With five days to spare, a Kickstarter campaign is just shy of the $100,000 neededto rescue the 2013 Coney Island Mermaid Paradeafter Hurricane Sandy wiped out the organizers’ coffers.
The glittery annual extravaganza has been known to attract up to a million revelers who hoist tridents and don seashell pasties in a celebration worthy of a classically New York destination known for its freak show and carnival atmosphere.
More than2,000 people donated to the campaign, which offered tote bags, pasties and freak flags as incentives for low-level donations and a spot to march in the “Royal Entourage” on the day of the parade for anyone who gave $400 or more.
The parade won’t be officially greenlit until the fundraiser passes the $100,000 mark but organizer Dick Zigun told the Daily News that a venue has been secured.
