Photos: 2013 Mermaid Parade Triumphant In Face Of Near Sandy Cancellation

The 31st annual Mermaid Parade went off without a hitch on Saturday afternoon as thousands flocked to watch mermaids, mermen and other skimpily dressed revelers march in the sunshine on by the shores of Coney Island. According to a CBS report, the parade was headed by 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander, who took on the crown of King Neptune, and Real Housewives of New York City‘s Carole Radziwill served as Queen Neptune.

Besides the goofy star power provided by Friedlander and Radziwill, the parade featured the usual assortment of people sporting body art, tattoos, colorful costumes and spangly nipple coverings.

The parade, described as the largest art parade in America, was nearly canceled this year after Superstorm Sandy’s devastation socked Coney Island USA’s operating budget. Organizers ran a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $100,000 to pay for all the necessary expenses.

One woman told CBS that the news of the parade carrying on was the “best news ever, best parade ever.”

Below is a collection of photos submitted by our readers. Thanks for the great stuff, guys. Can’t wait till next year!

A great big thanks to these readers who sent in the photos below: Kismet Agolli, Butch Moran, Thomas Cassidy, E. Price, Nikki Moscato, Jenn Valenti, Inna Vestfrid.

Update (6/25): New photos, submitted by Allan Shweky and Joneva Armas: