Vendors, sponsors wanted for Mermaid Festival

Ahoy, me hearties! Planning already is underway for the 2nd annual Mermaid (and Pirate) Festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 27, at Indian Beach. Organizer Lyne Hall and her committee welcome participation and donations from sponsors and vendors.

Prizes are sought for the Cardboard Boat Challenge, the Junior Mermaid and Junior Pirate Competitions (for ages 0 to 17) and the Pirate Knobbly Knees Competition (for ages 17 and older).

In addition to the newly added Cardboard Boat Challenge, the day’s activities will include the mermaid grotto, vendor fair, kids games/crafts, pirate battle, food vendors and the ever popular “Mermaid Lounge” with sales of beer, wine and signature cocktails. April McKinnon will serve as emcee.

This event is a production of the Woman’s Club, with help from the Family Matters Club and the Yacht Club. Family Matters will oversee the kids area; the Yacht Club once again will stage a Pirate Battle on the lake and will provide four judges for the Cardboard Boat Race. They will be headed up by Captain Black Bob Templeton and Captain Long Shanks Lafferty.

All ages are welcome to enter the Cardboard Boat Challenge. Entry forms are now available in the Member Services Office. There is no charge to enter a vessel in the race if the registration form is returned to Member Services by August 16. After that, there will be a $20 charge per vessel.

Awards will be given for “1st Place Finish,” “Judges’ Choice,” “Best Dressed Mermaid Vessel” and “Best Dressed Pirate Vessel.” Here are the rules:

• Boats must be constructed of corrugated cardboard and duct tape. Other materials are not allowed.
• Boats cannot be longer than 21 feet.
• To qualify for 1st place, they must remain afloat with everyone inside for the full race.
• Propulsion must be by arms, hands and/or paddles only.
• Coast Guard-Approved personal flotation devices must be worn by all participants in the race.

To become a vendor or sponsor, contact Lyne Hall at 310-210-7366 or ly967hal@gmail.com