The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade is set for Saturday, June 20, inviting thousands of sea creatures and spectators to the unofficial kick-off to summer.
Coney Island USA, the non-profit multi-arts organization headquartered in the heart of Coney Island’s famed amusement district, said the parade will be staged despite the nonprofit's endeavor to raise funds.
“Planning for the 2026 parade has been a struggle,” said Adam Rinn, Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director. “Financially, we’ve been hit hard this past year, with the economy the way it is, the harsh winter and the battle to save Coney Island from a dreaded casino, we found ourselves tapped out. It got to the point that we had to open up a crowdfunding campaign."
However, thanks to the public fundraising and a generous allocation from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, everything fell into place, Rinn said.
Each year notable celebrities are selected to lead the Mermaid Parade through the streets of Coney Island as the King and Queen. This year the honors go to musician and New York’s native son, Jesse Malin, and two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones.
“The royalty for this year’s parade is a dream come true,” Rinn said.
Parade registration and details can be found at: https://www.coneyisland.com/
