By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-20 20:49:24 | Updated at 2026-06-20 22:35:53
1 hour ago
Coney Island was invaded by jellyfish, flamingos and other nautical revellers for the annual Mermaid Parade.
The partiers showed up louder and in more daring costumes than in the 43 previous parades in celebration after the fishy fete survived a near shutdown caused by dripping funds.
“It was vital. This is the greatest day in Coney Island. The most crowded day, the most fun day, the most colorful day,” Adam Rinn, the artistic director of Coney Island US, told The Post.
More than 5,000 party animals walked in this year’s parade, a whopping total much higher than the typical 3,000 who attend the annual event.
Thousands more lined the beach and boardwalk to catch a glimpse of the scaley marchers — with most donning their own aquatic attire.
“People always ask, what kinda monster are ya? I resent that question. I say, ‘It’s none of ya business,'” said Martin the Monster, whose real name is Danny Wolverton.
Wolverton — who levitated on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent — dressed in a half mole, half worm costume that he paired with a shady umbrella, long blue nails that he said he’s been growing for “thousands” of years and pale makeup.
“They are crucial to the ecosystem and they dig tunnels in the ocean, just like moles do under the city,” Wolverton, of Cypress Hills, explained of the getup.
Pewee Merman, 49, took inspiration from the television superstar and his eponymous show, Pewee’s Playhouse for her look — which paired a red bowtie and slicked-back hair with a flashy skirt.
“I just love how unglued he was and it was mostly about imagination. I mean, it looks like the playhouse if you look around!” she said of the parade.
The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade — the country’s largest art parade — was in danger of being canceled this summer due to a severe lack of funding.
Coney Island USA said it landed in rough financial waters after using monies to fight against casino developers that set their sights on the People’s Playground, and was $18,000 short of securing the cash needed to pay out the permits for the massive event.
Last month, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso committed $20,000 to save the parade.
