Weeks after uncertainty cast a shadow over one of Brooklyn’s most beloved summer traditions, organizers of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade say the tide has turned — thanks in part to a last-minute commitment from Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Following his announcement at last week’s annual State of the Borough address, parade leaders confirmed the funding boost is already helping transform what once felt like a scramble into a full-fledged comeback.
According to Adam Rinn, Coney Island USA’s artistic director, Reynoso’s office reached out after seeing mounting public support — and media coverage — highlighting the parade’s financial strain. In previous Brooklyn Paper reporting, concerns over rising costs and sponsorship gaps had placed the future of the Mermaid Parade in question, sparking a wave of grassroots fundraising and advocacy efforts across the borough.
“[Reynoso] had reached out to us after seeing some of the things on social media — and some of the articles,” Rinn told Brooklyn Paper. “He committed to helping ensure that the Mermaid Parade will live to see another year, at least.”
While the exact amount of funding from Borough Hall has not been disclosed, Rinn said the combined total, including community-raised funds through the GoFundMe campaign, is already making a measurable difference.
“It means we are now able to really fully start getting the gears in motion,” they said. “We’re looking at a significant amount to get the ball rolling at this point.”
The turnaround comes after weeks of uncertainty. As previously reported, local advocates and artists rallied to “save” the Mermaid Parade, framing it as more than just a spectacle, but a defining piece of Brooklyn’s cultural identity.
Now, with funding in place, organizers say planning is accelerating despite the late start. A presenting sponsor is expected to be announced within the coming weeks, and the parade’s “royal court” — a hallmark of the event — is already finalized.
“Things are beautifully falling into place, even though we got a bit of a late start,” Rinn continued.
The Mermaid Parade, known for its elaborate costumes, seaside pageantry, and thousands of participants, draws crowds from across the city each summer. For Rinn and other members of the Coney Island community, its survival this year carries added meaning.
“It really is going to be, as always, a celebration of exactly what we do and who we are,” the organizer said. “Everyone that involves themselves — spectators, marchers — it’s a great day for them as well.”
But this year, Rinn added, feels different.
“It feels like such a special year because the community has rallied so much,” they said. “We beat down a casino. We raised the money. It’s good. It really is special.”
The 44th Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
