Mermaids Mark The Summer's Opening in Coney Island

OK. Interesting...

As you can imagine, the disaster in the Gulf loomed and many mermaids were very unhappy about it; some showed up dirty from the oil spill. Fortunately, there was no shortage of volunteers to clean them up.

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These mermaids got on the boardwalk. They seem happy.

She found peacock feathers somewhere...

Aerial performer on the boardwalk. Interesting

Aaaargh. Pole dancers?

This year the Mermaid Parade dre big crowds because of the weather--unlike last year when it took place under a downpour. New was the Luna Park that opened there recently. Coney's history of entertainment goes back to the early 20th century. The beach is free--a rarity around here--the boardwalk is decent, and the whole area is just a subway ride away.

This year's King Neptune was Lou Reed and Queen Mermaid, Laurie Anderson. Luna Park and the old landmark wooden roller coaster,Cyclone, first opened in 1927.

Lou Reed and Ms. Anderson