Tinseltown titan and Brighton Beach native Harvey Keitel – and wife Daphna Kastner – morphed into majestic Mighty King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, pounding their webb−tastic feet alongside exquisite ice princesses and spectacular sea urchins, who helped transform Coney Island into a rollicking boulevard of fun and festivity for the annual Mermaid Parade.
The motley crew assembled at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, and headed for the world famous Riegelmann Boardwalk, where they preened, primped and strutted their stuff to an explosion of “ooohs” and “aaahs” from spectators during what has become one of Gotham’s quirkiest street spectacles, ushering in the summer solstice and featuring a cast of characters, including mermaids from Mars, walking⁄talking cans of tuna fish, crusty pirates and scantily−clad wild women.
Against the backdrop of Ringling Brothers’ big top, which will entertain Coney visitors through the summer, awe−struck viewers watched in rapture from Steeplechase Pier as banner contingents, vibrant floats and solo strollers paid tribute to the borough’s kookiness with every type of marine−inspired costume imaginable.
Serenading the crowd was an ocean’s worth of pulsating beats; among them, a pagan voodoo dance launching an ocean solstice ceremony.
Trophies were awarded for the most creative Mermaid, King Neptune, Little Mermaid, Little Neptune, sea creature, float and marching group. The winners were undetermined at press time.
