Mermaid Fin Fest. June 7-9th Terrell TX

[AniaR]

Hey everyone! I hope you'll join me this World Ocean's Day for a weekend of professional development, ocean conservation, and mermaid shell-e-brating! Come participate in loads of workshops, listen to great talks from amazing experts, swim in the beautiful water, dance to the drums, peruse the vendor area, enjoy yummy food and try some mermaid Yoga! This event is 18+ and glitter free and single use plastic free. Camping on site!




I will be giving a multitude of workshops and Sean will be giving one on wrangling too. I'll be giving a key-note talk about the magic mermaiding creates for us and others, and how to harness that.




Check 'em out Mermaid FinFest on facebook!





http://mermaidfinfest.com/

[LunaRose]

*starts saving up* xD
i would love to go! i'm currently looking to fill up my calendar with events this year and craving to travel!

Mermaid Kisses :mermaid kiss:

[AniaR]

Would love to "sea" you :)

[Trade Winds]

Hmm...Clear Springs, huh? Heard some sketchy things about it on another post a year or so ago when other mers were looking for clear waters to swim. I'm hesitant to say if I'll go or not.

[AniaR]

Hmm...Clear Springs, huh? Heard some sketchy things about it on another post a year or so ago when other mers were looking for clear waters to swim. I'm hesitant to say if I'll go or not.This is the first year for this event so I'm not sure where you heard sketchy things? May be from a different gathering?

This is held at a rock quarry that Mers typically aren't usually permitted in. It's run by a scuba ranch so it's usually just divers! But will be the host of the event :)

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile app

[Trade Winds]

This is the first year for this event so I'm not sure where you heard sketchy things? May be from a different gathering?

This is held at a rock quarry that Mers typically aren't usually permitted in. It's run by a scuba ranch so it's usually just divers! But will be the host of the event :)

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile app

That's what I mean. I have heard bad things about Clear Springs from mers and from nonmers alike. The most I have tried to go with them is get them to answer the phone or respond to emails- neither of which happened and it's like their phone is never answered. Good on you that you got them to work with you. I'm still wary

[AniaR]

I am not organizing the event. I'm a special guest.

it's just never been open to the public is my understanding. It's for members of the ranch, that are scuba divers or taking courses. If you heard bad things it's probably just mers upset they can't swim there usually :p

However, please note the event is not RUN by the scuba ranch. it is simply hosted there. So any past misgivings you had about the ranch (which I read on the website has been under new ownership since May 2018) shouldn't be extended to the group running the event as they are two separate entities. I would hate for people to read the post and think this event is sketchy.

[Satine]

This is going to be an amazing event !!! I’ve been waiting for tickets to go live for 3 months so that I could get one


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[AniaR]

I am excited to meet you and all the other mers I've see online!

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I'd love to go, but I'll have to see how much money I have. Wonder if I can pick up a short term job...

[AniaR]

I know it can seem a bit pricey but everything is included except food. Having run cons before we usually break up the prices so you pay X for tickets, X for dance X for certain workshops etc but this is all done up and you can either bring your own food/buy or sign up for the weekend meal plan which is a nice added bonus.

I really am so excited I have never been to Texas before!

[Satine]

I know it can seem a bit pricey but everything is included except food. Having run cons before we usually break up the prices so you pay X for tickets, X for dance X for certain workshops etc but this is all done up and you can either bring your own food/buy or sign up for the weekend meal plan which is a nice added bonus.

I really am so excited I have never been to Texas before!

Praying it won’t be raining when you visit us! Do you think you’ll be ok to swim and have fun around then Raina? Don’t want you to be in pain or uncomfortable while your visiting us!

Yeah the main ticket includes park access for 3 days, a camping spot, work shops and talks, swimming, the dance, drum circle, yoga, as well as other things still being added. And meeting other awesome merfolk And it’s only $250 per ticket. It is also a 18+ event so you can be your self and not your performance self. It’s $135 for all your meals covered for 3 days for one ticket witch saves you space and time and hassle. And it’s gonna be yummy to. You can book a 1 hour photo shoot for $75. There will also be some amazing vendors there that you can buy really cool stuff from !!!

If y’all are like me it’s gonna be a 4 hour drive plus stops to get there! But it’s cheaper than a flight hotel room and additional expenses to attend similar events else where!


Sent from my iPad using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[AniaR]

I am soooo excited :)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I know it can seem a bit pricey but everything is included except food. Having run cons before we usually break up the prices so you pay X for tickets, X for dance X for certain workshops etc but this is all done up and you can either bring your own food/buy or sign up for the weekend meal plan which is a nice added bonus.

I really am so excited I have never been to Texas before!

