Applebees Joins in Support of Save the Mermaid Parade

Coney Island USA is happy to welcome Applebee's to the growing group of local and national businesses and community members who are fighting to save the Mermaid Parade because of its cultural significance and importance to the neighborhood.

Applebee's has offered use of the private terrace at their newest location; 1217 Surf Avenue (set to open June 17) to Coney Island USA, the not-for-profit arts organization who conceived and manages the parade. The terrace is a key feature of their new location and directly overlooks the parade route. The terrace will be used as a reward to backers of Coney Island USA's Mermaid Parade Kickstarter campaign (savemermaids.org). Applebees will also be donating a percentage of their proceeds from tickets to the Mermaid Buffet (June 22) to help support the parade and organization.

"We are proud to be joining the rich heritage along Surf Avenue at this incredible time of rebuilding and renaissance. We are thrilled to be able to show our support In partnering with Coney Island USA on the iconic 2013 Mermaid Parade." Said Apple-Metro, Inc. CEO Zane Tankel.

The Mermaid Parade (which drew 750,000 people to Coney Island last year) is in jeopardy due to extensive Hurricane Sandy storm damage to their landmarked arts center at 1208 Surf Avenue and rising production costs. Funding the recovery and the Mermaid Parade has proven to be extremely challenging for the small organization.

For further information contact Tim Pendrell at tim@coneyisland.com or 402-707-4568