Poseidon’s Parade Makes a Splash for Year 9

NEWS
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September 21, 2023
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By Katie McFadden

The 9th Annual Poseidon’s Parade gave the summer of 2023 the sendoff it deserved, and it was a swimming success!

The weather couldn’t have been better on Saturday, September 16, setting the tone for a great day for a parade, especially one held by the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade, led by Queen Casey Brouder. Costumed mermaids, mermen, kids, babies and even pets gathered at the Beach 106th concession for the parade kickoff. For the first time in Poseidon’s Parade history, Geoff Rawling and his mobile recreation of Whalemina led the way on the boardwalk, along with Poseidon Prom King and Queen, Jerry Rea and Jenny Jording. Whalemina was followed by a classic car and another classic, an original Playland go-cart. Bettina Hornung led a Lady Gaga themed group in support of the LGBTQ community and drag queens, before directing parade traffic at the judging stand at Beach 100th Street.

There, Dan Guarino, Jennifer Porcheddu, Annie White, Erin Silvers and Jason McMilleon, all dressed out in fabulous costumes themselves, had the tough time of judging each entry, while MC Jimmy Dowd provided funny and fitting commentary along the way. From disco troupes to a fish fry, Jimmy Buffett tributes, tail shaking performances, and Rockaway throwbacks, the boardwalk served as a stage for Rockaway’s most creative and talented.

The parade came to an end at the Beach 97th concession where Rockaway Bazaar graciously hosted the awards and after-party. There, Jimmy Dowd held up his MC duties and announced the winners of the coveted Poseidon’s Parade trophies. This year’s winners were as follows.

Best Pet went to Keith Frasier’s face painted pup from the Dr. Seuss group. Best Individual aka the Ms. Colombia Award went to a fabulous little Ursula who nailed the part. Best Block went to 101 Disco with their dazzled crew on foot, skates and bicycles, even including a super lanternfly. Best Performance was a no brainer with The Tailshakers pulling out three-times the fun with their dance moves. Best Adult Group, also known as the Kristine Caruso award, in honor of the late young lady who claimed Poseidon’s Parade as her favorite day, went to Tina Turtles, a tribute to the late Tina Turner and Jimmy Buffett. Best Children’s Group went to Seuss, Dr. Seuss for recreating the childhood classics. Best Pub/Restaurant went to the Knights of Columbus for recreating some of the beach’s most notable characters from the nutcracker man to the ice ladies, seagulls, crabs and more. Best Bike went to Rockaway Beach Cycles for their authentic-looking pirate crew. Best Float went to a boatload of kids dressed up as a seafood feast being cooked up in a pot. A last-minute addition, Best Baby went to adorable Abby Mae for her pastel princess mermaid look. And last but certainly not least, Best Overall, went to Beach 92nd Street’s recreation of Playland, including a working Atom Smasher rollercoaster, led by John Cori and crew.

Congratulations to all of the winners and participants, and to the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade for putting on another fintastic event. Year 10 will be epic!