Wassenich is 2018 Mermaid Queen

More than two months before San Marcos goes all-out for the mythical aquatic creature, Mermaid Society SMTX has named its SPLASH (stewardship, preservation, local, sustainability and Heritage) royalty for 2018.

Longtime river activist Dianne Wassenich of the San Marcos River Foundation is the 2018 Mermaid Queen; while local historical Rodney Van Oudekerke is this year’s Splash King. This year’s River Stewardship honoree is Andrew Sansom, director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Man-about-town photographer Christopher Paul Cardoza is this year’s Arts & Culture Honoree. 

Members of the Royal Court have yet to be determined.

SMTX Mermaid SPLASH, is an annual city-wide, multi-event festival, celebrating our city’s arts, culture, heritage and our most precious resource, the San Marcos River.  

The King of SPLASH and the Mermaid Queen are selected based on individuals who imbue the spirit of SMTX. These individuals would be defined to be supporters of a creative community and guardians of our river; SMTX’ sweethearts. These individuals are chosen by the Society Ball committee.

Honorees are selected by their peers who serve on the symposiums committees for River Guardianship, Arts & Culture, and Entrepreneurship/Small Business.  

“The Mermaid festival serves as a creative platform to celebrate the accomplishments of each of the members of the Royal Court. Each individual or organization selected is doing incredible work right here in our community; and contribute to the vibrancy of our beloved city,” Mermaid Society SMTX founder July Moreno said. “By highlighting these honorees, we hope it will create greater awareness and increase opportunity for engagement.”

The community is invited to join this city celebration, which includes a parade, an Aqua Faire and the Mermaid Society Art Ball Sept. 21 and 22. For more information on each of the events planned, please visit the Mermaid Society website. You can stay current on Mermaid Society news on their Facebook page.