Coney Island Mermaid Parade steps off in Coney Island Saturday

Thousands braved Saturday morning's sweltering heat for the 42nd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn.

The neighborhood was awash in a sea of color as crowds of paradegoers in sparkly, ocean-themed costumes packed Surf Avenue and bands played.

The parade's honorary hosts – known as King Neptune and and Queen Mermaid – were husband and wife Joe Coleman and Whitney Ward, artists who have attended the parade for over 30 years. Organizers call the event, which began in 1983, a " unique, artistic celebration ," and it's considered to mark the start of Coney Island's summer season.

"It's the official opening of summer," paradegoer Brian Dillon said. "Every year the season here gets pushed earlier, like it was Memorial Day, now it's Easter. But this is like the real kickoff for the summer season."

The parade also evokes Coney Island's past Mardi Gras celebrations , which lasted from 1903 to 1954.

Dillon said the parade, which is known for the imaginative marine costumes worn by participants, is "always unpredictable, and people are just so creative and so into it."

Jessica Dye was also among the crowd on Saturday.

"I just wanted to dress up like a shrimp and be surrounded by my fellow crustaceans," Dye said.

Dye estimates she's attended the parade around three or four times, but said one thing especially surprised her this year.

"How much body paint people are wearing, because it is like 90 degrees," Dye said. "I am impressed with the makeup and body paint commitment."