Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade
There were the obligatory mermaids and, this being New York, the equally obligatory men dressed as women. I arrived a little late but the parade goes on for 3 hours. There was a girl who looked barely 10 years old walking on very high stilts, men and women wearing not a lot more than body paint – just enough more not to break any laws; dancing, music floats, colourful costumes, original themes and plenty of posing for the crowd. An interesting aspect to there being so much female flesh on show was the number of rather butch lesbians who were there. Some who were near me were almost indistinguishable from horny, inappropriate young men in their comments!
Afterwards, I rather wanted a Nathan’s Hot Dog, but apparently, so did half of the people who came for the parade and the queue must have been 45 minutes. It seems that a lot of people can’t go to Coney Island without eating one – they are much better at the original stand than at the franchises that have been opening. I like them but don’t need them that much!
Walking around for a while longer, there were several people still in costume – or lack thereof - milling around. It was a real fun afternoon out and I will definitely go again. Anyone who has ever considered going should definitely do so.