Updated Sept. 9
The city of San Marcos and the Mermaid Society SMTX have officially kicked off Mermaid Month, honoring the superhero guardian of the river and the history of the city.
From what began as a theme park in the early 1950s, the mermaid has become more than just a symbol of San Marcos; it is now the namesake to their new title: Mermaid Capital of Texas.
For years, visitors and residents would descend to see Aquamaids frolicking and entertaining at Aquarena Springs. Now, visitors and residents have an entire organization dedicated to the education and celebration of the San Marcos River, the mermaids and the culture it has created.
“It is proclaimed that the San Marcos Mermaid is a symbol of strength and beauty, a guardian of the San Marcos river, a superhero to children, and a symbol of friendship and unity,” Mayor Jane Hughson said at the kick-off event Sept. 1.
The Mermaid Society is there to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality—it is not just about humans in tails, said art director Jamie Lynn Shelton.
“Our goal is to instill in tomorrow’s leaders a lifelong interest in our town’s history, and preserve the fragile and wondrous microcosm of the San Marcos River,” said July Moreno, founder and creative director of Mermaid Society.
Through the Mermaid Society, children can learn about endangered species and how to protect the river to create a healthier ecosystem, said Kimberly Meitzen, San Marcos River President and Texas State associate professor.
“Another really key component of the river education that comes with the Mermaid Society is with our tourists,” Meitzen added. “Everybody that comes through town and visits our river, visits our downtown, hikes on our trails ... learns about her connection as a river guardian here in our community. And the really exciting part about that is it happens through the arts, through the culture and through bringing out the heritage of this great city.”
Due to the ongoing delta variant surge, many of the events have been postponed until 2022, but the city will be moving forward with the 5th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest Mermaid Promenade and Downtown Street Faire scheduled for Sept. 25.
Editor's note: This post was updated to correct the spelling of Mayor Jane Hughson's name.
