Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2012 (SLIDE SHOW)

A tidal wave of buxom mermaids, deranged looking mermen and all kinds of chimerical sea creatures (including at least one member of the undead) washed up on Surf Avenue on June 23 for the 30th Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The largest art parade in the world, according to Coney Island USA founder Dick Zigun, has become the trademark event at the zany shorefront. And a flood of elaborately costumed and body-painted folk partook in the annual early summer rite, which always ends with an offering to the sea.

RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade