Coney Island Mermaid Parade

The annual Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn, New York is the largest art parade in the United States and was started in 1983 by Dick Zigun, founder of the arts organization Coney Island USA. Its purpose is to celebrate self-expression, boost pride in Coney Island, and give New York artists a place to showcase their work.

The marine-themed event is presided over by a King Neptune, Queen Mermaid, and includes sailors, assorted characters and sea creatures. The ingenuity, revelry and pageantry displayed evoke the artistic spirit of Mardi Gras.

It was my privilege to be invited to be on a float in the parade. My friend and fellow photographer, Mariette Pathy Allen, co-founder of the Give Love A Chance Foundation (GLAC) along with Ness Star, wanted the organization represented in the parade as a public relations gesture. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and a great opportunity for photos.