The Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade, and one of New York City's greatest summer events. It was created by CIUSA’s former Artistic Director, Dick Zigun, and is produced by Coney Island USA, the 501 (c)(3) not for profit arts organization located in the heart of Coney Island’s iconic amusement district. Founded in 1983, the Mermaid Parade pays tribute to a century of Coney Island ingenuity, revelry, and pageantry by celebrating the artistic vision of the masses. With everything from a crowned King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, fantastical sea creatures and mer-folk, marching bands and dancing groups, to baby strollers and mechanized floats, it showcases the creativity of individuals from the five boroughs and beyond. It opens the summer with a true celebration of incredible art, NYC’s entrepreneurial spirit, and our community pride. It also ensures a successful summer season by drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area, providing an economic boost to local businesses.