Mermaids, take note.
Shiny scales and elastic flippers will be on full display once again, when the Mermaid Parade returns to Coney Island’s Surf Avenue on June 19.
Paraders will be celebrating the creatures of the sea in the world’s largest art parade by dressing up in homemade mermaid costumes — or simply leaving the clothes at home and covering their bodies in artful body paint.
The parade will start at 2 pm at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue and continue east to West 10th Street, before turning south towards the Boardwalk.
Coney Island USA founded the parade in 1983; ever since it has been a day of fun and wackiness ever since, with elaborate floats and flamboyant outfits galore.
Each year a celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule the festivities, and this year famed rock-and roll star Lou Reed and fellow musician Laurie Anderson will have the honor.
The fun continues all night long, as the parade will be followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, where parade participants and spectators will mingle and enjoy some live music from band “The Razorbacks.” There will also be burlesque sideshow acts from many of the city’s sultriest performers, if the scintillating entertainment provided by the parade isn’t enough.
Mermaid Parade [1208 Surf Ave. at West 21st in Coney Island, (718) 372-5101], June 19 at 2 pm. For info, visit www.coneyisland.com.
— Benjamin Kochman
