NORTH WEBSTER - The 78th Mermaid Festival is June 19-22 in North Webster, and there will be plenty of activities to keep people in the town.
The theme this year is “The American Dream.”
Admission and parking are free.
Scheduled Events
Midway includes food court, merchant’s building, Kiwanis ice cream and outdoor vendors. Wristbands are $25, and hours are 5 p.m. to closing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon to closing Saturday.
Wednesday
The North Webster United Methodist Strawberry Festival is 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the festival grounds Wednesday, June 19.
The Cutie Parade is at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street downtown North Webster.
RE/MAX tethered balloon rides are 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday
The Lake City Bank Coin Hunt is at 7 p.m.
Friday
The Cutie Pageant takes place at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center. The 2023 Cutie Queen was Amelia Beer, with the Cutie King being Cruz Turner.
Saturday
Back at the Mermaid Festival again is the Power Wheels Competitions on Saturday, June 22. Held at the Mermaid Festival Fairgrounds on Washington Street, registration is at 11:30 a.m. with racing beginning at noon. There are participant trophies. Each age group winner receives a prize. Kids can bring their own favorite Power Wheel or there will be some available to use. The event is for kids up to 8 years old.
The Mermaid Festival Parade always draws a big crowd. It is at 4 p.m. down Main Street.
The Mermaid Festival Demolition Derby is at the festival grounds on Washington Street. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with racing beginning at 7 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place in each heat and the last car still running and able to move for the final event. Entry fee for each car is $25 and comes with two pit passes. For rules and more information, visit nwmermaidfestival.com.
The Queen of Lakes Pageant at the North Webster Community Center is also at 7 p.m.
Past queens for the past 10 years were Jaela Faulkner, Bourbon, 2023; Jordan Hofmann, Andrews, 2022; Corynn Barton, Huntington, 2021; Meghan Beer, Nappanee, 2019; Mikala Mawhorter, Syracuse, 2018; Hannah Parker, Warsaw, 2017; Kierstin Bailey, Fort Wayne, 2016; Kensea Myers, Leesburg, 2015; McKenah D’Arcy, Goshen, 2014; and Kayla Courtney, Milford, 2013.
Merlin’s Stage
Fun on Merlin’s Stage begins Wednesday, June 19 with a free kids bicycle giveaway at 8 p.m. Get a free ticket at the stage. Beez & the Rocker will perform at 8:15 p.m. after the bike giveaway.
On Thursday, June 20, Tactical Force Laser Tage is 5 p.m. to close. Wheels of Agriculture Game Show is at 6 and 8:30 p.m., with Consider performing at 7:30 p.m.
Tactical Force Laser Tag is back on Friday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to close. Wheels of Agriculture Game Show is at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., with Inclognito Cloggers performing at 7:30 p.m.
Wheels of Agriculture Game Show will hit the stage four times on Saturday, June 22 - 12:30, 2:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Tactical Force Laser Tage will be noon to close, with Lions Karate Academy after the parade at 5 p.m.
The schedule is subject to change without notice.
For more information on the 78th Mermaid Festival, visit the website at www.nwmermaidfestival.com.