email right on thursday or friday night. Thanks again for your support of Coney Island USA and the Mermaid Parade. We can't wait to see you!

Your Pals at Coney Island USA