2015 Mermaid Parade

My wig didn’t fit in the cab.

That’s how my time at the 2015 Mermaid Parade began. I rushed toward Surf Avenue and West 21st Street in Coney Island. This would be my fifth parade. It would also be my first time on the judges’ stand. Friends encouraged me to take a seat there. They insisted it offered the best way to experience the parade. I think they may have meant the “unsolicited” bribes from the marchers. My haul included several beers and more than a few swigs of high-end whiskey.

I also collected plenty of creative, homemade trinkets from the marchers.

Of course, the judges’ stand also offered the best view in the house. From there, I could watch the wildly creative nautical ensembles, floats, and antique cars. I finally got to see the parade from beginning to end.

One of my favorite moments came when our esteemed Chief Justice addressed one of the antique convertibles. He called out, “This is a topless parade, take your top down!” The car happily obliged.

But the Mermaid Parade is so much more than a topless parade.

Although it certainly includes that, New York law allows people of either gender to go topless in public. Towns can enact local ordinances to the contrary. Happily for the burlesque community, New York City has not.

According to the parade’s website, organizers founded the parade in 1983 with three goals.

First, they wanted to bring mythology to life for local residents. Those residents live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune. Anyone who has spent time in Coney Island knows these are real street names. Coney Island USA produces the famous “Burlesque at the Beach” series every summer. The organization also sits on Surf Avenue.

Second, the parade aimed to build self-esteem in a district often dismissed as “entertainment.”

Finally, organizers wanted artistic New Yorkers to find self-expression in public.

Most importantly, I often explain one thing to people unfamiliar with the parade. “Mermaid Day,” the day of the parade, is an entirely invented holiday. It has no ethnic, religious, or commercial purpose. Artists created the day for artists.

If You’re Offended, Stay Home

Unlike other parades, this one does not feature Grand Marshals or politicians. NYC Mayor Bill DiBlasio did appear in 2014. He dressed as a pirate and brought his children along. Former NYC Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz also offered his perspective. He once told the media, “If you’re offended by it—stay home!”

Instead, this parade boasts a King and Queen.

For the 33rd edition of the parade, organizers chose our own burlesque royalty, Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz. They led the contingent of artists marching down Surf Avenue and the boardwalk. At the end of the parade, the King and Queen receive a key from “The Unofficial Mayor of Coney Island,” Dick Zigun.

They then perform their official duty: opening the beach for summer.

It’s the biggest art parade in the world

“It’s the biggest art parade in the world and I’ve marched in it 22 straight years. It’s my high holy day, the best day of my entire year. This year I’m organizing a ‘royal feast’ to accompany our 2015 King and Queen Mat and Julie. It’s going to be all edible seafood creatures and food theme mermaids surrounding the royals in a tableau,” said Bambi the Mermaid.

Dick Zigun added, “Thrilled to have Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz as King and Queen…as both homegrown talent and major celebs from burlesque community.” Dick also noted that neo-burlesque owes a special debt to Coney Island USA. The organization has presented its “Burlesque at the Beach” shows since 1987.

As BurlyCon’s resident mermaid, I’m always happy to share my space with anyone considering the Wild Wild East Coast for the parade. BurlyCon honored me with the opportunity to teach my synchronized swimming class there in 2014.

So, if you’re thinking about joining us, come on out!

Flip your tail in the air. Wave a flipper. Or email me at [email protected].

See you at the beach!

Heather Whatever – photo by Andrew Levengood