Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, sea, salt air and the beginning of summer. Participants dress in hand-made costumes as mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, and the occasional wandering lighthouse. Each year, a celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings, riding in the parade and assisting in the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season. Attending celebrities in the past have included David Byrne, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby and Theo. The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball.
Numerous intimate stages showcase top artists performing bluegrass, acoustic and dance acts. Top artists informally play together on the Masters Workshop Stage, while dancing lessons and evening dances take place on the Dance Stage. There is also a Family Stage, Slow Jam Tent, workshops, jam sessions, food and drink and the Bluegrass Academy for Kids.
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