The Mermaid Promenade danced down Massachusetts Avenue and Sidney Street during Cambridge Arts’ 40th annual River Festival in Central Square on June 1. About a year ago, inspired by the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, I pitched the idea of bringing a version to the River Festival to my colleagues at Cambridge Arts, where I work part-time. And festival organizers Julie Barry and Jannie Kitchen took the lead in making a great, participatory parade. Thanks to all the amazing artists and organizations that walked and danced in the promenade. We were so honored to collaborate with all of you!
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Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Porcelain Dalya in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Behind the Mask Studio mermaid followed by Fine Art Superheroes in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Boston Hoop Troop performs in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Moonrise Fae dance in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
The Puppeteers’ Cooperative performs in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
The Puppeteers’ Cooperative performs in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Extinction Rebellion in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Julz Roth with the banner she made leads the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Behind the Mask Studio in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Fine Art Superheroes followed by Mothers Out Front in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
The “Mer-Mayor,” Cambridge Mayor Marc Mcgovern, in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Rara Bel Poze plays in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Cambridge Wildlife Puppetry Project walks in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
The Swishy Fishies, created by Honey Goodenough and Puppet Showplace Theater, in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
The Puppeteers’ Cooperative performs in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Moonrise Fae in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Band Land Brass Band performs in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)
Cambridge Wildlife Puppetry Project walks in the Mermaid Promenade at Cambridge Arts River Festival in Central Square, June 1, 2019. (Greg Cook)