Latest news with #MermaidParade
Time Out
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Coney Island will host a Pee-wee Herman look-alike contest to celebrate 40 years of his Big Adventure
Grab your gray suit, polish up that red bow tie and practice your best 'I know you are, but what am I?'—because Coney Island is throwing a Pee-wee party for the ages. On Sunday, August 24, the boardwalk's resident arts hub Coney Island USA will stage its first-ever Pee-wee Herman Look-Alike Contest, honoring the late Paul Reubens, his beloved alter ego and the 40th anniversary of Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The event promises all the spectacle you'd expect from the nonprofit that invented the Mermaid Parade. 'Pee-wee Herman's body of work has left an indelible mark on American popular culture,' said Adam Rinn, Coney Island USA's artistic director and the contest's co-host. 'Our non-profit arts organization created the Mermaid Parade, so why not have a day where we can celebrate the colorful characters that Paul Reubens created?' Contestants won't be limited to Pee-wee's childlike persona. Registration categories include Best Pee-wee Herman, Pee-wee's Playhouse and Pee-wee Movie Character, meaning you could show up as Miss Yvonne, Cowboy Curtis, Jambi, Large Marge or any of the wonderfully weird characters from Reubens' universe. 'Coney Island is all about fun and spectacle,' said burlesque performer Little Brooklyn, who will co-produce and co-host. 'We can't wait to see how creative the people of New York City and beyond are going to get.' Registration begins at noon inside the Freak Bar, with the competition itself kicking off at 1pm on West 12th Street, right outside Coney Island USA's landmarked building at 1208 Surf Avenue. Expect amazing Coney-themed prizes, loud costumes and probably more than one awkward Pee-wee dance. The whole affair is free, so there's no excuse not to swing by the seaside, cheer on your favorite Playhouse doppelgänger and maybe channel your own inner Pee-wee. After all, it's not every day you get to celebrate one of America's most delightfully strange comic creations in the place that knows spectacle best.
South China Morning Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Write a funny caption for this lady dressed as a mermaid
People in a variety of colourful costumes participated in the 43rd annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island, New York in June. The annual Mermaid Parade marks the beginning of summer in New York City and pays tribute to Coney Island's Mardi Gras celebrations in the early 1900s. Agence France-Presse Send us a funny caption by filling out this form or emailing us at editorial@ The deadline is at 12pm on July 9. We'll publish the best ones next week. Last week's top caption Eduardo Sacasa, president of the Zoo Friends Foundation, holds an albino congo monkey at the National Zoo of Nicaragua back in 2007. Photo: EPA-EFE Posties editors: How dare you finish all the bananas?
New York Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
New Yorker dresses as ‘washed up scum' Andrew Cuomo in Mermaid Parade
A man dressed as a bizzare depiction of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo showed up to march in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade Saturday — with a special plea for his fellow New Yorkers. 'I'm trying to get reelected on Tuesday and I thought I'd bring my message to the voters,' the man who only called himself 'washed up scum,' sarcastically told The Post. 3 The man dressed as Andrew Cuomo in the Mermaid Parade insisted people call him 'washed up scum.' Samantha Olander The costume was complete with messy green strings to represent algae the former Governor would have encountered as he washed up on the shore, a torn-up dress shirt — and Cuomo's oversized head. On his backside, the man had a sign that read 'don't rank me,' a reference to the Big Apple's ranked choice voting, where electors place up to five mayoral candidates in order of preference. 3 Voters in NYC can rank up to five candidates in order of preference for the mayoral election. Samantha Olander 'I made the state fill up with as much scum as I could when I was governor and I'd like to do that to the city,' the mystery man said, adding it was his first mermaid parade. Cuomo is the frontrunner heading into Tuesday's Democratic mayoral primary, though surging socialist Zohran Mamdani has been making up ground — cutting the ex-lawmaker's lead in half from just a month ago. The Ex-Governor is ahead 55% to 45% against Mamdani in the latest poll released Wednesday. The heated NYC Democratic mayoral primary has lit a fire under Big Apple voters — twice the number of New Yorkers are turning out for early voting compared to four years ago, data from the city Board of Elections shows. 3 Cuomo resigned as New York Governor in disgrace in 2021. Stephen Yang
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Coney Island's 43rd Mermaid Parade: Date, time, and how to join the festivities
Coney Island is all set to host the 43rd edition of its iconic Mermaid Parade on Saturday. Thousands are expected to turn up for what describes as the nation's largest art parade. For many New Yorkers, the event marks the ceremonial start of summer. Coney Island prepares for the 43rd Mermaid Parade, expecting thousands to attend. (Photo by SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) Started in 1983, the parade draws inspiration from historic Mardi Gras festivities once held in the same neighbourhood. It was founded by Dick Zigun, then the artistic director of Coney Island USA. Since then, the event has grown in scale and spirit, becoming a cornerstone of Brooklyn's summer culture. Also Read: Will US see 'ring of fire' amid tornado, derecho, thunderstorms in Minnesota and Dakotas? Here's what we know Long-standing Coney Island tradition Organised by the non-profit Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade brings together artists, performers, and locals in elaborate costumes-many dressed as mermaids, sea creatures, or fantastical beings. The parade also features live marching bands, colorful floats and vintage cars. In addition to its visual spectacle, the event plays an important role in supporting businesses located around Coney Island's amusement district. Also Read: North Dakota tornado, Minnesota derecho wreak havoc in Bemidji and Enderlin, leaving thousands without power: See photos Mermaid Parade: When and where to join Parade day registration begins at 10 am on Saturday. It is only available in person and in cash at the check-in point-located at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. The procession officially kicks off at 1 pm, moving eastward along Surf Avenue before turning onto the boardwalk at West 10th Street. It ends at Steeplechase Plaza. Organizers confirm the event will go ahead regardless of the weather. Once the parade concludes, a short beach ceremony will be held at 5 pm to welcome the summer season. Also read: World Music Day 2025: Celebrate with these free musical events across the US Your visit guide to Mermaid Parade Spectators are advised to arrive early and choose their viewing spots carefully. For a full view of the parade and motorized floats, officials recommend standing on the north side of Surf Avenue (the non-beach side). Crowds here are expected to be dense, on par with New Year's Eve gatherings in Times Square. Those uninterested in the vehicular aspect of the parade may prefer watching from the boardwalk, where participants and floats continue to march after leaving Surf Avenue. The beachfront vantage point is a popular choice for families and tourists alike. City officials advise attendees to use public transport where possible, as parking in the area is limited and expected to be in high demand. FAQs What time is the Mermaid Parade? The Mermaid Parade begins at 1 pm on Saturday, with registration starting at 10 am. What is the meaning of the Mermaid Parade? The Mermaid Parade celebrates artistic expression, local culture, and the start of summer in New York City. Where is the Mermaid Festival located? The Mermaid Parade takes place in Coney Island, Brooklyn. In which US state does the annual Mermaid Parade Festival take place? The annual Mermaid Parade is held in the state of New York.
Time Out
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Coney Island Mermaid Parade guide
We hope you've been stocking up on glitter and nautical attire: The Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns as one of the best Brooklyn attractions for its 43rd year! Thousands of spectators flock to Surf Avenue—Coney Island's main drag—each year to watch King Neptune and Queen Mermaid lead a procession of glittering, semi-nude marchers in costumes during one of the best NYC events in June. The annual event, started by Coney Island USA founder Dick Zigun in 1983, has become a neighborhood mainstay. Read on for everything you need to know about the event, from how to join, where and when the parade starts, and more. Don't miss your chance to enjoy a whimsical and wild afternoon at one of the best New York beaches! What is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? Half-naked mermaids and mermen and other creatures covered in glitter and scales invade the streets of Coney Island for this annual bacchanal by the sea. With thousands of spectators, it's known as the nation's largest art parade. When is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is on Saturday, June 21, kicking off at 1pm—rain or shine. This year's forecast is expected to be toasty with temperatures in the mid-80s, so do your best to stay cool. Where is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? The Mermaid Parade begins at Surf Avenue and W 20th Street, traveling along Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk before ending at Steeplechase Plaza. For the best chance of getting a good spot, show up by 11am. Or if you're willing to shell out $200, you can become a Coney Island USA member and snag a spot in the coveted Judge's Stands. Who are King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year? This year's king will be Eugene Hütz of punk band Gogol Bordello and singer Queenie Sateen Every year, the King and Queen are wheeled through the parade in an antique wicker boardwalk rolling chair from 1923. Then, at about 4pm, they'll be led to the beach at 19th Street and the boardwalk for a ceremony formally opening the ocean for the summer swimming season. How can I participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? You still have time: There are various registration levels—for families, 'artsy marchers,' antique cars and more—and different fees apply for each one. As of now, registration is closed online, but you can register in-person (cash-only) starting at 10am on the day of the parade. All the details are available at Coney Island USA's website.
