something I always liked to do when I lived in brooklyn was go to coney island in the winter. this beach-town is almost totally abandoned during the colder months as the theme parks & boardwalk shops wait for summer to return before unlocking their gates & opening their doors. on my recent weekend in nyc I spent a very cold morning (28 degrees fahrenheit) walking along the boardwalk with my camcorder & making friends with the suspicious seagulls.
coney island
mermaids
going through old photos & came across these film shots from the coney island mermaid parade. I’m not certain of the date, but I estimate it’s 2010, if the bp oil spill reference is any indicator. I didn’t attend the parade every year I lived in brooklyn, but I did go several times. always a highlight of my new york summer season.
the coney island mermaid parade began in 1983 as a launching of the summer season. it is now the largest art parade in the united states—attracting thousands of participants & even more spectators from around new york city & the world. nautical themed costumes are encouraged for viewers & required for participants. a range of contests & other festivities surround the event, including the annual crowing of a king neptune & queen mermaid. in 2019, arlo & nora guthrie received the honors.
learn more about the parade on its website.
shot on 35mm film with a vintage nikon fe.