Mermaid’s Derby Day wasn’t for the horses

BY Aprile McKinnon

The Second Annual Mermaids of Canyon Lake Derby Day proved to be full of excitement and energy and was enhanced by the Mermaids and their guests dressing up in true Derby Day attire. Bets were placed using mermaid play money as the men, wearing horse-inspired numbered polos, attempted to race their kayaks on the lake.

With the Mermaids cheering in their best Derby attire from their boats, the kayaks raced to the finish line. The fun wasn’t in the winning, but in the hilarious attempt to just make it to the finish line.

With perfect weather complementing the day, the ladies gathered on their assigned boats and were served a scrumptious box lunch with a glass of champagne and chose their pick of the race while the racebook was open.

Derby Day guests lean over the edge of their boat to take a look at their chosen riders to cheer them on as the race takes place. Photo provided by Pei Pei Gunter

Names were given to the men who would race the kayaks that resembled what you would hear at the Kentucky Derby. Names of some of the racers were Sea Biscuit, Whirlaway and Red Rum. The odds of a win were written next to the riders’ names as the ladies chose their hopeful winner. Cheering the good-intentioned men during the race made for a great race-day atmosphere.

Afterward, a ladies‘ Most Fabulous Hat competition was held and the winner was Terri Ireland.

The event raised over $2,000, which will go into the Mermaids of Canyon Lake 2023 group of charities that include such charities as the Riverside Shelter for Abused Women and Children and Helping Hands.

The racers jockey for position as the race gets congested during the Derby Day event Saturday on the lake. Photo provided by Pei Pei Gunther

“Anne True is new to the lake and has only been here three weeks,” Derby Day Chair Lyne Hall said. “She saw the article in The Friday Flyer and bought her ticket off of our website. She actually didn’t know anyone. She had a great time. I loved hearing her story.”

Lyne also said she was grateful to all the sponsors, committee members, boat captains, jockeys, and volunteers who worked on the Derby Day event. The group’s next event will be a booth at the Fiesta Day Park Hopper at the Canyon Lake Lodge on May 27.