GOT MERMAID FOMO?

Hosted by local mermaid entertainment company Full Fathom Five Mermaids & More, 'The Mermaid Cottage' is your go-to Festival destination to 'Get Your Mermaid On' for the day.

Featuring a coloring station and scheduled story times, mini-mermaid makeovers, photo-booths, craft opportunities, a mermaid tail auction and more, The Mermaid Cottage is packed to the gills with magical mermaid moments waiting for you. Let us bring your mermaid dreams to life!

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Entry into The Mermaid Cottage is FREE and includes scheduled story times, as well as coloring pages / table for kids.

Mermaid makeovers, photo booth use, printed photos, and craft project activity, are available as priced below:

Say 'hi' to Mermaid Society SMTX Official Mascot, Mermaid Maya
(FREE)

Meet visiting Shell-ebrity Mermaid Shannon, and stay for a scheduled story time reading featuring one of her incredible books at 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM.
(FREE)

Stop by and let your little mer-folks color to their heart's content at our coloring page station!
(FREE)

Shell-fie Clam Shell Photos with a Mermaid
Snap a quick amazing selfie, or have a friend snap your photo using your phone, while posing next to one of our mermaids in our GIANT Shell-fie Clam Shell.
(FREE)

'Mermaid for A Moment' Vintage Paper Moon Photo-Booth
Try on a mermaid tail and flaunt your fins while posing in-tail on our swoon worthy Vintage "Paper Moon". Leave with 2 four-shot photo-strips from this incredible "Mermaid for a Minute" photo-booth experience for the most fin-tastic Aqua Faire keepsake.
($20 / Person)
($15 additional to include a second person in the same sitting: Two person max per sitting)

Mini Mermaid Makeover:
A quick dash of mermaid beautification to boost your photo booth session OR simply to add some finned festivity to your look.
A dash of mermaid shimmer, a little flair for your hair, and a small patch of makeup 'scales' stenciled on your face.
($10 / Person)

Color Your Own Canvas Mermaid Tail Bag:
Grab one of these super cute Mermaid Tail drawstring canvas bags and borrow our fabulous fabric markers to sit at the coloring station and custom color the scales and fluke to make a one-of-a-kind mermaid festival memento!
($10)

Mermaid Treasure:
Our mermaids keep a special treasure chest full of curious coins, magical keys, and mysterious mermaid stones. Let your little one pick a special treasure out of our treasure chest to remember their mermaid encounters in San Marcos
($5)

MERMAID TAIL AUCTION:
Want to leave Aqua Faire with a brand new mermaid tail of your own?
We will be holding a silent auction on site for a highly sought after FinFolk Productions Eternal Ember (Red) Fabric Tail in size Medium. This out of print / limited edition color is from the very first release of these tails and will include the numbered certificate from FinFolk designating it as one of the first 300 FinFolk Fabric Tails ever produced. A full care-sheet will be included.
A MONO-FIN (required for swimming use in the tail) IS NOT INCLUDED.

Bidding will be closed promptly at 5:30 PM and the high bidder will be able to pay for and pick the tail up by 6:00 PM (or will be phoned to make arrangements for payment & pick up at another time if not present at closing of bids).

(The RESERVE Price for this auction item is set at $275 and Bidding will start at $200)

Saturday, September 21st 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Our Presenting Sponsor is Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park.

The fun kicks into full gear following the Downtown Mermaid Promenade! The San Marcos River serves as the beautiful backdrop to this fun filled FREE festival that has something for Mer-folk of all ages. The Mermaid Aqua Faire kicks off right after the parade and continues the celebration at San Marcos Plaza Park!

An all-day event to include live music performed by Time of Night, The Roy Brothers, Those Nights, The Revs! Let the shopping begin at the juried art market coordinated by the San Marcos Art League, over 60 artists featuring a wide range of artisan wares, food trucks and food booths providing a good selection of eats, and the KIDzone coordinated by ArtSpace - Centro Cultural de Hispano.

Festival-goers will learn about environmental stewardship at the Eco Village, and take part in the variety of interactive activities planned for the whole family; to include hands-on workshops, scheduled presentations by environmental experts and art inspired learning projects for everyone.

Sightings of mermaids in our river is a guarantee! Presentation of the Mermaid SPLASH Royal Court to include the King of SPLASH, Mermaid Queen and Mer-folk Court, Parade Grand Marshal and

Honorees.

Saturday, September 21st 2019  10:00 - noon

Learn more

Highlighting our unique river and artistic culture, the Downtown Mermaid Promenade is created to be a celebration of San Marcos’ vibrant artistic and river community.

