Coney Island’s boardwalk turned into a splashy sea of jellyfish, flamingos and other ocean-inspired revelers as the annual Mermaid Parade made its colorful return.
This year’s crowd arrived with extra volume, bolder costumes and a celebratory mood, after the beloved “fishy fete” narrowly avoided being sunk by a funding shortfall.
“It was vital. This is the greatest day in Coney Island. The most crowded day, the most fun day, the most colorful day,” Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island US, told The Post.
More than 5,000 costumed participants marched in the parade this year, a major jump from the roughly 3,000 people who typically take part in the annual spectacle.
Thousands more packed the beach and boardwalk to watch the scaled, sequined and finned procession pass by — many joining the spirit of the day in their own aquatic-themed outfits.
“People always ask, what kinda monster are ya? I resent that question. I say, ‘It’s none of ya business,’” said Martin the Monster, whose real name is Danny Wolverton.
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Wolverton, who levitated during Season 8 of “America’s Got Talent,” appeared in a half-mole, half-worm costume, complete with a shady umbrella, pale makeup and long blue nails he joked he has been growing for “thousands” of years.
Explaining the look, the Cypress Hills performer said the creatures are “crucial to the ecosystem” and claimed they “dig tunnels in the ocean, just like moles do under the city.”
Pewee Merman, 49, took inspiration from the television superstar and his eponymous show, Pewee’s Playhouse for her look — which paired a red bowtie and slicked-back hair with a flashy skirt.
“I just love how unglued he was and it was mostly about imagination. I mean, it looks like the playhouse if you look around!” she said of the parade.
The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade — the country’s largest art parade — was in danger of being canceled this summer due to a severe lack of funding.
Coney Island USA said it landed in rough financial waters after using monies to fight against casino developers that set their sights on the People’s Playground, and was $18,000 short of securing the cash needed to pay out the permits for the massive event.
Last month, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso committed $20,000 to save the parade.
