Mermaids, Mermen and Merkids of the NYC Metro area gathered in a light drizzle to celebrate summer with dazzling costumes and tomfoolery in the 26th annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

The sky smiled on the festivities, halting the rain after a soggy beginning, until well after the participants had a chance to frolic in the surf. A Mermaid Ball was also held in a roller skating rink, but as I had left my trident and my skates at home I did not attend. By the way, how does a mermaid skate?

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