Brooklyn Welcomes Summer, Mermaids and Cyclones!!!

This past Saturday at 2 p.m., mystical creatures emerged fromthe depths of the Atlantic and marched away from the water’s edgeand onto the boardwalk in Coney Island. They arrived to participatein the annual Mermaid Parade.

The surrounding streets were alive with magical mermaids andmermen, King Neptune, and hordes of sea creatures of all sizes andages. Every inch of Coney was crawling with sea inhabitants aglowin outfits in every color of the rainbow. The parade participantsdressed to wow crowds with outlandish costumes and incrediblefloats.

The Mermaid Parade is a unique tradition in Coney, as constant asthe taste of a Nathan’s dog after a long beach day. This event wasfounded in 1983 by Coney Island USA. It is a throwback to the ConeyIsland of old when a Mardi Gras celebration was held from 1903 to1954.

The parade is a celebration of sea, sand and most importantly, theonset of summer. This year, the Mermaid King was the TravelChannel’s Adam Richman. The Brooklyn native is host to the cableshow, Man vs Food. The Mermaid Queen was Cat Greenleaf, host ofTalk Stoop. The parade route stretched from West 21st Street andSurf Avenue to the Boardwalk.

In addition to the creatures from the sea, motorized floats sailedby with shimmering, eye-catching creations aboard. Brooklyniteswere transfixed as the marchers waved, sang and threw prizes intothe crowd. The best of the boroughs, Brooklyn, greeted summer instyle!

At this time of the year, Coney sparkles, from endless days on thesand to nights riding the Cyclone and playing carnival games. LikeConey, our neighborhood gets better with age, maintaining its richheritage and tradition, while always staying current in New Yorkculture.

In recognition of Brooklyn’s best hood, Coney’s own BrooklynCyclones will celebrate Bay Ridge Night on Thursday, July 21 at 7p.m. Playing against the Aberdeen Ironbirds, the Cyclones willhonor our neighborhood with a Ridge-centric celebration

In years past, the special night offered everything from Bay Ridgetrivia, to video tours of the rich culture of the Ridge, with tonsof local students and residents in attendance. The night is alsotypically one which raises money for those who are lessfortunate.

This year will be no different and proceeds will be donated toReaching Out Community Services of Brooklyn, a local nonprofitvolunteer organization which provides food and other basics tothose in need. Reaching Out also provides a variety of helpful andfree services such as blood pressure screening and tax preparationfor area families who need it.

Bay Ridge Night will honor the organization, as well as thehardworking neighborhood itself, filled with honest and trueBrooklynites. Join the Cyclones as they welcome in summer and honorBay Ridge. Tickets can be purchased at www.brooklyncyclones.com,using promo code BAYRIDGE.