Organizers of Coney Island Mermaid Parade 'hopeful' annual event returns this year
The online fundraising campaign has exceeded $37,000 as of Wednesday.
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A Brooklyn tradition could be in jeopardy. Organizers of the annual Mermaid Parade say there’s a chance the event does not return this year – but they’re hoping that an online fundraiser helps them continue to flip their fins.
“We will hopefully have the parade,” said Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island USA, which organizes the parade.
Rinn told News 12 on Wednesday that they “never really bounced back” from the COVID-19 pandemic. So, while they hope to hold the 44th annual free event, they’re not there financially just yet.
“When you run a not-for-profit arts organization in, basically, a seasonal neighborhood, it becomes tight,” said Rinn. “It’s a hard game of catch-up.”
The online fundraising campaign has exceeded $37,000 as of Wednesday.
Rinn said that helps, but they still have a long way to go.
“That [$37,000] wouldn’t even cover half of the cost,” said Rinn.
He added that they’re working on getting sponsors, so mer-folk and sea creatures can continue to bring their colorful, homemade costumes.
“I think we’re going to get to the point where we’re going to have the best celebration in Brooklyn,” said Rinn.
A tentative date for this year’s Mermaid Parade is set for June 20 on Coney Island.
