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If developers have their way, tourists might soon outnumber tattoos at Coney Island. While martini bars threaten to take the place of beloved dives like Ruby’s, no one will ever get rid of the mermaids.
On Saturday, June 23, Coney Island’s MerÂmaid Parade will march through the world’s last great haven for freaks and into its 25th year with the now-infamous array of homemade sea creature costumes, topless mermaids, marching bands and the ceremonial tossing of fruit into the sea — a tradition meant to appease Poseidon.
Beginning at West 10th Street and the Boardwalk, the procession of floats, vintage cars and revelers will march past the rapidly closing flophouses, rides and concessions that give the neighborhood its character to West 16th Street, then turn right and head to Surf Avenue before heading back down to West 10th Street, all in the shadow of Astroland, the iconic amusement park that’s living on borrowed time.
Leading the spectacle will be this year’s King Neptune, Adam Savage — host of the TV show “Mythbusters” — and his Queen Mermaid, “Rescue Me” star Patti d’Arbanville.
But careful, first-timers: this parade is addictive.
“The first time I saw it, I was so inspired that I ran home and immediately started sketching my costume for the next year,” burlesque performer Angie Pontani told GO Brooklyn. “You watch it once, and you’re in it forever!”
The parade is just the beginning. Once it’s over, revelers can move on to the Mermaid Ball — an after party that keeps the excitement and debauchery going until well after dark. In previous years, the Ball was held at Coney’s Velocity nightclub, but for its quarter-century anniversary, the Mermaid Parade is pulling out all the stops by reopening the landmarked Childs restaurant, a Boardwalk space that hasn’t been used — except for the occasional movie shoot — in 60 years.
“It’s the first time that it has been publicly available since 1947, when Childs sold it,” said Coney Island USA Managing Director David Gratt. “This more than anything, is a sign of the rebirth of Coney Island.”
The ball will feature live music as well as burlesque acts, DJs and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, but for $50 VIP tickets — which include party favors, appetizers and drinks — can be purchased.
The new space for the Ball might be fancier than in years past, but it’s no skyscraper on the boardwalk.
“A lot of things [in Coney] have changed over the years, and I imagine we’re going to be looking at a lot more,” said Pontani.
Fred Kahl, a performer in the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, agreed. “I don’t think the [$1.5-billion Thor Equities development project] in Coney will affect the parade,” he said. “Regardless of what happens, the parade is here to stay and our grandkids will be marching in it!”
GO Brooklyn loves the Mermaid Parade but knows it can be a real pain in the bass to maneuver the fishy situations that arise. Use these tips and you might just keep your day from floundering.
1. Don’t drive. Mass transit is the best choice. The N, Q, D and F trains all terminate at Stillwell Avenue, one block from the Boardwalk. The B64 bus is also the best option from Bay Ridge, taking only about a half-hour for the trip.
2. Think before you drink. Delis will be selling alcoholic beverages, but open containers are still illegal, even if they’re brown-bagged or poured into paper cups. To stay out of trouble, buy a cold one at a boardwalk vendor.
3. Timing is crucial. Though the parade starts at 2 pm, the crowds begin gathering closer to noon. Come down early to grab a good spot, but don’t forget sunscreen and water — it can be a long, hot day.
4. Judgement day. “If you can afford it, be a judge and sit in the reviewing stand,” Fred Kahl told us. “You get a bird’s-eye view of the whole parade and all the great bribes.” Judging requires a $100 donation, but can you really put a price on this type of power?
5. Skip the line. The public bathrooms on the Boardwalk are cleaner than ever, but who wants to wait on that line? While the restrooms there and at Nathan’s are open to all, we suggest coughing up the 25-cent fee to use the Astroland restrooms, where the wait (and ick factor) is much less.
The Mermaid Parade and Mermaid Ball will take place on June 23. The parade begins at 2 pm at West 10th Street and the Boardwalk. The Mermaid Ball begins at 6 pm at Childs (West 21st Street and the Boardwalk). The parade is free, tickets to the ball are $10–$50. For information, visit www.coneyisland.com.
©2007 The Brooklyn Paper
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