Ah, I'm not complaining, I totally understand the prices, ha ha. Running a festival/con isn't cheap or easy, as Dash-Con and Fyre Fest have shown. I just don't make a lot of money and I didn't get much of a tax refund this year so I'm a bit reluctant on the registration costs, lol. One day ticket is easy, but I'd rather be there the whole weekend, especially since it's a long drive. But with all that's included, I know it's a good deal. I have all the camping gear I need (I lived in a tent in state parks for six months, I'm all set!) and I can eat cheaply, if I manage the registration cost everything else would be fine. It falls on my birthday weekend so I'm considering asking my mom to pay for part of it as a birthday present. Maybe even my dad if I tell him it's an opportunity to practice underwater photography, ha ha. (I really do want to practice my underwater photography, bet the place has some wildlife on land too) The more I think about it, the more I want to do it. Perhaps I'll finally try that online transcribing job, or that dog walking app.

Anyone know if the lake has much wildlife? I'd love to get pictures of fish if I go. If not, I'd still be happy to take pictures of mermaids.

Hope you have fun in Texas! You planning to do anything else here besides the festival?

[AniaR]

Oh I didn't take it as complaining, but I figured others would worry about price too so I used the chance to comment ;)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Oh I didn't take it as complaining, but I figured others would worry about price too so I used the chance to comment ;)

You didn't come off that way, I just wanted to cement that I wasn't complaining, lol. The price really is good, I hope I'll be able to make it!

Is there any info on which vendors will be there yet?

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Just remembered I get three paychecks in May instead of my usual two. That could change things...


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork

[Satine]

Just remembered I get three paychecks in May instead of my usual two. That could change things...


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork

I hope you come !!! I want to meet as many merpeople as possible! It’s gonna be fun! They have some vendors locked down but haven’t announced them to the public yet! They should be comeing out with in the next week or so! Seriously PM Moria Dobbs on Facebook and she will fill you in on everything as she is the one running the show right now! But all I can say is save your money because there is gonna be awesome eco friendly stuff to buy there !!!! Lol I am trying really hard on this point lol


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I hope you come !!! I want to meet as many merpeople as possible! It’s gonna be fun! They have some vendors locked down but haven’t announced them to the public yet! They should be comeing out with in the next week or so! Seriously PM Moria Dobbs on Facebook and she will fill you in on everything as she is the one running the show right now! But all I can say is save your money because there is gonna be awesome eco friendly stuff to buy there !!!! Lol I am trying really hard on this point lol


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Sweet! If I go I'll definitely try to have some money set aside to buy some swag. Otherwise I'm mostly paying attention to the activities and seminars, I'm waiting to hear more information on those.

Anyone happen to know if the swim site has any aquatic life? I'd love to get photos of fish. If nothing else, it will be cool to see those sunken boats!

[AniaR]

Yes I looked up their FB page and saw fishies in underwater photos!!!

[Siryna mermaid]

I know it can seem a bit pricey but everything is included except food. Having run cons before we usually break up the prices so you pay X for tickets, X for dance X for certain workshops etc but this is all done up and you can either bring your own food/buy or sign up for the weekend meal plan which is a nice added bonus.

I really am so excited I have never been to Texas before!

girl we’ll give you big ole’ Texas welcome. Lol!

i say that even though i’m Also not from around here xD

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

FinFest just announced on their Facebook page that the date will be changed to August 30 - September 1. I don't know if I'll be able to make it now, bleh. It will depend on whether I have a half-decent job that will give me the time off. I'm not counting on that, but if it happens, I'll do my best to make it!

[AniaR]

Oh I forgot to update here. Yes they changed dates so they could accommodate some more special guests. Mermaid Linden will be making her first con appearance! A few others yet to be announced too

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile app

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Oh I forgot to update here. Yes they changed dates so they could accommodate some more special guests. Mermaid Linden will be making her first con appearance! A few others yet to be announced too

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile app (http://MerNetwork mobile app)

Yeah, it looks like it will be even cooler! I really hope I'll be able to make it.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Looks like FinFest got cancelled due to low ticket sales. What a shame! I probably wouldn't have been able to go anyway but if my finances and scheduling lined up I definitely would have made the trip. Oh well.

I guess it's not too surprising. Mermaiding is a really niche hobby, so the buyer base is already really small, and the high ticket prices (while justified) are an obstacle to a lot of people. I wonder if a more inexpensive event would have more luck.

[Satine]

Looks like FinFest got cancelled due to low ticket sales. What a shame! I probably wouldn't have been able to go anyway but if my finances and scheduling lined up I definitely would have made the trip. Oh well.

I guess it's not too surprising. Mermaiding is a really niche hobby, so the buyer base is already really small, and the high ticket prices (while justified) are an obstacle to a lot of people. I wonder if a more inexpensive event would have more luck.

