Metro

Mermaid Parade returns to Coney

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Miss Coney Island waves to the throngs that packed Coney Island for its annual Mermaid Parade -- its first since Hurricane Sandy badly damaged the neighborhood.

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These sirens have a ball strutting their stuff at the parade, which began in 1983.

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These drummers march to their own beat as they hit the beach during the annual bash.

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Revelers let it all hang out at the parade, billed as the largest art parade.

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A sailor and his siren share a smooch on the subway headed to the parade, which takes place each year on the first Saturday after the start of summer.

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Who says the women get to have all the fun? A guy gets into the act at the annual Mermaid Parade.)

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Make some room: This paradegoer went all out coming up with this colorful costume.

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He Wants You ... to have a blast. Uncle Sam gets in on the action as he struts past Nathan's Famous in Coney Island.

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Boardwalk beauties: Auburn Layman (left) and sister Jessica Layman (right), of Williamsburgh, arrive in costume for the annual Mermaid Parde.

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This guy, dressed as a fish and decorated with metrocards, will have a tale to tell when friends ask him how his weekend went at the Mermaid Parade.

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Ladies, sunscreen! Mermaid Parade participants painted themselves red for the big bash.

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Getting in step: Dancers strut their stuff at the parade. T

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Deep blue wheee! This costumed siren gets ready to have a blast at the Mermaid Parade.

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Revelers pack the Coney Island boardwalk on a beautiful summer day as they try to get a glimpse of the parade.

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The return of the annual parade was a big boost for the neighborhood, which was badly flooded by Hurricane Sandy.

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This siren is sure to turn heads as she arrives for the parade in costume.

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Even the animals got to play at the parade.

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There were no shortage of creative costumes at the Mermaid Parade.