I hadn’t been to Coney Island for the Mermaid Parade in a decade, so it’s nice to see that some things don’t change. Me and the lady rode bikes, got plenty of sun and sipped light beers.

For many guys, the event’s unbridled sexuality is reason enough to attend, but the expressed creativity and exuberance of New Yorkers is a gift for everyone. Costumes ranged from shrimp cocktail to the Sexcamaids marching band – with room for every water-themed pun in between.