Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2013

Back in May, there was some brief concern that the 2013 Coney Island Mermaid Parade, the largest art parade in the United States, would have to be cancelled. Hurricane Sandy had destroyed the performance space that funds the parade’s incidentals—its security, port-a-potties, permits, etc. With the immediate neighborhood cash-strapped in the wake of the disaster, the parade organizers started a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise funds to cover a $100,000 budget shortfall.

Well, the Kickstarter campaign was a resounding success, raising more than $117,000, and the 31st Mermaid Parade took place as scheduled last weekend under gorgeous, blue skies. If you were there, leave a link to your pics in the comments section!

(Please note: Mermaid Parade pics live at the cross-section of bodypaint and burlesque and may be considered by unenlightened, seashell-pastie-hating employers as NSFW.)