Not even Hurricane Sandy could halt the annual Mermaid Parade.
The 31st Coney Island summer kickoff stepped off Saturday on Surf Ave. after an online Kickstarter campaign raised enough funds for organizers to escape an ocean of debt.
“This is one of the best days of Brooklyn,” said Brian Dillon, 54, of Bay Ridge, wearing a huge hat with an 18-inch replica of the Cyclone roller coaster. “As much as they try to change Coney Island, some of the old things stay around. Such a great day. It’s all love.”
The parade was led by this year’s King Neptune and Queen Mermaid: Baseball-cap loving “30 Rock” star Judah Friedlander and Real Houswife of New York Carole Radziwill.
Parade founder Dick Zigun of Coney Island USA feared that bills racked up from hurricane damage could force cancellation of this year’s parade of scantily clad celebrants. But donors kicked in more than $117,000 to keep the tradition alive.
Todd Kane, 62, came in from Plainsboro, N.J., for his fourth parade — but his first as a participant. He marched in a blue dress, with blue hair and a beard dyed blue and green. “I watched, I got enthused and I wanted to participate,” said Kane. “It’s just such a happy day.”
His wife, Karen, gave Kane’s outfit two fins up. “I’m totally behind it,” she said with a smile. “I helped him dye the beard. This is not a one-person job.”
Coney Island host first post-Sandy Mermaid Parade
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