Closing Bell: The Mermaid Parade Is Happening!

Great news for Coney Island! The organizers of the Mermaid Parade have met (and exceeded!) their Kickstarter goal of $100,000. Coney Island USA, who runs the parade as well as the Coney Island Museum and performance space, faced huge setbacks after Hurricane Sandy. Yesterday they told Gothamist that to run the parade, with all the security and insurance, they need around $190,000; they will raise the rest of the funds through grants, entry fees and sponsorships. They raised the last bit of Kickstarter money last weekend after a benefit concert. Last year 750,000 visitors showed up for the annual summer spectacle and the organizers expect even more this year. It’s scheduled for June 22 at 1 pm and you can sign up to participate here.
It’s Official: The Mermaid Parade Is Saved [Gothamist]
Photo by Ossip Kaehr