With more to celebrate as we get closer to being named the “official” ‘Mermaid Capital of Texas!!’ Over 100 entries and 5,000 + parade-goers in recent years, the Downtown Mermaid Parade is back by popular demand!   �

The parade will feature floats, marchers, dancers, and music!  This 4th annual ‘Texas original’ will highlight selected honorees representing the arts, river guardianship, and heritage of San Marcos. Fresh water mermaids are the primary theme for this family fun event. 

This all-inclusive city parade celebrates our history of the Aquamaids of Aquarena Springs and immortalizes the mermaid as guardians of the San Marcos River.  The parade line-up starts at the corner of CM Allen and Cheatham Street and offers plenty of viewing options along the route.  The fun continues at the Mermaid Aqua Faire immediately following the parade at the San Marcos Main Park Plaza from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. All within walking distance from downtown, the family can enjoy this FREE community festival of art, live music, food, and fun!

Some of the Parade highlights include the Mermaid SPLASH Royal Court to include our King of SPLASH, Mermaid Queen and Royal Court, Parade Grand Marshal and Honorees.

Parade spectators are encouraged to share a ride, walk or ride a bike when traveling to the parade site in support of our bike friendly community! Please join us for a day of fun for the entire family. The Parade takes place light rain or shine.

Join us for the SPLASH "AFTER" Party! Not to be missed!

MiHyun Kim, Assistant Professor of Communication Design at Texas State University and Vienna, Austria based art collective OMAi creates collaborative and spontaneous interactive digital storytelling at AquaBrew

We will facilitate new forms of public art performance with artistic content (artist session) and audience participation (open session) using digital projections.

Parade watch party! Get here early for the best seats!

Join merfolk’s at Aquabrew parade morning for some of the best seats along the parade route! Parade drink and food specials will be featured!

Join fellow Mer-kids the morning of the parade and get your Mermaid ON!  Face painting and giveaways for parade fun!  Don't miss out! This is HEB’s 2nd Annual Mermania Parade Event.

Friday, September 20th, 2019

This year, expect the unexpected at the eagerly awaited Mermaid Society Art Ball, as the Meadows Center comes to life with a magical evening paying tribute to the enchanted world of Mother River.  This private gala evening includes starry night rooftop views, sunset glass-bottom boat cruises, dance the night away with live music performed by ROXY ROCA, artisan edibles crafted by Root Cellar Catering Co. and specialty cocktails provided by Dripping Springs Distilling, AquaBrew and Patio Dolcetto . Featured artists - Karen Cross , Margaret Thels Falletta, Jamie Lynn Shelton. Back by popular demand Body Art Fantasy and new this year, pop-up screenings produced by San Marcos Cinema Club. The grand highlight of the evening is a special production by OMAi ; a visual art experience!

The Mermaid Society Art Ball is scheduled for Friday, September 20th from 7:00 – 11:30p on the grounds of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment located in San Marcos, Texas.

The Meadows Center sits on Spring Lake, the site of an environmentally, culturally, and archaeologically significant resource and headwaters of the San Marcos River. The same location where the former Spring Lake Resort at Aquarena Springs,was known as the ‘original home of the San Marcos Mermaids’.

OMAi

Blessings friends! Join us for Third Thursday at our Hideaway on Hopkins for Mermaid Week. Snack and beverages will be provide for our joyous hang. Here is a list of activities:

Victoria Snyder LMT will be offering chair massage $1 per minute
Light Energy work will be offering mini energy clearing sessions
Cosmic Nomad will be doing AWESOME face painting
HaiTarot will be offering tarot readings
Headwaters Apothecary will be offering 10% off your entire purchase
Lady Bird Lash will be offering Lip or brow wax for $10
Mister Whiskers will also be offering 10% off

For San Marcos By San Marcos -

Your favorite monthly event is back and better than ever! After a short hiatus and slight restructuring, the SMTX 3rd Thursday happenings have found a new home with Eyes on San Marcos ♥

Some things never change, like the sounds of local music coming at you live from the Kissing Alley Concert Series, or the draw of special promotions at your favorite downtown business. Enjoy the fun all day long, with events and occasions running from 12 - 12 for all your San Martian loving friends and family!

Want to learn more about what organizations are doing the most good and support charitable endeavors throughout the community? Check out the Donate Downtown SMTX page for more information about the monthly beneficiary, and what other volunteer opportunities are around town.

SMTX 3rd Thursday is a day to celebrate our city. Whether that means biking to you favorite business, supporting an area creative, or applauding our local music scene, we hope you join us every month to live the San Marcos life.

Any business or organization that is interested in participating can eMail smtxthirdthursday@gmail.com or call 512-749-1242 for more information about how to get involved.

The library presents an under-the-sea puppet show in celebration of Mermaid SPLASH! Please join us for a craft at 6:30 p.m. followed by a puppet performance of “The Three Little Fishies and the Big Bad Shark.” Free for ALL ages!