Yeah the participation was to low! Don’t think people wanted to travel to Texas! But the tickets where actually a grate deal for everything you got for them! I stayed up till 3am waiting for the sight to go live so I could be the first one to buy tickets! So sad this will not be happening now! Meeting raina and Sean would have been a dream come true for me! It was also going to be my very first mer event and meet up the first time I would have met another mer face to face! This feels like a very big blow to my mermaid dreams! My life is like the Black night sky mermaiding is
Like the tiny little stars of happyness and finfest was gonna be the moon! A great big joy and a break from the drag of my every day life!

And i know the creators of finfest and all the speakers are very sad it has had to be cancelled to! The master mind behind it told me she has spent weeks crying about it because it was her baby and it meant so much to her!

I really hope she will try again next year! And that I will be able to attend !!!


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[AniaR]

Yeah I am so bummed !!! I think they need a year's notice for people to plan and save.

[Satine]

Yeah I am so bummed !!! I think they need a year's notice for people to plan and save.

Yeah I agree! I really hope it happens some time in the future !!!


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Yeah the participation was to low! Don’t think people wanted to travel to Texas! But the tickets where actually a grate deal for everything you got for them! I stayed up till 3am waiting for the sight to go live so I could be the first one to buy tickets! So sad this will not be happening now! Meeting raina and Sean would have been a dream come true for me! It was also going to be my very first mer event and meet up the first time I would have met another mer face to face! This feels like a very big blow to my mermaid dreams! My life is like the Black night sky mermaiding is
Like the tiny little stars of happyness and finfest was gonna be the moon! A great big joy and a break from the drag of my every day life!

And i know the creators of finfest and all the speakers are very sad it has had to be cancelled to! The master mind behind it told me she has spent weeks crying about it because it was her baby and it meant so much to her!

I really hope she will try again next year! And that I will be able to attend !!!


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

The tickets were a great deal (so many events!) but a high price is a high price no matter how good a bargain it is. If they try again next year, hopefully I'll have a better job and I'll be able to go! If I'm doing better money-wise I'll definitely prioritize it.


Yeah I am so bummed !!! I think they need a year's notice for people to plan and save.

I think you're right. I bet lots of people would be able to save enough money if they had more advance notice.

[Trade Winds]

I am not surprised it was canceled. That price needed to come down. All the other cons in the area are not nearly that much - furry, anime, comic, pinba, horror, etc. We have a big mer community in Texas that could make this a great con if the price is right.

[AniaR]

The price was all inclusive and on par with other mermaid cons including mermania when you added up the individual ticketed events. As a bonus this also included the camp site rental in the fee. This is a pretty average cost for mermaid cons when you add up main entry + ball w/meal ticket + workshops and for this event you actually got more. The thing with cons is people demand more and more, but more and more comes at a cost.

It cost us about 45,000$ to put on mermania 2 - despite over 500 people attending we didn't break even.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

The price was all inclusive and on par with other mermaid cons including mermania when you added up the individual ticketed events. As a bonus this also included the camp site rental in the fee. This is a pretty average cost for mermaid cons when you add up main entry + ball w/meal ticket + workshops and for this event you actually got more. The thing with cons is people demand more and more, but more and more comes at a cost.

It cost us about 45,000$ to put on mermania 2 - despite over 500 people attending we didn't break even.

Does a convention/festival have to be all-inclusive? Maybe more people would have gone for a lower cost option if it didn't include as many things. I dunno. Maybe there's just not enough demand for big events, at least in Texas. With how big this state is, a lot of mers have to travel pretty far to go to things, I'm wondering if that's a factor. (but probably not cause it seems like a lot of the Texas mer community is based in the Dallas area anyway) Whatever the case, guess we just have meetups in the meantime.

Do you think something that appeals to a wider, more general audience could have potential to succeed? Then maybe it could build into having more stuff for the hardcore mers, even if those events and activities cost extra. Lots of conventions and festivals expand to more mainstream appeal to keep things going. Maybe it's not ideal, but it's better than not having those events at all. Or is that what you already did with Mermania and it didn't work out? Sorry if I'm being annoying, I'm just interested in how these big events are run. Like Fyre Fest and Dash Con have shown, they can go very very wrong if they don't have enough work and money and realistic expectations.

Oh well, at least we have the San Marcos event for now.

[AniaR]

In the instance with this is was required in order to host the event at that location and have some of the events.

I think if people had a 10 months to a year to plan that would help, but also there's like eleventy billion mermaid events happening in the span of 3 months so the timing wasn't great either. I think far less mers are interested in conservation events as well than let on. So yeah I think the mainstream appeal would need to be a bigger focus.

I think this event was just a little ahead of it's time and given a few more years of community growth I think it could work.