10th Annual Poseidon’s Parade Judges Announced
By Bert Sanders
We are now less than two weeks away from the tenth annual Poseidon’s Parade. When I began covering this summer ending spectacle, it would have been difficult to predict how iconic and insane this yearly stroll would become. Looking back on my notes and social media memories, there are many wild Poseidon moments. I recall the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade frantically rescuing Whaleamina from the rafters of the Beach 97th concession. Everyone enjoys the legendary Tail Shakers’ yearly performance, as well as John Cori’s iconic floats. His yellow submarine and replica of the Atom Smasher are by far the coolest floats to ever hit the boardwalk.
Besides these iconic marchers, the parade attracts some of the most creative and complex characters that this town has to offer. Quite often, the most colorful people involved with the parade are the judges. Every year, five hand selected judges sit atop lifeguard chairs on the boardwalk to harshly judge parade participants and select winners in the various categories. The parade never repeats judges, as it is a once in a lifetime appointment by the benevolent dictator. Since it is the tenth parade, the Brigade has just chosen their 50th judge!
Due to rampant bribery and corruption, it is important to know your judges. I met with Queen Casey and her tie dye team. She briskly handed me a paper with the judges’ names and pointed to the door. This year’s Poseidon judging panel is as follows: Chris “Tio Loco” Saylor, “Mel Jam,” Alice Murphy, and the newlyweds Leigh Anne and Kenneth Kearns. Based on my ten years of coverage of this parade, this is by far the harshest panel the parade has seen. Kenny and Alice, for example, were both finalists in the 2024 Rockaway Player Haters’ Ball, and Tio Loco’s angry outbursts are well documented in the East Atlantic Beach Village News police blotter. The Brigade assured me that all of the judges are ready to spectate, evaluate, and enjoy whatever bribes parade participants see fit.
Winners of each category will receive handmade trophies from the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade. This year’s trophies look very professional, so it is essential to bring it! This year’s categories are “Best Pet,” “Best Pub/Restaurant,” “Best Adult Group (Kristine Caruso Award),” “Best Bike,” “Best Children’s Group,” “Best Individual (Ms. Columbia Award),” “Best Block,” “Best Float,” “Best Overall,” and “Best Performance.” The trophies will be given out by The Brigade with MC Dowd “the loud,” Queen Casey, and, of course, Bettina, the official crowd control officer of the 2024 parade.
The parade will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m. It begins on Beach 105th and ends at the Beach 97th concessions, where there will be face painters, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Bailey Boden, of St. James fame, will be rocking the t-shirt tent, where hand tie-dyed 10th annual commemorative t-shirts will be sold along with classic shirts from year’s past. The official after-party will take place at the Beach 97th concessions where DJ Tummolow, fresh off of Burning Man, will set the dance party in motion for the great summer send off.
The Brigade encourages participants to register online on https://www.poseidonsparade.com/.
