Starting a new Mermaid Cove at a faire?

[maressa]

So, I'm in Gainesville, FL and we have a big awesome faire (Hoggetowne) every year, and I wrote the faire director and asked him if he would be interested in a mermaid cove. He is interested, and I have until October to come up with the business proposal and get everything set up for the faire in January. I produce Burlesque shows, so I am familiar with contracts and event production, but this is a bit of a different beast! :)

I really love the way the cove was set up at Faerieworlds with the above-ground pool for the mers to swim in- it's extremely hot in FL and having somewhere to stay in the water is preferable. Obviously this is a big expense and a liability, so I'm just interested in hearing if any of you have started something like this and how you organized it. So far we have negotiated that I would not have to pay for the tent/vending space as an entertainer.

I'm thinking of starting a Kickstarter to get the cove supplies and make this a more permanent fixture for the faire, all the cove supplies would be donated to the city's cultural affairs department for use every year.

As for payment for the mers, how are mermaid coves typically compensated? I was thinking of offering photos with the mermaids for $5 (payable to the mermaid) and allowing the mers to sell any merchandise at the tent.

Any advice you all have on starting this new attraction is appreciated! I'd love to hear your stories, ideas, warnings and tips! Thanks!

[Raayvhen]

Would definitely contact Mermaid Una. She seems like your best bet for all the specifics.

[maressa]

Thanks Raayvhen! I'm a little new to the forum, do you know the best place to contact her?

[Mermaid Octavia]

She seems to be on Facebook pretty often! That might be the best place. :)

[maressa]

Thanks Octavia, I sent her a friend request and a message, hope she gets it! :D

[Merman Dan]

Moon Mermaid had a lagoon set-up that she posted pictures of on Facebook as well.

[Finley the Mermaid]

Hey Maressa! Will you be needing any mers? I will be a) moving near to Gainesville and b) getting my Merbellas tail/top, both within the next few weeks. While I would be just starting out into mermaiding, I have been dancing my whole life (professionally in my adult life) and I have performing experience. Even if you don't need anybody, I'd love to get a meet-up going and connect with some Florida mers!

[maressa]

Oo, Finley, we should have talks. I don't even have my tail yet, waiting on my Finfolk :) However I'd love to meet you and talk about botht he faire and the arts scene here. I'm easily contactable on Facebook- Maressa Fox :)

[MermaidMadison]

I would do a mermaid cove at our medieval fair, but Foxmoon Productions already does it there, and I have no idea how to audition...

[Raayvhen]

I would do a mermaid cove at our medieval fair, but Foxmoon Productions already does it there, and I have no idea how to audition...

Maybe you could email them or message them on facebook?

[Kaida, Queen of the Dragonfishes]

You might want to talk to the the Thieves Guilde, the acting troupe for the Gainesville Faire (they are through the Community Theater), they do quite a bit of construction and might be willing to lend a decorating hand. I know power out there can be tricky, so you might want to consider a setup that doesn`t need a filter or a fountain running. The site is also not always a very flat surface, so make sure you ask for a level spot in your contract. Also, despite the fact that `Florida is hot`. The Gainesville faire...is not. I made several of my warmest costumes when I worked at this faire. The time of year is often cold and rainy! So be prepared. I`ve spent many a weekend there huddled around a fire freezing my butt off! And the MUD, good lord that site gets muddy, sometimes deep mud too. Consider ways to get in and out without tracking that mud into your pool. If it is sunny that faire is definitely lacking in shade unless you get real lucky, so you might want to consider a touch of artificial plant shade.

[maressa]

I've been going to that faire since I was 12, I'm very familiar with it, but thanks for all the pointers... Thieves Guild is very busy this year, but they have bi-weekly costuming meet ups which I get to attend as well- have lots of friends in there :) The last two years it was BLAZING hot (over 95) the entire faire run... but you're right, there have been rainy years. I decided to make it simple for the first run, so there will just be a 10x10 tent set up decorated on the inside and mermaids/tender inside for photo ops and hanging out with fairgoers. If it's a success, we'll talk next year about setting up a pool.


You might want to talk to the the Thieves Guilde, the acting troupe for the Gainesville Faire (they are through the Community Theater), they do quite a bit of construction and might be willing to lend a decorating hand. I know power out there can be tricky, so you might want to consider a setup that doesn`t need a filter or a fountain running. The site is also not always a very flat surface, so make sure you ask for a level spot in your contract. Also, despite the fact that `Florida is hot`. The Gainesville faire...is not. I made several of my warmest costumes when I worked at this faire. The time of year is often cold and rainy! So be prepared. I`ve spent many a weekend there huddled around a fire freezing my butt off! And the MUD, good lord that site gets muddy, sometimes deep mud too. Consider ways to get in and out without tracking that mud into your pool. If it is sunny that faire is definitely lacking in shade unless you get real lucky, so you might want to consider a touch of artificial plant shade.

