Page 75 - Q01-2021 Fins Magazine

California

Mermaid

Convention

by Patricia Pastrano

Join the longest running mermaid event on the Afterwards, enjoy a picnic on the beach with
west coast as the California Mermaid Convention photos and fun!
community hosts a three-day mermaid extravaganza
July 9 - 11, 2021. After going digital in 2020, the CMC is prepared
to have a digital convention or in person for
From swim play, to costuming, shopping and 2021.
entertainment, the convention has something for
everyone. All ages and families welcome. “The digital convention was awesome, because
as we started building this, we realized that we
“It really depends this year on if we are going to be able were making it accessible to people all over the
to hold an in person event or a digital event. Either way world.”
the convention is happening. We’re going to have a lot Mermaids swim at the California Mermaid Convention. With mermaid swimming events abound, Sundays are completely free.
of fun. “ With attendees from Ireland, Canada and Brazil, Photo credit: Elisa Maenhout
they were able to have panels, teach workshops,
With events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the host a cleanup contest and had their digital vendor Some aspects of the digital convention are continuing due To learn more about the
Sunday events are completely free because the hall. to its ease of access. They continue their online events for California Mermaid Convention
community built this convention. “We want everything year round in addition to their big three day weekend.
to be really accessible to anybody who can come There was even dancing, singing, live performances Go to:
families. Kids, adult MERS, tiny MERS.” There’s and raffle prizes at their 2020 Digital Bubble Ball, The Merfolk Community is a very diverse and inclusive www.californiamermaidcon.com
going to be performances, contests, workshops, and where attendees dressed up in their mermaid best! one. You can celebrate with all ages, orientations, @californiamercon
socialization. backgrounds and perspectives at this all inclusive event. FB: calmercon

For their in-person convention, there are three days of Networking, swimming and fun await mers swimming to
mermaid activities. We have swims with kids, the California Mermaid Convention, whether it be held in-
adults, underwater workshops, lectures, panels, and person or digitally.
a huge vendor hall. On Sunday, we have a day that is
completely free to attend. And you can come and join The event also has a strict Code of Coduct, so you can
in the parade in downtown Old Town, Sacramento. definitely feel safe and supported.

The California Mermaid Convention takes tangible Whether you are a professional mermaid or are just
action to clean beaches and waterways as true mer dipping your fins in for the first time, everyone’s welcome
stewards of the environment. Children and adults of here!
all ages are invited to participate in their river cleanup. Photo credits:
Elisa Manhout DD Photography
John Paulsen -Mermaid Wrangler Photography Stephen Johnson
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