Winners Crowned at 10th Annual Poseidon’s Parade
By Bert Sanders
For the tenth straight year, Poseidon himself blessed Rockaway with perfect weather, as hundreds packed the boardwalk to celebrate the summer of 2024! The 10th Annual Poseidon’s Parade went off without a hitch on a sunny Saturday afternoon. As expected, this year’s event was bigger, louder, and bolder than any of the previous nine!
The judges sat perched upon five three lifeguard chairs on Beach 102nd Street on Saturday, September 21. They were joined by the official parade MC Jimmy “The Loud” Dowd, and his larger-than-life cousin Bettina Hornung, who directed traffic and introduced the acts. Bettina, channeling Queen Daenerys I Targaryen, looked like a Nordic goddess draped in white, while she greeted each group as they approached the parade judiciary.
The energy of parade participants and spectators alike was electric. As is tradition, the parade was led by Whaleamina who was greeted by an actual whale in the Atlantic Ocean! The land whale and ocean whale made their way downtown from Beach 106th, a clear signal of approval from Poseidon, trailed by a sea of creativity. From Gilligan’s Island to “The S.S. Godzilla,” paradegoers were treated to spectacle after spectacle. The Tail Shakers, who have become a staple of the event, received huge cheers and ovations after each of their incredible dance routines, including their trophy winning celebration dance at the 97th Street concessions.
Beach 101st took us back to the Irish Riviera with their Summer St. Patrick’s Day Spirit! It was nice to celebrate Irish culture in 75-degree weather as opposed to the frigid first Saturday in March we are accustomed to, and their group took home best block! Jerry Rea won best individual (Miss Columbia Award) with his outrageously flamboyant clown costume, which included a skirt and an incessant performance on the kazoo. John Cori showed off his carpentry skills once again with an amazing float that accompanied the perpetually doomed crew of the S.S. Minnow, earning them best float.
The parade ended at Beach 97th where SolShyne created an epic vibe for the last day of summer while Stephanie painted faces and Bailey sold tie-died 10th annual shirts. And all of the winners were announced. The lovely London and her pooch earned best pet. The swashbuckling pirates of the Knights of Columbus won best pub/restaurant. Best adult group (Kristine Caruso award) went to Family Circus. Best bike was claimed by dragon balloon covered Poseidon Prom King and Queen, Ade and Candy Brigham. Best children’s group went to Poseidon and the Mini Mermaids. S.S. Godzilla earned best performance. Best push/pull went to beautiful baby Abby Mae. And the talented Tail Shakers won best overall!
After the awards ceremony and a complete encore set from SolShyne, the last bastions of the parade headed to Connolly’s to dance with DJ Paddy Tubz! I caught up with Queen Casey, who was ripping up the dance floor. “Just thank all the people,” was the only sound bite I could get during her dance frenzy.
The Rockaway Mermaid Brigade would like to officially thank everyone for making this day a complete success. They would also encourage more people to get in on the action next year! Additionally, they would like to thank Rockaway Parks Administrator Eric Peterson, who has always been an advocate for the parade, and has made the process as smooth as possible. Good luck to him on the next part of his NYC Parks journey, and thanks for getting the Piping Plover to march! I will be covering the next chapter of the Poseidon Parade, which will most likely be the prom in January or February! For now, let your freak flag fly!
Photos by Tom Farley, Dan Guarino and Katie McFadden.
