Splash on over to the Mermaid Festival Aug. 26

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The 3rd annual Mermaid Festival, sponsored by the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club, will take place at Indian Beach next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event kicks off with the ever popular annual Cardboard Board Challenge. The Cardboard Boat Challenge is just the first in a lineup of fun activities that will take place throughout the day.

The Mermaid Festival will feature a Pirate Ship Battle on the lake, Mermaid Grotto, Mermaid Marketplace featuring vendors and local merchants, Mermaid Lounge, food, kids zone featuring games and jumpers, silent auction, opportunity drawings, grand prize drawings, Best Mermaid Contest, Knobbly Knees Contest, Little Mermaid Contest, Best Mermaid Contest and Little Pirate Contest.

Event Schedule

7 to 8 a.m.: Cardboard Boat Challenge check-in

The Mermaid Festival starts at 11 a.m. However, those participating in the Cardboard Boat Challenge must check-in between 7 and 8 a.m. Applications for the Cardboard Boat Challenge are available at the POA office and online at canyonlaskewomansclub.com. The $10 entry fee will be waived for those who turn in their application before the day of the event.

All participants must wear a Coast Guard approved life vest. Life vests are not provided.

11:30 a.m.: Cardboard Boat Challenge

Head on down to the beach to watch boats made of cardboard and duct tape race for cash prizes. This event is entertaining for participants and spectators alike.

The first place winner in the adult division will receive $100, sponsored by Jan May of Coldwell Banker; first place winner in the youth division will receive $75, sponsored by resident Nancy Horton; Best Dressed Vessel winner will receive $50, sponsored by Kellie Tolbert of Awthentik Design; Judge’s Choice winner will receive $50, sponsored by Angel Bazaldua of Queen Bee Clothing.

12 p.m.: Little Pirate Costume Contest

The Little Pirate Costume Contest, for ages 0 to 17, will take place on the stage. The first place winner will receive $25; second place will receive $10. This event is sponsored by Nancy Horton.

12:30 p.m.: Photos with Little Mermaid and Friends

The Little Mermaid and friends will be available for visits and photos in the Mermaid Grotto on the stage until 1:30 p.m.

1 p.m.: Pirate Ship Battle

A Pirate Ship Battle will take place on the lake between Cap’n Black Hearted Bob in the black Ship and Cap’n Red Handed Jimmy the Peg Leg in the red ship. This event is sponsored by members of the Canyon Lake Yacht Club.

1:30 p.m.: Little Mermaid Costume Contest

The Little Mermaid Costume Contest, for ages 0 to 17, will take place on the stage. The first place winner will receive $25; second place will receive $10. This event is sponsored by resident Art Femister.

2 p.m.: Photos with “Amazing Tattooed Mermaid”

The “Amazing Tattooed Mermaid” will be available for visits and photos in the Mermaid Grotto on the stage until 3 p.m.

2:30 p.m.: Best Mermaid Costume Contest

The Best Mermaid Contest, for ages 18 and older, will take place on the stage. The first place winner will receive $25.

3:30 p.m.: Knobbly Knees Contest

The Knobbly Knees Contest, hosted by Rose Marie Hand, is open to men ages 18 years old and old. Extra points are earned for men dressed in pirate garb and even more extra points for men dressed as mermaids.

The first place winner will receive $75 and a bottle of rum. This event is sponsored by Lyne Hall of Royal Bash.

4 p.m.: Grand Prize Drawings

The drawing and announcement of the winners will take place on the stage. Prizes include a Lilly Pad (sponsored by Donna Cannon), kayak, large inflatable rubber duck and three $100 cash prizes. Tickets are $5 each. Those who entered the drawing and can’t be present can watch a live video of the drawing on The Friday Flyer Facebook page.

Kids Zone

The Family Matters Club will host a kids zone area featuring games and jumpers. This area will be open all day. Wristbands are five tickets ($5).

Mermaid Marketplace

The Mermaid Marketplace will feature local vendors selling merchandise as well as nautical, mermaid and pirate inspired items.

Mermaid Lounge

The Mermaid Lounge will be open all day selling water, soda, alcoholic beverages and the signature Mermaid Cocktail. Kids drinks in color changing cups with free refills will also be available.

Food Booths

The Canyon Lake Woman’s Club food booth will be open all day selling hot dogs, chili dogs, quesadillas and street tacos.

Shuttle Service

Free shuttle service will be available starting at 11 a.m. Pick-up and drop-off locations are along Continental Dr.

Raffles and Auction

Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win several prizes donated by the vendors and local merchants. There will also be a silent auction with prizes that include a Wyland painting and a sunset champagne pontoon cruise.

Costumes

Costumes are not required to attend this event. However, everyone is invited to come in mermaid or pirate-inspired garb whether they are entering a contest or not.

Tickets

The Kids Zone and food and drink booths accept tickets only. Tickets can be purchased with cash or a credit card at the centrally located Woman’s Club booth.

Sponsorship and Vendors

Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booths are available. Vendors, especially those who specialize in beach or nautical merchandise with a mermaid or pirate angle, are being sought. Vendors or clubs who can do face painting and hair braiding are also being sought.

Vendor spaces are $40 per space. To reserve a space, contact Sue Collins at 951.246.2773.

Sponsorships can be in the form of cash, items, gift cards or services. To inquire about sponsorship, contact Shawna Bowen at shawnakaybowen@aol.com.

This event for the community would not be possible without the many volunteers who pitch in to make it happen.

Mermaid Festival Chair Lyne Hall would like to thank this year’s Mermaid Festival Committee members: Suzi Delia, license coordinator; Donna Ritchie, publicity, grand prize drawing and photography; Sue Collins, vendors; Jill Torkelson, grand prize drawing; Shawna Bowen, sponsorships and kids zone; Carmen Cortez, food; Carol Newsom, Mermaid Lounge; Tammy Revard, Cardboard Boat Challenge; Jan May, Pirate Ship Battle; Terri Ireland, Mermaid Grotto and decorations; Kathy Ray, traffic control.