[Kaida, Queen of the Dragonfishes]

Well then we probably ran into each other back in the day, heh. If I ever get to come back I`ll have to come out and see you!

Probably a little higher budget than just getting a nice hard sided pool. Which it is a good time of year to aquire. But these guys rent tanks that are pretty sweet- http://www.mermaidmelissa.com/traveling-tank-aquarium/

Also, don`t know if he`s still active participating. But Ed Carter does thieves guilde. And he`s been doing some awesome videos in Ocala and Hotsprings areas. I told him that if I was around I`d have him record me as a mermaid. I bet he could do the same for you.

[maressa]

So this is up and running now, and I just posted the following casting call on FB for anyone who is interested!

Hi Florida Mermaids! Faire opportunity!

Looking for professionally-mannered mers who will sit in the new Mermaid Cove tent at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire (https://www.facebook.com/HoggetowneMedievalFaire) January 24-25 and January 30 to February 1, 2015 10am-6pm in Gainesville, Fl. You will be posing with little ones, interacting with faire-goers, and interacting with the faire's roaming theatre performers, the Thieves' Guild. You do not have to be available all faire days to participate. You will be able to take breaks whenever needed. Mer-tenders will be available to help you get around

You must be able to provide your own costume, tail, and transportation. There will be a standard for costumes! In the coming months I will be working on a fund to raise monies to feed you during the faire days. If you would like to vend, all merchandise must be clearly labelled with your name and a price. Payments for your merchandise will be taken with cash or through Square, and distributed through Paypal.

If you are interested, please email 2-3 photos in your tail/costume, a list of days you are available for the faire, where you are based, your mermaid name, and any experience you have with children's entertainment, acting, or related experience to maressa.fox@gmail.com

Limited spots available! Thank you everyone!

[maressa]

Thanks, Marcella! Hope to meet you sometime! :)


Well then we probably ran into each other back in the day, heh. If I ever get to come back I`ll have to come out and see you!

Probably a little higher budget than just getting a nice hard sided pool. Which it is a good time of year to aquire. But these guys rent tanks that are pretty sweet- http://www.mermaidmelissa.com/traveling-tank-aquarium/

Also, don`t know if he`s still active participating. But Ed Carter does thieves guilde. And he`s been doing some awesome videos in Ocala and Hotsprings areas. I told him that if I was around I`d have him record me as a mermaid. I bet he could do the same for you.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Just sent you an email, I'm definitely interested in participating!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[Mermaid Sirenia]

I forgot to mention I'm in the jacksonville area, so it's not too far for me:)


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[Rivertee]

Sirenia, I'd love to see you in that faire, my husband and I were going to this so I hope you get in.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

I'm in :D so excited!!!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[SirenaBridge]

I used to go to that fair all of the time when I studied and worked in Gainesville. ... Sounds like it is time to go back!

[Sandra Siren]

Wow! I wonder if they have this at any California Faires. Im going to email the director for the Folsom Faire coming up, because this sounds like a great opportunity!

[maressa]

Just a general note, the spots for the Gainesville Faire have been cast :) Thank you to all who messaged me!

[maressa]

Wow! I wonder if they have this at any California Faires. Im going to email the director for the Folsom Faire coming up, because this sounds like a great opportunity!
You totally should!!! Faires are a blast :)

[Sandra Siren]

Seems like it! I just sent an email to the Folsom Faire, it may be too late this year since it opens in like two weeks, but I think with enough planning we can have one next year!

[maressa]

Seems like it! I just sent an email to the Folsom Faire, it may be too late this year since it opens in like two weeks, but I think with enough planning we can have one next year! Yay!! Yes, in my experience if you want to book a festival or faire you need to contact the festival 4-6 months in advance :)

[Sandra Siren]

Ah, good to know...I am gonna see how many other Faire's are in NorCal. Maybe I'll find one happening later, than Folsom.

[Mermaid Freyja]

Ah, good to know...I am gonna see how many other Faire's are in NorCal. Maybe I'll find one happening later, than Folsom.

TheaChic; I'm in the San Jose area and was wondering the same thing about the local faires :)
I know quite a few folks that have been working them in various guilds for years (and Dickens Faire). If I find out anything, I'll keep you posted. It would be fun to make mermaid apperances at some of the local NorCal Fantasy Faire events.
xoxo

[Sandra Siren]

I just found out San Jose is doing a fantasy faire a n April!

