What day is the Parade?
Saturday, June 19, 2010, rain or shine.

Who is this years King and Queen?
Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson!

What time does the Parade start?
The Mermaid Parade starts at 2 PM!

What time does the Parade end?
Hard to say, but it usually all wraps up at around 5:30 PM or so. The winners in each category are announced as soon as the last entrant passes the reviewing stand. Immediately after, Parade founder Dick D. Zigun leads the King and Queen procession up 10st to the beach for the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season.

Where does the Parade take place?
The Parade will start on West 21st and the Surf Avenue. It will roll East to West 10th Street, where the cars and motorized floats will park. The marchers and push pull floats will go to the Boardwalk and march West to Stillwell Ave. where the Parade will Disband.

Where’s the best place to watch the Parade?
That’s entirely up to you.  Many people like to watch the Parade on the boardwalk, but the boardwalk only features marchers and push-pull floats.  Surf Avenue allows viewing of antique cars and motorized floats as well.

Where is the Reviewing Stand?
It is on Surf Avenue just east of West 12th Street, across West 12th Street from the Sideshow building.

Is it ok to bring kids to the Parade?
The Mermaid Parade is an art parade and is for everyone, just keep in mind that some folks will be dressed as Mermaids and Mermen who, let's face it, aren't historically known for wearing much clothing. That being said, we've always had a ton of kids in the Parade, (even a little girl's Birthday party or two!) but it's
entirely up to you as a parent or guardian to decide what you feel is appropriate for your kids.

Who puts on the Parade?
We do! Coney Island USA the resident not for profit arts center in Coney Island. We are headquartered at 1208 Surf Ave between West 12th street and Stillwell Ave. You can help support the parade by supporting all of our programs throughout the year, buying merchandise at our giftshop, having a beer, soda or bottled water at the Freak Bar! And another great way to show your appreciation is to become a member of Coney Island USA! Memberships start at only $25 and include free admission to the sideshow and museum!

I want to buy a Mermaid Parade T-shirt.  How do I do that?
Coney Island USA staff and volunteers will be selling Mermaid Parade t-shirts and other items at sales tables on West 10th, West 12th and Stillwell Avenue.  T-shirts will also available from roving vendors along Surf Avenue and at our new and expanded gift shop at 1208 Surf Avenue!

Don’t buy bootleg merchandise or shirts that say Mermaid Day, Mermaid Parade Day or an other variable! This only lines the pockets of individuals who are exploiting the Parade for their personal gain. The Parade is an expensive one to put on and we'd appreciate it if you would buy our official merchandise. Our T - Shirts say The Mermaid Parade with a small TM (Trademark logo). 

What is the Mermaid Parade Pass?
With our Mermaid Parade Pass (available only to Coney Island USA donors) you'll be able to enjoy the Parade in style while taking advantage of some of the neighborhood's best attractions and Parade related events all for one tax-deductible donation to Coney Island USA! Available to both individuals and groups.
Sold out!

How do I get to Coney Island?
The best way to get to Coney Island is to take the D, F, N or Q subway to Stillwell Avenue. The Coney Island amusement area is also accessible via Exits 6 and 7 on the Belt Parkway.

I’m coming by car.  Where’s the best place to park?
Are you nuts?  The Mermaid Parade is Coney Island’s busiest day of the year and the traffic is terrible.  Having said that, the New York Aquarium and MCU Park both have parking lots, and there are a number of private lots between Surf and Neptune Avenues and West 8th Streets and West 17th Streets.  Coney Island USA strongly encourages people to make use of the mass transit system.

MCU has expanded it's parking lot this year and there is additional lot space on Surf Avenue at West 22nd Street, conveniently located right next to the Parade's new staging area.

I’m coming from Manhattan.  How much is a taxi from Midtown?
More than $50.  You’re better off taking the subway.

I’m coming in from out of town and need an address for GPS directions.  What should I use?
For Coney Island in general, you can use 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224.

for the Registration area you can use the intersection of West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224.

What’s the deal with taking pictures of the Parade.  How can I arrange that?
Anyone can take pictures of the parade from the sidewalk as it goes by on the street. If you want to take pictures of the staging area on West 21st Street, you will be charged $5 per camera to enter the staging area.  If you are Working Press with an NYPD Press Pass, you can enter the West 21st Street staging area for free.

There is also a Press Pen across from the reviewing stand on Surf Avenue that will open at around 1:30 PM.

You do not have to make reservations to take pictures on West 21st Street.  You just have to pay $5 per camera.

Can I get a Press Pass that gives me special access to cover the Parade?
No, we do not issue special press passes.

I'm going to stand in the street in front of the reviewing stand and take pictures or video because I'm very important and I don't care what anyone says.  I might also stand in the middle of the route and take pictures or video and hold up the Parade. What do you think about that?
It's a free country and you can do what you want.  But if you obstruct the Parade or the view from the reviewing stand, we will bodily remove you.  We're running a parade and don't have time to think about your portfolio, your video project or how expensive your camera is.

I have a lot of photos of the Mermaid Parade and am thinking of doing a book about the Parade.  Who do I talk to about that?
You would need to talk to Coney Island USA.  The Mermaid Parade is a property of Coney Island USA, and use of the name is forbidden without expressed, written consent of Coney Island USA.

Furthermore, we are required by law to protect the trademark.  We know that people love the parade, and we appreciate it, but showing love for the parade by trying to make a buck on it is bad karma and will cost everyone a lot more in legal bills than they will want to pay.

I want to march!  How can I register for the Parade?
You can register on-line via our website, or on site on the day of the parade, beginning at 10 AM.
 
Check In/Registration - Push-pull floats and marchers will register at Surf Avenue and West 21st Street.  Motorized floats and antique cars will register by the Surf Avenue Sidewalk at West 19th and West 20th street.

How long can I register online?
Online registration will be available until midnight on Thursday, June 17.

What time do I have to get there?
This is entirely up to you.  Registration opens at 10 AM and the Parade rolls out at 2 PM.  You can come as close to 2 PM as you’d like, but be aware that traffic on the Belt Parkway can come to a standstill and that the registration line grows longer, the closer it is to 2 PM.  Don’t get crushed by the rush!  Noon may be a good time to arrive.

I want to bring my dog/cat/other pet to the Parade.  Is that ok?
Coney Island USA does not have a policy regarding animals in the Parade.  However, asphalt does get hot, which can be ouchy on the pads of little canine/feline feet.  Please keep that in mind if you are thinking about bringing your furry friends.  Please also remember that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.  Don't ask us why...we don't make those rules.

I want to be a judge at the Parade. How do I do that?
So you want to be a judge at the 2010 Mermaid Parade with V.I.P Seating and a coveted Mermaid Parade Judge T- Shirt? It's simple, become a Member of Coney Island USA at the "Big Spender" Level. Click here for info.

How do I volunteer for the parade?
Send an email to mpvolunteers@gmail.com and someone will get back to you.

I’m going to miss the Parade!
It’s ok…you can buy merchandise on our online giftshop.

I sell products that your patrons might like.  How do I find out about setting up my own sales table?
Coney Island USA does not provide space for outside vendors during the Mermaid Parade; it’s a parade, not a street fair, which is one of the reasons why the community board likes us so much!

Vendors wishing to set up tables on the boardwalk must contact the Parks Department, which is responsible for licensing all concessions on Parks Department property; vendors wishing to set up tables on sidewalks must contact the individual property owners and have a sidewalk vending permit.

Please do not think about setting up in front of our building on Surf Avenue and West 12th Street!  Thank you.

What's up with the Ball.  Where is it?
This years ball is at the New York Aquarium's Oceanic Deck, 602 Surf Ave at West 8th st.

When is it?
After the parade, 6pm - 11:30pm

What's the deal with the tickets?
General Admission Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 6pm. Space is limited, so get there quick and don't miss out! $25 CASH ONLY. V.I.P. Tickets are sold out.

Who's performing that night?
The ball is 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, Lefty Lucy and BeelzeBabe. 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!

I'm building a float that's a 1:1 model of the Parachute Jump.  Will I have clearance to march it on the street?
Um, no.  According to many-time Queen Mermaid Kate Dale, dimensions for floats should follow these rules of thumb:

Width
-----
The narrower of the ramps is 8' wide to the inside of the rail, but no more than 6' of width is recommended and 5'6" would be preferable.

Height
------
The hard cut off is approx 9'6" or so.  A wire across 10th Street Ramp is 10' off ground, but with slope, clearance is less than that.

Slope
-----
The steeper of the ramps is approximately 5" to 1' incline, so people should prepare for that in terms of weight and tippage.

Finally
-------
Conditions change, so it's always best to walk the route with a tape measure yourself.

I have an Antique car.  How come the Antique Cars always get shat on?

In 2010, antique cars will register at West 19th street and Surf Avenue and then roll east to West 10th street and park on West 10th.

This year we finally have a place for Antique Cars and Motorized Floats to Park at the end of the parade!

Antique Cars and Motorized Floats will park on West 10th Street between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk.  Let's hope it works!

As with last year, the following restrictions are in place:

1) all cars must show proof of insurance

3) No one may burn rubber or spin tires.  This comes directly from the Police.  Please do not burn rubber or spin tires, or you will be taken out of line and issues a summons.  That's a bad way to end a good day.

3) No one is permitted to ride on the hood of a vehicle or in a trunk.  Sorry.  Again, straight from the police.

4) No one is permitted to drink alcohol in a motorized float.

Parade Route

View Mermaid Parade Route in a larger map

* The Parade will start at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
* The Parade will roll east to West 10th Street
* at West 10th Street the Parade will turn south towards the boardwalk
* cars and motorized floats can park on West 10th Street
* At the Boardwalk, the marchers and push-pull floats will turn west and head towards Stillwell Ave.
* At Stillwell Ave. the Parade will disband

PUSH PULL FLOATS AND MARCHERS will register at Surf Avenue and West 21st Street.
MOTORIZED FLOATS AND ANTIQUE CARS will register at Surf Ave. Side at West 19th and West 20th street.

Because West 21st Street is much narrower than our old staging area (West 10th Street), you will NO LONGER be able to PULL YOUR TRUCK OR VEHICLE to unload materials for assembling your push-pull cart or costume. But, DON’T WORRY- you will be able to assemble your cart in a secure location with vehicle access on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Street. You may then push you cart onto West 21st Street.

If you plan on driving to the parade, you may purchase parking in the expanded MCU parking lot- conveniently located on West 22nd Street and Surf Avenue.

About The Mermaid Parade

A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events. The parade is proud to have some incredible sponsors. Click here for answers to common questions.

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.

Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings, riding in the Parade and assisting in the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season by marching down the Beach from the Boardwalk, cutting through Ribbons representing the seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. In the past, David Byrne, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses.

The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, purchase raffle tickets, and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City's hottest burlesque stars.

Come on out and join us on one of Coney Island's best days of the summer! We can't wait to see you there!