Poseidon’s Parade Set for Saturday, Rain or Shine
Moved Indoors Due to Nor’Easter
Poseidon’s Parade is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. starting at Beach 106th, but contingency plans are in place, as Poseidon himself may be brewing up his own float for this year’s Parade in the form of an early season Nor’easter. Rockaway surfers, sick of surfing waist-high waves since March, began tracking this potential system earlier this week. I checked in with Lt. lifeguard, and local surf bum, Murphdawg: “I’m not getting my hopes up, but this is going to be a legit swell event. You just gotta stay on it and hit your windows. Wake up and check it dot com is the only way to go. You gotta be ready to send it at a moment’s notice.” I asked him what it meant for the parade. He simply replied “Parade?” and drifted off into a surf daydream.
While the surfers are clearly stoked and distracted, the Brigaders at Poseidon’s Parade headquarters are focused and concerned. I checked in with Queen Casey Butler, who was putting the final touches on the “Best Business” trophy. “My husband is like a surfer, so he knows the weather,” she calmly stated. “He said it was time to make a contingency plan for the parade, so we did.” I asked her to share this plan, but she was too busy fumbling around with glue guns and zip ties.
I am writing this article at 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22. While the weather models are not all in agreement, the European Model has Rockaway getting a direct nor’easter hit Friday into Saturday. The GFS model, which is the best-case scenario at this time, predicts Rockaway missing the rain, but getting high waves, coastal flooding and heavy winds. None of these conditions are ideal for a late summer saunter with bulky hand-crafted costumes and floats. It certainly seems like Poseidon is looking to make a splash at his own parade. The Rockaway Mermaid Brigade has issued the following statement:
“The Brigade is aware of the potential for stormy weather during the parade. The philosophy of the Brigade is that the show must go on. The awards ceremony, facepainting, and entertainment has been moved to Rockaway Beach Pickleball located at 97-25 Beach Channel Drive. The ceremonies will kick off immediately after the parade. In the event that the weather is too intense for the parade, the entire event will be moved to Rockaway Beach Pickleball. There will be a performance space, and all registered marchers will have their opportunity to present in front of the judges. THERE WILL STILL BE DAY OF REGISTRATION! The event will be open for spectators as well. WE WILL MAKE THE FINAL CALL ON THURSDAY EVENING ON INSTAGRAM (@poseidonsparade). We are extremely grateful for the people of Rockaway Beach Pickleball for stepping up and helping us keep the parade alive. Keep working on your costumes and groups!
Sincerely,
R.M.B.”
I’ve covered this event since its inception in 2015, and this is the first year that weather may have an impact. The last interruption to the parade took place during the COVID lockdowns, when the Brigade marched on with a small flash mob parade. While moving the parade may be upsetting, the spirit of the event will be alive and well at the old chocolate factory warehouse that has been brilliantly converted into a massive pickleball arena. The space will be set up in a way to give each paradegoer their moment on the stage and will bring a fashion show style energy to the costumed affair.
The after party will have this year’s official t-shirt on sale. There will also be a table for day-of registrations. There are rumors that Whit is making an appearance and slinging pies to the people. This no-nonsense, no-slices-ever pizza chef was a judge in the very first parade. There will also be face painters provided by Ste-fun-ie for the children and children at heart. DJ Kay Kay will be providing the musical backdrop, and all of the parade people will be ready to provide entertainment.
Please be sure to follow the Poseidon’s Parade Instagram as well as the Friends of Rockaway Beach Facebook page for more updates. The group promises to get the information out clearly and quickly. No matter what Saturday brings, the Brigade guarantees that the spirit of the event will be stronger than ever.
