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Registration for the 2025 annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island set...

Registration for the 2025 annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island set for June 21 is now open. Credit: Todd Maisel

Sinead Atkinson has loved mermaids for as long as she can remember. Growing up she cherished books and movies about them, pretended to be one in the pool and wrote a short story about Mist, a mermaid character she created. When she read about the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn as a little girl, she had no clue one day she would be in it.

She said she’ll never forget the day in 2018 that she and members of the Long Island Mermaid Pod, a group of “merfolk” who swim, dress up and perform as mermaids, rode on a float in the parade.

“I felt like a princess, waving and flipping my fins,” said Atkinson, 33, of Hauppauge, a high school English teacher in Brentwood.

It’s easier than one might think to join the happy throng of sea creature-themed revelers in the annual parade, set this year for June 21.

To participate in the event, which calls itself the largest arts parade in the nation and whose marchers
sometimes dress risqué, register at ConeyIsland.com/mermaidparade. Day-of registration is also available.

“While you can register on the day of the parade, online registration makes it easier when you arrive,” said Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island USA, which produces the parade. “Your wrist band and number will be ready.”

Though the parade starts at 1 p.m., “the earlier you get there the better,” he said. “You can eat and shop.”

Consider public transportation, which can extend the fun. “The trains going to Coney Island fill up with all sorts of characters. The ride is a party,” said Rinn.

If driving, he advised arriving by 9 a.m. With some 3,000 parade participants and typically at least 200,000 to 300,000 spectators, finding a spot can be challenging.

Atkinson recalled a crowd of thousands stood on stoops and balconies and lined the streets the day she was in the parade. She was decked out as Mist, with a handmade seashell top, fabric tail, headdress with a crown and the biggest smile.

“It was so exciting, the crowd was amped, the vibe good. I was amazed by the creativity of the costumes,” she said.

Fees

You can find prices by category at coneyisland.com/mermaidparade. Adults are $35 in advance/$40 day of, children under 12 are $20 in advance/$25 day of. Groups and floats are additional.

Parade Route

The parade starts at West 21st and Surf Avenue, travels east to West 10th Street on to the Boardwalk.

What to wear

“There are no rules about clothing,” said Rinn with a laugh. Skimpy or scandalous, you decide. Creativity reigns. However, “Wear comfy shoes, you’ll be on your feet all day,” Atkinson said.

More tips

“Use sunblock. Stay hydrated. You don’t want to get sick from being out in the sun,” said Atkinson.

Even if your friends don’t participate, bring them. “After the parade we met up on the beach, did a photo shoot. We rode some rides. It’s a cool experience like none other,” she said.

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