Some words that describe what will take place Saturday along Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk in Coney Island are: colorful, loud, and creative.

“It is essentially a holiday all on to itself, it has no particular connections aside from the fact that we wanted to do this event, and this year is our 40th,” said James Fitzsimmons, executive director of Coney Island USA, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Mermaid Parade.

What You Need To Know

  • The Mermaid Parade returns to Coney Island for the first time since 2019

  • It is the city’s largest art parade with thousands of artists participating

  • The parade is traditionally a kickoff to the summer season in the Coney Island Beach and Amusement District

  • It can be viewed on Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk

The parade returns on Saturday for the first time since 2019 after two pandemic cancellations. It’s the city’s largest art parade that includes floats, marching bands, and thousands of artists.

Fitzsimmons said it took some extra time this year arranging the big event after three years without it — having to re-learn to do a few things.

“It’s something that I’ve been a part of now for almost 20 years, and it’s strange not to have had it the last few years, and it’s a little strange realizing, 'Oh my God, it’s actually going to happen this time,'” Fitzsimmons said.

The parade traditionally propels the legendary amusement district into summer. Fitzsimmons said parade day is huge for businesses in the neighborhood, where there is no shortage of food and thrills at places like Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Luna Park and Nathan’s.

“The number of people who come out for the parade and everything else make it almost equal to the Fourth of July as one of the major events of the season,” Fitzsimmons said.

New Yorkers can either watch the parade, which begins at 1 p.m., or be part of it, although Fitzsimmons stressed individuals who want to take part probably want to dress up.

“You have to have a costume or something costume-like. We are not very judgemental on your costume choices,” Fitzsimmons said.