Mermaid Parade, June 21, 2005 by Viktoriya Kravets
From MemoryArchive
Who: Viktoriya Kravets What: [Mermaid Parade] When: June 21, 2005 Where: Coney Island
This year June 21st marked the twenty- third annual Mermaid Parade. This takes place at Coney Island, as a tribute to the glorious festivities that went from the beginning to middle of last century. When Coney Island was one of the hottest spots in the country. As we are a community by the sea, we draw of inspiration from it. Therefore, I too draped some green fabric around my legs put on a bathing suit top and went to join all the fun.
The Parade always brings out wacky characters from all over New York City who dress up is ridiculous and often bearing visible costumes. This year it seemed bigger than ever. The boardwalk, which only yesterday contained a few elderly couples and some joggers. Was now covered with all the freaks and geeks only NYC could contain.
At two o’clock, The Mayor of Coney Island kicked off the parade and we all began to march down the boardwalk. Everyone was in a great mood; the weather was enjoyed, not too hot. We marched down to West 16th Street, waving to the crowd on the sidewalk. Most of them probably local residents.
As the parade came to an end, the crowd stood around on the boardwalk. In addition, I was walking toward Nathan’s Hot Dog Stand. I ran into [Anthony Weiner], my congressman. Mr. Weiner shook my hand in front of a hot dog stand. I started to giggle once I realized the irony of it. He too caught and chuckled. I told him I had his mother for math my junior year at Midwood High School.
The enthusiasm was still at an ultimate high, the colors very super bright. Many of the people in the parade were showing off elaborate body painting. I believe that the Mermaid Parade may be the largest art parade on the East Coast. It is a traditional New York Summer event, has been going on since the mid 80s. Essentially, it celebrates the arrival of the Summer Season. There is even a ceremony is which there is Atlantic, King Neptune and Queen Mermaid invited every year to open the ocean by heading down to the beach and cutting ribbons along the way. The ribbons represent the passing of the other three seasons.
It is all rather neat, after the parade there was a Mermaid Parade Ball. This is hosted one of the small local clubs nearby. However, the weather was so beautiful and by that time, it had gotten rather warm. So the entire parade essentially marched down to the beach. To splash around in the water. The Mermaid Parade really seems to bring back some of the old Coney Island spark back that day. From the time when the [| Cyclone] was one of the first roller coasters around and not one of the oldest. Coney Island is still around; there remain a few amusement parks in the area. Nothing comparable to the plethora of wild amusements available in that during the roaring 20s’. I remember going to the newer amusement park when I was younger. Now Coney Island separates Brighton Beach a predominately Eastern European immigrant community and the Coney Island Projects.
The area has history back to the 1600’s when it was discovered by Henry Hudson. The tip that he discovered is now a private Hasidic Jewish Community. My, I guess things really have changed in that area. I am sort as to see what it will look like in twenty years. In the meanwhile, Ill just, enjoy it by going to the annual Mermaid Parade. I sure did have a great time this year.
