All Aboard a Ship of Fools for Prom

Story and photos

By Katie McFadden

Poseidon’s Prom was one for the fishhooks. It may have been a little wet outside on Saturday night, April 1, but it was a good thing many were on a Ship of Fools at the Knights of Columbus. The fundraiser for the annual Poseidon’s Parade in September made a big splash.

The Knights was filled with nautical getups from pirates to mermaids to everything in between, as revelers enjoyed a night of DJ music, light bites, drinks and raffles from plenty of local businesses that stepped up to the plank to support this seaworthy cause organized by the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade.

DJ Paddy Tubz played the tunes for the night, and included a touching moment where he led a “second line,” a tribute where everyone danced around the room in a line in tribute to those who are no longer with us.

Following the tribute, head mermaid Casey Brouder announced the much-deserved Prom King and Queen. This year, the hon- or went to King Jerry Rea and his Queen Jenny Jording. The couple will have the honor of leading the Poseidon’s Parade at the end of the summer. It must’ve been Jerry Rea’s lucky night indeed as he was also the winner of the 50/50. Rochelle Grubb was awarded a coveted phallic-shaped trophy for her dedication to the art of the parade.

Some amazing raffle prizes donated by Pico, Batesy’s, Deirdre

Maeve’s, Last Stop, Boarders, Roccos, Betsy’s Bungalow, Ocean Bliss, Bungalow Bar, the Rockaway Hotel, Ocean Etching and more, went to some lucky winners. The man behind Whalemina, artist Geoff Rawling, was also working on some pieces while selling some of his artwork at the event.

Save the date! The 9th annual Poseidon’s Parade will be Saturday, September 16.

161-11 Crossbay Blvd