This past Saturday was my first time going to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade as a spectator, not a participant. It was a very different experience, and a lot of fun. Particularly because I got to enjoy it with my partner Satise, as part of her first visit to NYC.
It was so cool getting to see all the different parade groups promenade down the boardwalk. It was a perfectly gorgeous, sunny day for a parade. And everyone seemed in great spirits.
Of course it was lovely seeing the lindy hop group in the parade — the “Finnyhoppers”! The two different drum corps made joyous noise that thundered down the beach. The costumes were on fire this year, from the tiniest baby mermaid to the most elaborate drag queen costumes. There was even an 101 year old mermaid, proudly walking on her own!
This year I actually went to Luna Park to ride rides, which I have never done before. When I lived in New York, I was too scared to ride the historic Cyclone, which turns 100 years old next year. But this year I braved it, and boy was it awesome.
The other amazing ride, believe it or not, was the bumper cars. The Eldorado Bumper Car and Arcade features a live DJ spinning the most crunk hip-hop booming out of gigantic speakers. Something about rolling around in bumper cars as the beats vibrate the floor was so hilarious and fun. Satise grinned like a maniac the whole time.
For outfits, I wore a version of the Singaporean sailor uniform I wore several years ago. But I was clearly outshone by Satise, who borrowed a sparkly and bejeweled mermaid costume that looked so amazing on her. So many photographers stopped to take her photo all day!
I’ve long said the Mermaid Parade is the best part of summer in New York City. This year was one of the best ones I’ve ever participated in. I’m so glad we arranged our trip to coincide with it.
