Mermaids have tickled our imaginations for decades. From the Syrian Goddess Atargatis (the first official “mermaid” circa 1000 BC) to Arial in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, millions of people worldwide celebrate these magical creatures. You, too, can bring your inner mermaid out at throughout March when you participate in Ventura Mermaid Month 2024 at the Ventura Harbor Village.
Ventura Mermaid Month 2024
Meet a Real Live Mermaid
Come to the Village on from 12 pm to 3 pm on March 16th and 23rd to see a real mermaid live and in person. Make sure you bring your camera with you. These lovely ladies would love to take a picture with you.
Dance, Dance, Dance
You might ask “how does a mermaid dance if she doesn’t have any legs?” Well, the only way to find out is to come to the Mermaid dance party between noon and 3 pm on March 16th. Organizers encourage participants to dress up in their sea-inspired best. Come and shake a fin or two. Fun for the entire family.
Craft-Time
When you come visit the mermaids on the 16th and/or 23rd, stop by the craft station. Las Posas’s Children’s Center and the Lakeshore Learning Center set up these mermaid-inspired craft stations to encourage the artist in every child. They’re free and open to all ages.
Become a Mermaid for the Day
Really get into the spirit on March 16th and 23rd by visiting special vendors. Get your face painted. Add a fun sparkly glitter tattoo. Get your hair braided in a fishtail pattern. Take a photo with a tropical bird, too.
Pirate Ship & Chalk Art
On March 16th only, search for mermaids aboard a pirate ship. Then watch local artist Lysa Ashley create mermaid masterpieces in chalk. If you can’t make it to watch her live, her artwork stays up for the rest of the month (weather permitting).
Bubble House
On Saturday, March 23rd only, transport yourself to a magical world below the water in the Bubble Dome. Lots of lights and balloons make it feel like you are in a whole new world under the sea in a specially-created inflatable dome.
Learn About the Ocean
The Surfrider Foundation sets up shop on-site from noon to 3 pm on the 16th and 23rd as well. Learn how you can keep our oceans clean and safe for all living creatures. Plus, make a real difference. Participate in a beach clean-up.on March 23rd. Just make sure you come to the Visitor’s Center by 9 am.
Month-Long Events
Whatever day you make it out to Ventura Harbor Village in March, make sure you stop at the Mermaid Gallery first. When there, pick up a scavenger hunt list. Then, once you complete your list, bring it back to the gallery for a special prize (while supplies last). Dress in your best mermaid-inspired outfit and stop to take a picture at one of the “shell-fie” booths scattered around the village. If you visit on a weekend, you might get to enjoy the lilting sounds of the steel drums performed live. Several of the restaurants offer mermaid-inspired specials. And you will definitely want to stop in to the various galleries and boutiques to pick up a beautiful art piece of your own.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