Bring the kiddos out for a MER-MAZING good time!   Meet Maya the Mermaid and members of the Aqua Pod and learn about mermaids in San Marcos!  Enjoy mermaid cookies and cupcakes and mermaid punch, too!  Take your picture with Maya and her friends in the Mermaid Photobooth! Lotsa mermaid craft making - what fun!   Be sure to dress your mermaid BEST!

Take witness as 5 visual artists give a live painting demonstration of their twist on the mermaid as part of the 4th Annual Mermaid SPLASH Festival. Enjoy local craft beer and shop from local artists and vendors specially spotlighting their mermaid and river themed creations and goods. Photo opps with a live mermaid!

8pm: TBA
9pm: TBA
10pm: Austin Kinney & Friends

Vendors sign up here: https://www.studiosanmartian.com/events/merception-1

• Art

• Kid Friendly

• Art exhibition

Bring your kiddo in starting today, and let them pick up a canvas to take home and paint their little mermaid heart away. We recommend using any great finds from the river...trash, rocks, leaves, sand etc. When brought back in, each canvas will be displayed in store & posted on Facebook. To vote for your favorite canvas all you have you to do is like the individual picture. The canvas with the most likes will win a mermaid prize!

ALL CANVASES MUST BE TURNED IN BY SEPTEMBER 14TH! Winner will be announced September 16th.

HAPPY PAINTING!

Kick off party Friday, Sep 13th 7:00 p.m. - San Marcos Rec Hall

Downtown Parade , Sept 14th 10:00 a.m.

512-938-2596 for more information

NEW THIS YEAR!

This event is currently being reviewed to be rescheduled later in the year. Stay tuned.

Your mer-child will be so excited! Details to follow. Produced by Full Fathom Five Mermaids and More

Join us for the 2019 River Guardianship Symposium:

“Nature and Nurture: Cultivating Community Guardianship”
Location: First Lutheran Church - 130 Holland St San Marcos, TX, 78666

5:00 pm Conversational and mingling among participants, children’s activities, exhibitor booths, food and beverages provide by local vendors, live acoustic music by Eric Sarmiento

5:45 pm Opening Remarks and River Guardianship Honoree Presentation to Melani Howard

6:00 pm Panel I: “Engaging Youth in Environmental Education and Stewardship” Moderator and Panelists: Colleen Myles, Department of Geography, TXST

1. Tim and Benjamin Bauerkeeper, video presentation
2. Kate and Francine Galko, video presentation
3. Melody Rose Baker Cuny, Mermaid Society SMTX
4. Ben Hutchinson, Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center, Aquatic Science Adventure Camp
5. Justine Salsbury, El Ranchito Texas Rivers Expedition
6. Anne Halsey, Commission on Children and Youth and the Mental Health Coalition
7. Chris Cooper, San Marcos City Independent School District
8. Carolina “Cat” Duncan, Primitive Instincts Youth Nature Program

7:00 pm Panel II: “Balancing Recreation and Protection in the San Marcos Watershed” Moderator and Panelists: Kimberly Meitzen, Department of Geography, TXST

1. Liz Palfini, Superintendent Palmetto State Park, Texas Parks and Wildlife
2. Kelly Stone, FUNBOAT Adventures
3. Laney Lyle, Lions’s Club
4. Zach Halfin, Eyes of the San Marcos River

7:45 pm Panel III: “Promoting Local to Regional-Scale Land Conservation” Moderator and Panelist: Dianne Wassenich, San Marcos River Foundation

1. Katherine Romans, Hill Country Alliance
2. David Baker, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association
3. Sherwood Bishop, San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance
4. Melani Howard, City of San Marcos

8:30 pm Closing Remarks and Call to Action


Mermaid Society Symposiums are created to be signature events of the Mermaid SPLASH Festival, each year in September. The community platforms are designed to bring together like-minded individuals from students to seniors to cross-pollinate ideas, collaborate on existing projects and strengthen connectivity through engagement.

2019 Committee Chairs - Kimberly Meitzen Ryan Keith Spencer

Sponsors - Department of Geography - TXST and Gumbys Pizza San Marcos

Committee: Colleen Myles-Baltzly Melody Rose Baker Cuny Laney Lyle Rachel Sanborn Dianne Wassenich Zach Halfin Holly Hirsch

Saturday, September 7th, 2019.

Quench your thirst with some of San Marcos’ best tasting “Mer-tinis!” Back by popular demand, this highly anticipated Mer-tini Shakedown Competition is a friendly - yet fierce - contest among local mixologists that shake it up the final week of Mermaid SPLASH!

This is a high-spirited event to create the best Mermaid-inspired Martini or Mer-tini. Two teams of judges will travel from site to site sipping the tasty and creative concoctions while taking careful notes on the distinctive characteristics of the competing cocktails to determine a favorite.

