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NSFW Photos: Rainy Mermaid Parade Is A Glorious, Nearly-Naked Party
By
Scott Lynch
Published Jun 18, 2017
Modified Jun 19, 2017
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Scott Lynch / Gothamist
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By
Scott Lynch
Published Jun 18, 2017
Modified Jun 19, 2017
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A torrential downpour right before step-off time couldn't spoil the fun nor thin the crowds on Saturday as the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade once again turned Surf Avenue and the famous Coney Island Boardwalk into a glorious, nearly-naked party.
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein served honorably as Queen Mermaid and King Neptune, the Blondie duo showing off their legendary cool amid a frenzy of photographers and driving rain.
Queen Mermaid Debbie Harry (Scott Lynch / Gothamist)
The weather did force the staging area off the streets and inside the new, weirdly luxurious Ford Amphitheater. The amphitheater, while certainly appreciated for its dryness, wasn't really conducive to the sort of free-flowing camaraderie that's become a big part of the pre-game.
The parade itself, however, was as sexy, raucous, and jam-packed with sea-creatures as ever. There were many amazing costumes spotted throughout the afternoon, but a few deserving of special mention would include the quintet of those freaky, illuminating Anglerfish; the Sea WEED couple (number 420, naturally); the well-rehearsed Clamilton troupe; and the massive Wedding Party that seemed poised to become an orgy at any moment.
(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)
As parade founder Dick Zigun told the Daily News, "What I really like about the mermaid parade and the culture that’s grown up around it is it's got a hardcore fan base both in participants and watching it. And even in the downpour there will be an audience standing in the downpour watching the parade. And look at how many hardcore people are still here ready to go down the street."
Update: Here's a video from Anthony Clune...
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Scott Lynch
Photojournalist, food writer, preschool receptionist. Love NYC.
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