Thaindian News

June 19, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is all set to begin next Saturday. This is an annual affair which started way back in 1983 as a means of drawing attention to Coney Island as well as its dwindling art organizations.

The initial years were not too popular with the number of participants being almost equal to the number of viewers. But things have certainly changed since then. The mermaid parade is expected to draw in a 500,000 strong crowd and will begin at 2 P.M. on Saturday. The parade normally concludes with the traditional cutting of ribbons signifying the seasons of a year as well as the tossing off a fruit into the Atlantic Ocean, a gesture meant as a peace offering to the sea gods. The parade rounds off with a ball held at the New York aquarium.

Mr. Dick Zigun, the founder of the mermaid parade does admit that the entire idea may be a trifle absurd. But it is an annual event that upholds the prestige of Coney Island. The parade is also a platform for various artists to showcase their creativity by unleashing their most bizarre fantasies.

The 47 year old Kate is one of the regulars at the parade, having contested for 18 years. She has also managed to win the costume contest thrice and the contest for the best float twice so far. It is a momentous event for her as she gets ready to transform herself into a mermaid for this year’s parade on Saturday.

Participation is all the more fun, confesses Ms. Kate Dale, because it is probably the only contest on earth where you can officially bribe the judges and hope for favors. Cash, food or alcohol, everything goes and Kate states that she prefers confining herself to alcohol, especially bringing one that suits her outfit. The entire parade becomes extremely enjoyable with participants letting their hair down on the D-day.

“It gives you a good feeling to beat the young 20 year olds around”, concludes Kate Dale, looking forward to the mermaid parade, this year.