Sunday, June 22, 2014

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2014

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade has been going on since 1983. I learned about it while visiting in 2007 for the Dowager Duchess's 80th birthday celebration. So, until yesterday, I was a Mermaid Parade virgin. And, let me tell you, oh my virgin eyes!

A HULA HOOP HALO HEAVENLY START TO YOUR TOUR. 

I found a good corner for viewing on Surf Avenue right below the Cyclone roller coaster, where I stood with the thousands of other spectators for 2+ hours. I've got way too may photos for one post. There are more to come tomorrow. Click any image to see the characters in all their... um... grandiosity.





PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY FISH.
























16 comments:

  1. Mitchell , the parade is interesting and so funny . I love the bearded lady.

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    1. Gosia:
      Some hilarious costumes (and personalities). The Bearded Lady was quite the ham.

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  2. What glorious, camp-filled fun! From this small selection I can already see a number of eye-openers - and as for the men....... Not sure if there'd be more fun in watching or participating.

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    1. Raybeard:
      Some of the photos on their way tomorrow were done with you in mind.

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  3. Crazy! Who knew! :) When I first opened the post and hadn't read even the headline yet, I thought it was pictures of a Pride Parade :)
    Oh, Brooklyn! (p.s. I was just showing my mom the photos in your last few posts, and I realized that what you're showing us of Brooklyn looks lots like areas of the residential sections of South Saint Louis city! Love the city :)

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    1. Judy:
      It WAS a pride parade. People taking pride in dancing to the beat of their own drums. (But there was also a gay and lesbian club's marching band -- coming tomorrow.) Something for everyone.

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  4. Wow! You certainly chose an interesting time to visit your family! This event should not be missed! I saw some people had numbers. Will there be a contest here? A King and Queen of Mermaids chosen? I am reminded of Arnold Lobel's wonderful childrens story about the camel who wanted to be a ballerina.

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    1. Kristi:
      I'm so glad I got see the parade this year, even though I missed the start. There was a judged costume contest. I'll find out the results if I can and will share them tomorrow.

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  5. Great photographs Every procession should have a bearded lady!

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  6. being a former brooklynite, why do i keep missing this event.....darn it.

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    1. Mike:
      The parade is always near the end of June (maybe the third Saturday as it wa this year). I think it's worth seeing at least once (and I'd probably go any year I was in town). You do NOT want to be in a car anywhere in the area. Nightmare traffic jams.

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  7. What a bonus for you to have been there! Great photos too! Time for everybody to 'let their hair down' and much more!!

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    1. Jim:
      I was so happy to have been there to see it this time. Entertaining and uplifting.

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  8. A gloriously creative madness; I'm in awe!

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