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pictures from the 2009 Mermaid Parade in Coney Island

photos by Barry Yanowitz

mermaid parade

“The tradition of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade began in 1983, when the first event of this kind was conceptualized and organized by Dick Zigun, who is sometimes dubbed the “Mayor of Coney Island”, and who was the founder of the non-profit arts group Coney Island USA.

The parade pays homage to the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of the early 20th century. During this era, Coney Island was the primary amusement park destination for those in the New York area. Like the much larger annual Village Halloween Parade, the mermaid parade embodies the spirit and artistry of Mardi Gras.” [Wiki]

Despite the rain, this year’s Mermaid Parade went down as planned in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY) this afternoon (6/21). Harvey Keitel, with his wife (the queen) by his side, was the the king (Neptune) of the parade. More pictures (NSFW), below…

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