These are mermaids???

I note that the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade was held in New York this weekend. It included costumed participants, floats, and all sorts of fun and games.

The Gothamist published plenty of pictures of proceedings. I must admit, I found some of them rather . . . er . . . startling. I mean . . . are these really supposed to be mermaids???










According to the Wikipedia article on the event: "The organizers of the parade claim to encourage bribery, so that participants have a better chance to win the various costume contests." I'd say with those costumes and that makeup, bribery would be essential to stand any chance of winning!





Peter