Ocean View’s first Mermaid Festival expected to draw a school of merfolk for races, costume contest, parade

Colin Warren-Hicks, The Virginian-Pilot
·1 min read

Some sayings ring true, even across species — including mythical ones. Just as the Little Mermaid wanted legs, sometimes we humans desire sparkly-scaled, fishy tails.

Ocean View’s first Mermaid Festival, on Saturday, invites land-dwellers to get their “Mermaid Wiggle on” and dress up like a mermaid, merman or any other type of merfolk in a bid to break the world record for largest-ever assembled congregation of mermaids.

The festival will start with open water swim races off Ocean View Park at 9 a.m., followed by a parade and costume contest with prizes awarded in multiple categories:

  • Mermaids

  • MerBabes

  • MerKids

  • MerFamilies

  • MerTeams

  • Aquamen

One- and 2-mile swim races will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. along a triangle course. Next, teams of four will begin relay races at 10:45 a.m.; the award ceremony will be later in the day.

Festival goers can expect lots of face painting opportunities and plenty of stages and stands with live music, local artists, food and beverages.

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com

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IF YOU GO

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, open water swim; mermaid parade and costume contest, noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Ocean View Park, 100 W. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk

Tickets: $45 to enter swim race. Parade and costume contest are free.

Details: oceanviewsports.net