Stunning Views From The 2017 Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Making good on the promise of “rain or shine,” Coney Island’s 35th annual Mermaid Parade kicked off at 1pm on Saturday, June 17 just as the torrential downpour began to let up.

But the rain didn’t appear to hold back the hoards of fully costumed and scantily-clad revelers.

Debby Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie served as Queen Mermaid and King Neptune, leading the parade down Surf Avenue, followed by an oceanic army of mermaids, pirates, crustaceans, and all manner of undersea oddities.

As crowds packed every inch of the railings, ornate party floats rolled past, with marchers and dancers following.

The crowd ranged from well-choreographed troupes to local bands of half-naked, glittery good-timers.

At West 10th Street, those on foot turned to the sea, following police barricades up onto the boardwalk, where they eventually merged with the crowds of spectators, many of whom availed themselves heavily of the plentiful fried food, hotdogs, and cold beer.

Check out more incredible photos from BKLYNER photographer Paul Stremple below: