Brooklyn BP Reynoso just announced $20K to save the Mermaid Parade

I was at Coney Island USA this afternoon for the press conference. Some details from what was announced: Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso committed $20,000 in funding to Coney Island USA to close the financial gap on the 44th annual Mermaid Parade He publicly committed to baseline that funding every single year as long as he's the Brooklyn Borough President — i.e., Coney Island USA can plan on $20K/year going forward New York Comic Con has signed on as the PRESENTING SPONSOR of this year's parade The theme of New York Comic Con 2026 — held at the Javits Center every fall — is Coney Island Context for anyone who didn't know: the 44th annual parade was on the edge of being canceled. Coney Island USA has been struggling since COVID. They set up a GoFundMe as a last resort. The public response was huge. Reynoso saw it, acted at his 2026 State of the Borough Address. Adam Rinn, Artistic Director at Coney Island USA, gave a really honest opening statement about the financial challenges of operating out of the oldest landmark building in the amusement district. Worth reading. The 44th annual Mermaid Parade is Saturday, June 20, 2026 on Surf Avenue and the Coney Island boardwalk. submitted by /u/setoxxx [link] [comments]