SAN MARCOS, Texas – For the fourth year in a row, the Mermaid Society of Texas held its annual SPLASH festival.
- Event in its fourth year
- Lasts for two weeks
- Celebrates the mermaid with festivities and symposiums
"SPLASH" stands for stewardship, preservation, local, arts, sustainability, and heritage. The two-week event includes festivities, symposiums and activities for all ages.
It culminates with the Mermaid Art Ball, a parade through the city, and the Mermaid AquaFaire: a riverside market at Plaza Park featuring all things "mermaid."
MORE INFORMATION | Mermaid Society of Texas Website
The mermaid is the unofficial mascot of San Marcos.
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The mermaid moniker stems from the former Aquarena Springs amusement park from the 1950s. Synchronized swimming "Aquamaids" drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to the park for four decades at the San Marcos Springs.
Earlier this year, the City of San Marcos attempted to get an official designation as “Mermaid Capital of Texas” during the legislative session.
Council members wanted the title to not only promote the city's history and connection to mermaids, but also to promote tourism and raise awareness of the preservation of the San Marcos River.
READ MORE | San Marcos "Mermaid Capital of Texas" Designation Sinks
Senate Concurrent Resolution 63 would have designated San Marcos as the "Mermaid Capital of Texas." It received full support from the Senate, but was not voted on in the House of Representatives.
--WATCH 2018 Mermaid Festival--