Mermaid Society SMTX and its spin-off efforts pay tribute to the history of the Aquarena Springs' Aquamaids -- San Marcos’ first “Mermaids." San Marcos is the only city in Texas that has a natural claim to the Mermaid. Her “unlikely presence” in the middle of Texas is part of her charm. The Mermaid associated with Mermaid Week SMTX is the guardian of our river and all its inhabitants. Her image is meant to serve as a symbol for our city to remind all to respect and protect the natural beauty and resources of our river for generations to come.
Our Vision
To champion the Mermaid as the embodiment of our vibrant San Marcos community.
Our Mission
Mermaid Society SMTX is a grassroots community organization committed to strengthening connectivity among like-spirited community partners to work creatively and collaboratively towards a shared vision in support of the arts, river stewardship, historic preservation and a local living economy.
About Us
Our philosophy is simple, “Let’s co-create a sustainable, shared wellbeing.” We believe a community which supports the arts,... fosters social capital which makes a greater quality of life. We believe river stewardship is not an option but our responsibility as a river community. Supporting local is essential to our growth and the preservation of our economy. We are an ever growing “like” spirited community who is proud to call San Marcos, Texas, home… a place where we live, work and play.
The Iconic Mermaid Brings a City Together
The San Marcos Mermaid celebration is in full swing, with various citywide community events taking place from September 6th through the 18th. With one week left to go before the much anticipated Mermaid Parade trails through the city, we pause to honor the iconic symbol that has inspired so much community effort, collaboration and excitement.
Mermaid Society SMTX founder July Moreno, along with a multitude of inspired volunteers, local entrepreneurs and artists, have dedicated the past year towards the adoption of The Mermaid as a San Marcos cultural icon. The Mermaid is rooted in our history which is shared by many long-time San Marcos residents, tourists and students- the Aqua Maids echo the memories of Aquarena Springs Theme Park. Although the era of the park itself was short lived by most standards, the vision and memories of the roadside attractions have held strong in the hearts of residents and visitors throughout the years- with the allure of the Underwater Mermaid Show being a recollection of magic and simple beauty.
As the city of San Marcos grows at exponential rates, it has become vital to seek ways to anchor our community and highlight our distinction. To this mission, the lore of the Mermaid has been revitalized to represent a symbol of San Marcos heritage that connects us to our simpler past, while focusing on a vibrant and resilient future. The Mermaid herself embodies the unique San Marcos culture of ingenuity, entrepreneurship, community connectivity and environmental stewardship which blossoms in a town in love with its sacred river. She is a symbol of honor and protection; a representation of a shared community vision that can be easily identified.
As a guardian of such intense power and beauty, comes to no surprise her message has spread like native wild rice, stretching throughout San Marcos business owners and residents. As a symbolic heroine, she is easily able to connect community members without boundaries of age, socioeconomic status or political preference. The Mermaid transcends these limitations to unite our attention towards a common goal, co-create a sustainable, shared wellbeing. Local ownership of a town which we want to protect, preserve and nurture is reflected in our identity through the Mermaid. While the whimsical Mermaid Ball, parade and festivities will take place only once a year, The Mermaid will continue to be an inspiration of all things San Marcos, throughout the year.
The image and presence of the San Marcos Mermaid connects the wisdom of older citizens and mesmerizes the young. Creating a connecting fiber for residents to weave together an identity for the betterment of our community, she becomes a guardian of the river, a superhero to children, a vision of artistic beauty, a navigator of a flowing local economy, an anchor of family and community strength, and a bridge from the past to present and future. She is as unique and vibrant as the town itself, a freshwater Mermaid deep in the heart of Texas- her home is our home and she belongs to us. – Nina Linda Ramos
