Applicants sought for CLWC Mermaid Queen

Last year’s Mermaid Queen Karina Bowen is pictured after her coronation with Davy Jones, Woman’s Club President Jan May and Mermaid Festival organizer Lyne Hall, lower right. Photo by Donna Kupke

The Canyon Lake Woman’s Club is getting ready for its 2nd annual Mermaid Festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 27, at Indian Beach. Organizer Lyne Hall and her committee welcome participation and donations from sponsors and vendors.

Lyne says the club also is accepting applicants for Mermaid Queen, to be crowned at that event. The three qualifications are:

• Generosity of spirit,
• Prowess in the water
• Creativity

The Mermaid Queen will reign at the Mermaid Festival and also will be expected to help carry the Woman’s Club’s philanthropic message throughout the community by attending the club’s bigger fundraising events like the Fashion Show, as well as other community events such as the Car Show.

Entrants must write an essay of not more than 300 words describing their expertise in the three areas. Entrants must be 14 yrs of age or older. The decision of the CLWC Mermaid Committee is final. All entries can be emailed to Mermaid Committee Chair J.C. Taylor at jctaylor1945@verizon.net. Entry deadline is Saturday, August 13.

All applicants must be full-time residents of Canyon Lake. Please state address and age at the top of the essay. Applicants under the age of 18 must provide contact info for a parent or legal guardian. Applicants must be available to attend the Mermaid Festival Coronation on August 27 at Indian Beach.

• Generosity of Spirit is displayed in philanthropic or volunteer activities in which they have been involved. For a high school student, these efforts have to be above and beyond the 40-hour requirement for high school graduation and show the CLWC Mermaid Committee a true volunteer spirit.
• Of course a mermaid must have “prowess in the water.” Applicants are asked to describe their prowess in the water and then attach or otherwise show proof of their expertise; e.g. YMCA Lifeguard certificate, member of a swim team, etc.
• Creativity can be illustrated through such activities as painting, sculpture, story-writing, acting, playing a musical instrument, etc. Proof can be in the form of a photograph, the story itself or a link to YouTube, etc.

The Mermaid Festival 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.

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. To apply for Mermaid Queen, email Mermaid Committee Chair J.C. Taylor at jctaylor1945@verizon.net.