NEW YORK (AP) — Organizers say Bill de Blasio is the first mayor of New York City to take part in Coney Island’s zany Mermaid Parade in costume.
De Blasio showed up for Saturday’s parade wearing a puffy pirate shirt and brandishing a fake scimitar.
De Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray, and their daughter, Chiara (kee-AHR’-uh) de Blasio, chose blue and gold mermaid dresses.
De Blasio’s son, Dante, was bare-chested and painted blue.
Dante and Chiara were chosen King Neptune and Queen Mermaid of the annual parade.
The teens were wheeled in a 1923 wicker rolling chair along the parade route.
Spectators cheered as de Blasio and McCray walked behind their children.
The event draws hundreds of thousands of revelers to the beach each year. Many wear revealing, mermaid-themed costumes.
