I Love a Parade!!

Now I ask, who doesn't love a parade, and who doesn't love it more when it's filled with mermaids and mermen???? I tell you this, If I didn't already have plans on a date next Saturday, I sooooooo would have dragged Mame's carcass kicking and screaming to go see the dance of the merpeople! But if you don't have plans and are in New York City head over to Coney Island for the colorful festivities. A completely original creation of Coney Island, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events. Founded in 1983 by Coney Island, 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, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have graced the shores, presiding over the assembled masses. The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball,who doesn't love a ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, enjoy cocktails and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City's hottest performers. And you doesn't like to see half naked men?



If I could go, I think the I would have to go topless with some nice pink tassels and a lovely pink sequined tail! And you????