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6d ago

Brooklyn’s $20K Rescue Keeps Coney Island Mermaid Parade on Track

The borough president’s discretionary grant plus private fundraising have steadied the event’s budget, signaling possible ongoing public backing.

People show off their colorful costumes during the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
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Overview

  • The $20,000 allocation from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, announced at a May 20 press event, helped close an urgent budget gap for Coney Island USA.
  • Organizers confirmed the 44th annual Mermaid Parade will proceed on June 20, rain or shine, after months of fundraising.
  • A public GoFundMe drive has raised more than $40,000 and New York Comic Con signed on as a presenting sponsor, leaving organizers close to a roughly $120,000 production budget.
  • Coney Island USA said lingering pandemic losses and legal and advocacy costs tied to opposing a proposed casino created the cash shortfall that threatened this year’s parade.
  • Local business owners said the parade is one of their biggest revenue days, and Reynoso’s pledge of recurring discretionary support while he is in office could help stabilize funding and local tourism if sustained.