Art, mermaids, dancing and more took over Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 43rd annual Mermaid Parade.

Event organizers tell News 12 the event is meant to celebrate community while allowing people to embrace creativity with a mermaid theme to kick off the start of summer.

The temperatures were nothing short of summer weather, but people like Samantha Stewart say the heat wasn't going to stop her from celebrating.

"We've been coming for 20 years. There's no hate in the mermaid parade. Everybody just wants to be here and have a good time. This is where the community comes to celebrate, and we wouldn't want to be anywhere else," said Stewart.

The city is reminding people to stay safe out in the extreme heat this weekend by staying hydrated and in the shade.

For more tips on how to stay safe in the heat, click here.