Sports Illustrated swimsuit models made the Boardwalk sizzle during the mag’s Summer of Swim Fan Festival in Coney Island on Aug. 28.
Naturally, the event drew long lines of fans to Sodom by the Sea hoping to meet the cover girls, but even getting to share the beach with them was a dream come true, one attendee said.
“It was a big thrill,” said Matt Long, one of a trio of sand artists who Sports Illustrated commissioned to make a sculpture commemorating the event. “I got paid to work in the sand with a parade of beautiful women, what’s better than that?”
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Models including Ashley Graham, Nina Agdal, Samantha Hoope, and Hailey Clauson (who also served as Queen Mermaid in this year’s Mermaid Parade) met fans, autographed magazines, and tested their strength with locals on the carnival classic high striker.
Rapper Action Bronson closed out the evening with a concert at the Boardwalk’s new amphitheater, and the chef-turned-lyricist even curated a selection of food trucks at the event.
Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspivack@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–2517. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.
Boardwalk babe: Swimsuit model Samantha Hoopes strutted the Boardwalk.
Photo by Jon Farina
Sandy selfies: Models Hannah Ferguson and Samantha Hoopes snapped selfies with beach-goers.
Photo by Jon Farina
High striker: Visitors tested their strength on free carnival games at the fan fest.
Photo by Jon Farina
Photo op: Swimsuit model Nina Agdal posed for photos on the red carpet near the Coney Island amphitheater.
Photo by Jon Farina
Soul food: Rapper and former chef Action Bronson performed at the amphitheater, connecting his love for food and music with a selection of food trucks stationed in the theater during the performance.
Photo by Jon Farina
Meramid models: Andy Gertler, Sue Beatrice, and Matt Long created a mermaid sand sculpture in honor of the Sports Illustrated Summer of Swim Fan Festival at Coney Island on Aug. 28.
