NEW YORK CITY, NY (KTRK) -- A sea of colorful costumes filled Coney Island Saturday for the 34th annual Mermaid Parade.
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Mermaids, mermen and sea creatures took to Surf Avenue for the iconic parade.
Founders say the parade is an opportunity for self expression and to celebrate seaside culture.
Participants march on the boardwalk during the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
A participant marches on Surf Avenue past the Wonder Wheel during the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
Participants rehearse their dance moves before marching in the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
Participants hold a "Mermaids for Orlando" sign as they march on the boardwalk during the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
A participant poses for a photo in the staging area before marching in the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
Participants dance on the boardwalk during the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
Mermaid Parade founder Dick Zigun and Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Hailey Clauson kick off the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade (AP Photo/Ezra Kaplan) (AP)
Participants march on Surf Avenue during the 34th Annual Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2016, in New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP)
Members of the Brooklyn-based Rude Mechanical Orchestra Queer Solidarity Band entertain beach-goers after the parade (AP Photo/Ezra Kaplan) (AP)