Flashy and colorful costumes flooded New York's Coney Island Saturday afternoon for the 34 Annual Mermaid Parade, marking the opening of a variety of summer activities in the city.

Thousands of participants in hand-made mermaid costumes, floats and marching bands were featured in the largest art parade in the United States.

The parade was established in 1983, as a celebration of ancient mythology and seaside rituals.

A King Neptune and a Queen Mermaid were crowned to lead the parade each year. In this year's parade, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Carlo Scissura was named King Neptune and Californian model Hailey Clauson, cover girl of this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, was crowned Queen Mermaid.

The parade started at 1 p.m. and was expected to attract half a million spectators to the celebration