Water is a precious resource, especially here in Texas. Besides the obvious (it’s pretty essential for life), water also serves as a gathering place. It’s a source of recreation and an important part of our culture.

That’s what Mermaid Society SMTX will be celebrating with the inaugural Mermaid Parade and Mermaid SPLASH festival on Saturday, September 17th in San Marcos. The day will kick off at 10am with a parade through downtown San Marcos, featuring floats, marchers, and music. The parade will be followed by the Mermaid SPLASH, a free festival celebrating all things San Marcos. SPLASH stands for Stewardship, Preservation, Local, Arts, Sustainability, and Heritage. The festival will take place at San Marcos Plaza Park and last until 8pm. The event will include an Eco Village, Artisan Alley, live music, and guest speakers (including AEN Editor-In-Chief Amy Stansbury).

The goal behind this brand-new festival is to bring the local art and environmental communities together to support the responsible stewardship of the San Marcos River and to make Central Texas a wonderful place to live for years to come. More info>>

(And for those less familiar with San Marcos history – the reference to the mermaids harkens back to the city’s past, when it was once home to an amusement park, complete with an underwater theater and mermaid performers.)