Submitted by Westport Winery
The nonprofit International Mermaid Museum is holding its grand opening celebration beginning March 29, 2021. The events in conjunction with this will last a full week. The museum is dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology, uniting oceanic cultures. The museum and its gift shop will be open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission through April.
Schedule of Events
Monday, March 29
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaid Orla posing and playing her harp
11 a.m.: Pastor Michelle DeBeauchampOlafsen blessing of the building
6 p.m.: Free Northwest Beachcombing lecture by marine biologist Alan Rammer
Tuesday, March 30
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaid Maranda posing and performing
6 p.m.: Free History of Glass Fishing Floats lecture by Alan Rammer
Wednesday, March 31
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaid Maranda posing and performing
6 p.m.: Free Razor Clams A to Z lecture by Alan Rammer
Thursday, April 1
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaid Maranda posing and performing
6 p.m.: Free Fun Facts About Northwest Sea Life lecture by Alan Rammer
Friday, April 2
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaids Elora and Althaea posing and performing
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Internationally acclaimed wire artist Elizabeth Berrien from Olympia completing a mermaid sculpture
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Artist Reception for the public to meet the feature artists in the museum’s gallery including:
- MJ Perela from Lincoln City, Oregon, discussing the museum’s entry mosaic,
- Beau Finley of Westport discussing the mermaid throne and the plaza,
- Yosef Adams from North Cove will unveil his 12-foot-tall mermaid Gray Sea (the roadside attraction),
- Jamie Walsh from Aberdeen will unveil the entry sculptures
- Kevin and Karyl Vasereno from the Westport Charterboat Association and Adrienne Jones from WEfish, the commercial fishing family organization, will provide cooking demonstrations on the appetizers served during the reception
Westport Winery will provide wine tasting for those over age 21
Saturday, April 3
11 a.m.: Secretary of State Kim Wyman and the Greater Grays Harbor Ambassadors museum ribbon cutting
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Una the Mermaid performing in her traveling tank
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Aura the Mermaid book signing
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Seattle Mermaid Siren Ophelia performing and posing
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Fisher Poet reading featuring Westport’s Jon Branshaw, Dave Densmore from Astoria, and Dano Quinn from Seattle
5 p.m.: ProAm Chowder Competition featuring local chefs and celebrity judges in the tent at Westport Winery
April 4, Easter Sunday
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Mermaid Egg Hunt in the gardens at Westport Winery Garden Resort. Kids need to get their free egg bag in the museum prior to starting their hunt. This event is for children up to age 10. All eggs will be hidden in plain sight. Kids need to come back to the museum after their hunt to see if they have the special egg that gives them an extra prize.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Una the Mermaid performing in her tank
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Mermaid Eternity, Princess of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, performing and posing with craft kits and handouts for kids
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Olive the Alchemist Mermaid, performing and posing in the splash pond
Due to Covid restrictions this is a week-long celebration with social distancing observed and masks required. All the events during the grand opening week are free to attend, however, reservations are required for all evening events. You can make reservations by calling Westport Winery at 360-648-2224 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
All ages are welcome at the International Mermaid Museum. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The museum is located on the grounds of Westport Winery Garden Resort located halfway between Westport and Aberdeen on the Washington Coast. The address is 1 South Arbor Road, Aberdeen, Washington. To learn more visit the Mermaid Museum website.
