Mermaid Week SMTX was held Sept. 6-18 in San Marcos. The event celebrated environmental stewardship, local business and the arts community. Founder July Moreno said she was encouraged by the inaugural edition of what she hopes becomes a San Marcos tradition. "I think this is the beginning," Moreno said. "What we had hoped to accomplish, with starting out as Mermaid Week, seven days—we surpassed that. I feel very confident that everyone who was part of the celebration had a great experience with it and got more attention to the work they’re doing and the projects they’re working on." An advisory board will be formed to begin planning and executing next year's festival, Moreno said, adding she hopes the festival can bring together the entire city. "We want really dedicated individuals who want to be part of the big picture that Mermaid Society wants to accomplish," she said. 218 Studioworks, 218 Guadalupe St., San Marcos, will host art that was displayed at the Mermaid Society Ball throughout the month of September.