The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is expected to draw thousands this Saturday to the New York City beach. Every year since 1983, attendees flock to Ocean Avenue to watch King Neptune and Queen Mermaid lead a procession of barely-dressed marchers and extravagantly styled veterans. Many leave little to the imagination and provide the boring boardwalk gawkers with a pretty badass show.
It’s a party only New York City can throw, and things get pretty wild, pretty quickly. If anything, it’s an excuse to have a few drinks and corn dogs, and hang out on the beach.
Check out the best photos from the years prior below in preparation. Start getting that costume ready (or just go n00d, whatever).
[Lead photo via Getty Images/ Stephen Chernin / Stringer]
