Wait, you've never heard of the Mermaid Parade? Well... you'll remember it now...
No wonder Mayor Bloomberg wants to turn the whole area into a Disney World of the Northeast, or at least Condominium World: he's too much of a stuffed shirt to appreciate Coney Island for what it is: an excuse for rampant pasties, men in diapers and thongs, and transvestites to come out for a day of fun in the 102-degree sun...
Our favorite moment was unfortunately not captured on film: The first group of marchers that came by were a handful of goth-type mermaids. As the leader hurried past, something flew off her and bounced along the pavement. As the crowd (and her fellow marchers cheered and laughed), the blushing girl ran back and snatched up her bust-enhancing pad, rejoined the group, and raced away...
NOTE: These are all low-quality jpg's of photos we took on the fly Saturday. For the full-quality shots, which are infinitely nicer on the eyes, check out our Flickr site.
We've been in love with this anonymous stranger for years, after we saw her flaunting herself like a lovely little degenerate in 2006.
We don't know what the Fulton Ferry is (or is it "was?"), but we're open to hearing more about it.
These dudes (and ladies) were doing some sort of absurd, sea-creature-themed dance routine.
What this had to do with the nautical theme, we're not 100%, but the dude in the wife beater T-shirt didn't hold that against these two. 
There was something about this man that we found disarming, even beautiful. Then again, he was cooling us with a giant fan.
These enchantresses came by at a rare quiet moment in the parade. The half-naked dudes followed, of course.
Hairy man in heels... undoubtedly a big hit.
There are plenty more photos... plus versions of these you'll actually be able to enjoy, via our Flickr account. A more serious photographer has some decent photos here.
Related: Infamous Naked Lady To Parade Topless On July 4th