The evening ends with two semi-finalists who will go to the Shakedown Finals held on the rooftop of the Meadows Center during the Mermaid Society Art Ball on Friday September 21st. This competition is scored on taste, presentation and creativity with extra points earned from mer-inspired flare and fanfare.

Two awards are bestowed upon the 1st place and 2nd place.. Besides bragging rights, the 1st place winner receives an original trophy (designed by a different local artist every year), and a $300 cash award. 2nd Place winner receives a $200 cash prize.

Join us on Saturday, September 7th when the competition escalates; because this year there will be 16 cocktail masters, representing some of San Marcos’ best eating and drinking establishments and battling for the win!

Get ready for all things Mermaid during the 4th Annual Mermaid SPLASH Festival! The Meadows Center will be hosting its 2nd Annual Mermaid Headdress making sessions August 10 and September 7.

We will provide mermaid headdress bases and supplies to decorate so that each participant can walk away their very own! Participants should bring a hot glue gun and a good pair of scissors. Send an email to springlaketours@txstate.edu if you need one supplied for you. Participants may bring any additional items that they would like to add to their piece.

Tickets are $25 per person making a headdress (limit 15). Register online at: http://bit.ly/Mermaid-Headdress.

Wonder World Cave and Park, Mermaid Society of Texas and Keme’s BBQ will begin hosting LOCA..L FriYAY’s! Sept 6th is the kick-off for this fun event. FriYAY’s will officially begin in October and hosted every Friday!

TK Tunchez is Challenging Women With Her Flower Crowns

Join us for a special evening of flower crown making, as we prepare for our favorite night of the year: the Mermaid Society Art Ball. Featuring ATX based Flower Crown Creatress, TK Tunchez of Las Ofrendas, we’ll be channeling ALL the water goddess energies in this special flower crown creation workshop.

TK was recently featured in Austin Women's Magazine - https://atxwoman.com/tk-tunchez/

We’ll bring all the goodies you'll need to take home a completed flower crown/ mermaid headpiece.

Just bring yourself, your friends and any special adornments you may want to add to your one of a kind creation.

$40 - Cost of event includes refreshments and beverage
ONLY 12 SPOTS available - First Come basis. TO RSVP send email to info@mermaidsocietysmtx.com Subject Line: Mermaid Crown Class. Payment can be made at the door or by phone 512-825-2819.

About the Presenter:

Workshop presenter Tk Tunchez (of Las Ofrendas) is a multi-disciplinary artist and flower crown creatress. She has been making gorgeous flower crowns, full time, for over 5 years and her pieces have been featured locally in the San Antonio Art Museum store, the Austin Chronicle, and most recently in Austin Woman’s Magazine. She loves sharing her passion for creating coronas (crowns) with the world, and crafting unique, one of a kind Crowns for ALL the Queens.

You can find more about TK;s work through her Instagram account: @lasofrendas.

The San Marcos Art League is proud to present another art demonstration brought to you by local artist Gigi Mederos and Cardinal Frame & Art! Gigi Mederos owns and operates Rio Claro Studio where she creates beautiful silk scarves using ink painting techniques. She will be bringing a silk habotai scarf with an original Mermaid themed design to demonstrate the Serti Technique. This technique involves drawing directly onto the stretched silk with a resist to "corral" the colors. It creates a lovely, coloring-book look to the piece. To see more of Gigi's work, visit her page at https://www.facebook.com/rioclarostudio/

As always our demo is free and no supplies are required and pictures are encouraged! To find more Art League events and information visit our website at artleaguesmtx.org

SMAL is a non-profit arts organization that receives its funding from memberships, donations, and the support of the San Marcos Arts Commission.

The goal of the interactive storytelling event during the Mermaid SPLASH Festival is to revive forgotten stories about the Meadow Center where a quirky history of the town has been hidden, lost and nearly forgotten. It is to remind the community about the cultural and personal heritage of our shared places. 

By allowing community members collaborate in drawing on the same workspace, they share the same canvas (walls and building), fill in the gap of forgotten stories and create a new one through a shared vision. This interplay empowers the diverse range of community members and strengthens the unity of their shared identity. 

About MiHyun Kim

MiHyun Kim is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design in School of Art and Design at Texas State University. Her ongoing research is an interdisciplinary project utilizing interactive storytelling and screen-based design work. She has been recognized from numerous national and international design organizations including ico-d (International Council of Design), AIGA Design Educator Community, UCDA Design Education Summit, and eyeO festival.

ABOUT OMAi

Vienna based company OMAi stands for a spontaneous and collaborative approach to

digital creation. By combining digital technology with analogue sensibilities, we bring a

fresh wave of visual communication to streets, stages and events around the world.