Mermaid initiative expected to make a big splash
Photo by: Daryl Ontiveros | Multimedia Editor The mermaid mural, located just across the street from Chimy's, can be seen by pedestrians and motorists alike
Mermaids are expected to make a big splash this year in the San Marcos River.
Although local conservation efforts and economic interests have historically clashed, San Martians can expect to see the birth of the Mermaid Society SMTX, a new initiative intent on marrying environmentalism with entrepreneurism.
July Moreno, founder of Mermaid Society SMTX, said the idea behind the initiative is to transform the idea of the mermaid from what she once was—an entertainer—into a protector of the San Marcos River.
“The Mermaid Society of San Marcos exists to co-create sustainable, shared wellbeing,” Moreno said. “It was conceived to be about the co-creation of a sustainable economy and local voice for San Marcos.”
The historical and symbolic significance of the mermaid in San Marcos began at the former Aquarena Springs amusement park, where women in mermaid costumes were hired to perform underwater in a submersible theater. Although the theme park itself is no longer operational, the legacy of the mermaid lives on.
An upcoming byproduct of this initiative is Mermaid Week on Sept. 16-17, which will include three separate events: the Mermaid Society Ball, a parade and the Mermaid Splash.
According to the society’s mission statement, the initiative is intended to be a cooperative effort featuring a combination of volunteerism, private and public investment and self-sustaining partnerships.
Additionally, the society aims to foster collaboration and dialogue as well as improve the city’s profile as being both environmentally conscious and economically vibrant.
“It’s the synergy of bringing like-minded groups together, in order to make all of our efforts more productive,” said Clay DeStefano, the society’s co-founder. “We want to unite the factions in San Marcos that are doing good work individually, together for the same purpose.”
DeStefano said he hopes the idea will ultimately lead to locally-focused economic improvement while staying true to the principles of river stewardship and protection.
Read more on The University Star website.
