This memorial weekend was the date for the Mermaid Megafest in South Haven, MI. The purpose of this was to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Mermaids. It was open to the general public and all you had to do was make or buy a costume, sign up with free registration, then suit up and show up at the gathering on the South Haven South Pier.

In addition to the Mermaids on Friday they held a Mermaid Eco Action Conference on preserving our natural freshwater resources and the festival is dedicated to promoting efforts to “Protect our Water Wonderland”! Friday’s inaugural event was a one-day educational conference at Lake Michigan College for instruction and innovation in the field of freshwater ecosystem protection. On Saturday they had the Mermaid Gathering, the Nauti Prows Flotilla and Siren’s Ball. Sunday was the Pirate Street Fair.  So you had opportunities to see and join in the activities with Mermaids, Mermen, nefarious pirates and sailors

The mermaid fantasy was uniquely positioned to promote public awareness of the challenges our Great Lakes ecosystem face. Mermaid folklore integrated a blend of imagination and science that supports the preservation imperative.

The Michigan U/W divers club participated in the event by providing safety assistance on the surface and on the water by providing pier patrols, boats and kayakers on and around the pier in the event of a mermaid or spectator accidently taking a swim. To document the event, I took a pictures of the participants. Hope you enjoy them.