As the summer solstice approaches, along with the gift of longer days and more light, comes The Mermaid Parade. The wonderful Coney Island Mermaid Parade occurs the first Saturday after the summer solstice. Hundreds of mermaids, Neptune’s, mer-men and thousands of spectators and photographers descend upon Coney Island to celebrate the beginning of summer and the official opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Part Mardi Gras, part art festival; the Parade is a New York tradition. I have been photographing the Parade for 15 years whenever I am free-this year I am shooting a wedding that day so I am posting images from previous years and I encourage anyone who wants to begin the summer with spirit to join the festivities.    For more information : http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml