The official start of the summer bathing season at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, is celebrated with the Mermaid Parade, the nation's largest art parade. King Neptune and the Mermaid Queen lead their followers and celebrants on a march from 21st Street along Surf Avenue and then to the Boardwalk and the ocean in order to toss fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. The parade is witnessed by thousands of onlookers many of whom celebrate with the participants later at the Mermaid Parade Ball.

The images in this gallery were taken at the Mermaid Parade on June 19, 2010.