Hailey Clauson crowned Mermaid Queen of Coney Island parade

Erin Flynn | May 30, 2016

Hailey Clauson looks positively regal on the cover of the 2016 issue of SI Swimsuit, but she has now officially been dubbed as royalty.

Our cover princess has been crowned the Queen Mermaid of Coney Island’s 34th annual Mermaid Parade, where she will preside over her nearly 1,500 subjects who will participate in the parade dressed in nautical costumes.

hailey-clauson-2016-photo-sports-illustrated-x160011_tk2_5290-rawwmfinal1920.jpg — James Macari/SI

Hundred of thousands of people are expected to come watch the floats, marching bands and costumed participants, and most importantly ogle over our mermaid queen.

The parade was founded to “bring mythology to live,” according to parade planners, and we think they made an excellent choice in choosing a model who is almost too beautiful to be real as their leader.

For any girl who has dreamt of being a mermaid, this California cutie just gave you another example of how dreams really can come true.

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If you're in New York, don’t miss the chance to see Queen Hailey in the flesh at the parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 18.

BONUS: See some of Hailey’s best moments from SI Swimsuit 2016!

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Gnash Swim.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Diesel. Swimsuit by Noe Garments

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Dress by Krisana Sotelo

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Daniela Corte.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Bond-Eye Australia.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Heidi Fish. Swimsuit by MIKOH.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Midnight Swimwear.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Diesel. Swimsuit by Noe Garments

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Gnash Swim.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by La Vida Aloha.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Midnight Swimwear.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Heidi Fish. Swimsuit by MIKOH.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by We Love Colors.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Gnash Swim.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Anna Kosturova.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Diesel. Swimsuit by Noe Garments.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by La Vida Aloha.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Bond-Eye Australia.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Heidi Fish. Swimsuit by MIKOH.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Gnash Swim.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by La Vida Aloha.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Anna Kosturova.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by DIESEL And NOE Garments.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Bond-Eye Australia.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by Diesel. Swimsuit by Noe Garments

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Top by We Love Colors.

Hailey Clauson

Hailey Clauson was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by La Vida Aloha.

Published May 30, 2016

ERIN FLYNN