WATCH: Mermaid Parade's Flamboyant Procession Brightens Rainy Coney Island Day

CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN — What's a little water to a mermaid?

Perhaps New York City's wackiest festival took its annual trek through Coney Island Saturday after torrential morning showers threatened to soak the flamboyant sea creatures. The famously over-the-top parade wound down Surf Avenue and onto the boardwalk.

It was the 35th anniversary of the event. Watch footage of it here:

Presented by Coney Island USA, a not-for-profit arts organization, the Mermaid Parade is touted as the largest art parade in the nation, a celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside.

The event showcases more than 1,500 creative individuals from all over the boroughs — and beyond — and is rooted in equal parts in entrepreneurial spirit and community pride. At the forefront of Saturday's event were “Queen Mermaid” and "King Neptune," crowns bestowed on Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of the band Blondie.

The parade started at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue before rolling east to West 10th Street. From there, marchers turned south toward the boardwalk.

Lead image via Steve Pisano