The view from the reviewing stand. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Thanks to the generosity of artist Deb Stern, who bought “Big Spender” memberships with Coney Island USA for several friends, we were once again entitled to a fun judgeship at the Mermaid Parade. From our front row seat in the tarp covered reviewing stand, we were able to take lots of photos and partake in the traditional bribing of the judges.
The first bribe of the Mermaid Parade? The Chief Justice pouring rum. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
The rum came compliments of Topsy the Merman and Turvy the Mermaid. Cheers, everybody! Other bribes offered to the judges were beer, vodka, more beer, chocolate cake, beer, lubricants, play money, glow in the dark octopus toy, more beer, more vodka, lemonade, the Book of Mermon, rum balls, and finally more beer. The most unusual bribe was probably the wooden boat with no engines and in need of structural repair. It was offered by the Rude Mechanical Orchestra who said show up with a tugboat and it’s yours. Are there any other interesting bribes we haven’t heard about?
King Neptune Harvey Keitel and Queen Mermaid Daphna Kastner arriving at the reviewing stand. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Actor Harvey Keitel, who grew up in Brighton Beach and went to Lincoln High School, came home to Coney Island as King Neptune! His lovely wife, the actress Daphna Kastner, was Queen Mermaid. It is the custom for the Mermaid Parade’s King and Queen to take their seats on the reviewing stand after touring the parade route in an antique rolling chair from the Coney Island Museum. Once upon a time these wicker chairs were used to transport visitors on the Boardwalk.
The Mayor of Coney Dick Zigun sez put picnic basket bribe right here! June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Bambi the Mermaid and her friend (pictured above) assisted with the receiving of the bribes. The picnic basket, reportedly one of the best bribes of the day, was from the Sexcamaids dancing troupe. When Dick opened the picnic basket, we beheld a beautifully designed menu. Then a Sexcamaid poured us cups of lemonade from an ice cold pitcher. Classy!
"The Book of Mermon" at the Mermaid Parade. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Good news from the Church of Lobster Day Shells courtesy of the Mermon marching group. My fellow judge was presented with the book. I was busy elsewhere taking photos when it happened, so I’m not sure if it was a bribe or proselytizing.
It was a Great Parade! A huge thank you to Everyone at CIUSA, and to King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, Emcees Kay Sera & Chris, Paraders, and to the Deity who made it stop raining soon after the parade reached the reviewing stand and for the duration of the parade! Here are some of my favorite pix from my 2009 Mermaid Parade set on flickr. I’m still processing and uploading the images. I took more than 100 photos! More to come…
Roller skating mermaid. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Mother & daughter mermaids (# 67). June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Mrs. Chief Justice & Associate Chief Justice for Little Mermaids. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Pirate Boy. June 20, 2009. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Day of the Dead Mermaids. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
A Coney Island Mermaid's Hug. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Related posts on ATZ…
June 16, 2011: Last Chance to See Mermaid Parade Before It Turns 30!
January 2, 2010: Photo Album: Coney Island Boardwalk, New Year’s Day 2010
July 6, 2009: Q & A with Zoltar: Coney Island Mermaid Parade’s Best Fortunetelling Float!
June 19, 2009: Q & A with Coney Island Mermaid Parade Three-Time “Best Mermaid” Kate Dale
Amusing the Zillion 