The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade returned to Surf Avenue Saturday, bringing colorful costumes, lively performances and large crowds to the neighborhood.

Spectators packed the streets as mermaids, mermen, performers and themed floats moved along the parade route. Participants showed off elaborate sea-inspired looks, while others entertained with feats of strength and flame-throwing displays. Classic cars also made their way through the procession.

Attendees said the event is a tradition that keeps them coming back year after year.

Taylor Graves, who attends the parade annually, said, “My friends and I come every year. We’re theater kids. We love dressing up. We love a theme. We love mermaids specifically. And I think it’s really nice to have the community together.”

Organizers said the celebration nearly did not happen this year due to funding concerns. They credited Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso with helping to bring the parade back at full scale.

Parade Director Adam Rinn said, “We’re glad it’s back. We’re thankful to the people who helped fund this. We’re thankful to Borough President Reynoso, Comic Con and the hundreds of thousands of people who are here in Coney Island today.”

Rinn tells us the crowds were even bigger than expected.

Parade-goers tell News 12 they cannot picture this going away.

"I've been coming for 20 years, it's a staple of South Brooklyn, and we need to see this joy," said Cindy, who came with her daughter.