Submitted by Westport Winery
The International Mermaid Museum is holding its annual Mermaid Festival from Saturday, March 26 through Sunday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this weeklong event there is no charge for admission to the museum.
In addition to the museum’s educational and enchanting exhibits there are a series of special attractions for visitors of all ages during this celebration of the sea. It is guaranteed that there will be siren sightings as mermaids swim to Unforgettable Grays Harbor to gather together.
Una the Mermaid will be performing in her traveling tank on both Saturdays and Sundays. Since 2012, Una has been bringing magic and entertaining the Pacific NW at private and community events. She is the organizer and host of the annual Portlandia Mermaid Parade where mermaid museum founder Kim Roberts was named Mermazing Person of the Year in 2021.
Olive the Alchemist, founder of the Seattle Mermaid School, will preside on the mermaid throne every day of the festival. Each day at 4 p.m. she will offer a free hour-long class for aspiring mermaids of all ages that covers the topics of immersion, believability, mermaid physicality, and performer safety.
In the art tent a host of artists and activities will be on hand for all visitors to enjoy. Guests can look forward to work by glass artists Kari and Heather Wulf of Moclips, multi-media artist Michael Beck of Westport, photographer Wendy Ryan of Grayland, multi-media artist Pamela McKinnie of Olympia, mermaid artist Ashley Morgan of Tacoma, watercolorist Aleatha Kennedy of Olympia, rock painter Brandi Fornear of Westport, ceramicist Kimmi Kerns of Shelton, photographer Michelle Rayleen of Sekiu, woodworkers Pete and Amy Twigg of Ocosta, jeweler Ruth Greening of Olympia, and watercolorist Nancy Broach.
All day, every day, kids can participate in a Pirate’s Treasure Hunt in the gardens surrounding the museum with prizes for those who complete the puzzle and find the treasure. For the kids there is a free gyotaku (fish printing) station every day from 3pm to 4pm. For all ages there is a free rock painting station every day. Inside the museum there is a fee for guests who want to mine fossils, shells or gems in the museum’s sluice box.
Jill Neal, famous for her Wild Women art, will be signing and selling her creations in person on April 1 and 2. Rebecca Corio will be signing and selling her book “Storm of Passion” from her Men of Danger series on April 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Members of the Portland Mermaid Pod’s Traveling Fanta Sea Cove will host a booth on April 2 and 3. It will center on merfolk mythology from around the world, and merfolk deities. They will also sell handmade mer wares and crafts.
Westport’s Aloha Alabama is bringing their festival food mobile for the week with their famous poke and teriyaki bowls plus delicious shave ice. Lumberjack Popcorn Company will be at the festival both weekends with their incredible kettle corn selection.
The International Mermaid Museum is a registered 501(C)3 nonprofit dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology uniting world oceanic cultures. The International Mermaid Museum is located on the grounds of Westport Winery Garden Resort, halfway between Aberdeen and Westport on the Washington Coast. For more information go to the International Mermaid Museum website.