[maressa]

^To the NorCal mers above, I would highly suggest finding out if local entertainers are already doing the faire and reaching out to join forces. It's polite to make sure you're not stepping on toes when looking to book yourself for events that may already have entrainment, and also make sure you're asking for standard pay so no one gets undercut. <3

[Mermaid Freyja]

^To the NorCal mers above, I would highly suggest finding out if local entertainers are already doing the faire and reaching out to join forces. It's polite to make sure you're not stepping on toes when looking to book yourself for events that may already have entrainment, and also make sure you're asking for standard pay so no one gets undercut. <3

I agree. As someone who has been part of the cast at Dickens Faire for the past few years, and involved with the burlesque community, I would also recommend this as good advice.
xoxo

[Sandra Siren]

Thank you very much! I am glad you brought that up, no one likes to be that person.

[Mermaid Freyja]

There is the Pirate Festival in Vallejo, for instance. Some of the mermaids from The Dive Bar in Sacramento have a setup that includes a giant salt water tank. I've toyed with the idea of trying to contact them to see if there is any possibility of joining them for a day during the faire, (once I have more experience and a really good tail ;) But, there may be liability issues with that if you aren't an actual Dive Bar employee?
http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/#!entertainment/cjg9
That's really the only faire I know of in my area that has a mermaid attraction, but I still need to do more research.
xoxo
P.S. Sorry for hijacking your thread with all our California faire talk, Maressa! :$ :)

[maressa]

There is the Pirate Festival in Vallejo, for instance. Some of the mermaids from The Dive Bar in Sacramento have a setup that includes a giant salt water tank. I've toyed with the idea of trying to contact them to see if there is any possibility of joining them for a day during the faire, (once I have more experience and a really good tail ;) But, there may be liability issues with that if you aren't an actual Dive Bar employee?http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/#!entertainment/cjg9That's really the only faire I know of in my area that has a mermaid attraction, but I still need to do more research.xoxoP.S. Sorry for hijacking your thread with all our California faire talk, Maressa! :$ :) Oh not at all! My brother lives in San Jose, so maybe I can come see all this awesomeness someday! Glad this thread sparked some discussion!

[Mermaid Freyja]

Oh not at all! My brother lives in San Jose, so maybe I can come see all this awesomeness someday! Glad this thread sparked some discussion!

Excellent! It would be lovely to meet you :)

[maressa]

Excellent! It would be lovely to meet you :)
Likewise! <3

[maressa]

Hi guys! Just wanted to pose a question here: What kind of merch would you like to see from a mermaid tent? Shell bras? Shell necklaces? Clay figurines? :D

[Mermaid Freyja]

Hi guys! Just wanted to pose a question here: What kind of merch would you like to see from a mermaid tent? Shell bras? Shell necklaces? Clay figurines? :D

The shell jewelry idea would be a success! You could even do small shell tiaras/headbands; those would be a huge hit with little girls and grown women alike :-)
Hair flowers and some that incorporated shells, starfish, etc.

[Rivertee]

Hair accessories and jewelry I find sell the best, there's also circlets and artwork that go.well

[maressa]

^Noted! A friend suggested I sell dinglehoppers, lol. I could just dip-paint and sparkle out some forks. Heheh.

[Rivertee]

If you need items I craft a bit here and there

[maressa]

If you need items I craft a bit here and there
sure! If you want to get on the mertender roster for the faire, just email me at maressa.fox@gmail.com- I do all my booking through email so it's easier for me to organize. Then when you know how many days you can do I'll send you the form where you can fill out all your vending information (there will be multiple vendors in one tent, so I have an organization system set up for anyone vending :) )

[Meronica]

This thread has inspired me to look into working in the SoCal Ren Faire scene. If anyone has any connections down here let me know! (:

It would be a great option for those of us who love to entertain but aren't big on doing solely childrens' parties...

[Mermaid Wesley]

I actually do have a few tentative connections with the SoCal faire. If you're really up for it we could try together. I'm in school right now and it's crazy, but maybe sometime later.


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[maressa]

Question! The faire has said no to the mertenders dressing as pirates (too 'late' after the medieval period)... what the heck else can I dress them as? Thoughts?

[Mermaid Sirenia]

That's weird, maybe elves or something? I really don't know!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[BayouMermaid]

It seems weird to me that they would be fine with mermaids but not pirates...

My female mertender is dressing up as a "mermaid merchant" for the ren faire that Bayou Mermaids is doing. We are performing and selling goods. The idea behind her character design is someone who caught a mermaid and fully intends to profit off of the mermaid treasures.

[maressa]

yeah I thought it was weird too, but hey! The faire asks, the performers comply

[Sherielle]

Maybe as peasant fishermen?

[Princess Pearl]

Ask if you can do 16th century pirates- Francis Drake sort of thing. There's been pirates as long as there's been boats. Your basic costume pieces are the same as Renaissance men; a "poet" type shirt, slops, a doublet, and a kerchief instead of a hat If you want one of them to be the captain, make the outfit more like a nobleman.


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[Mermaid Lorelei]

Instead of pirates you could dress them as fisherman. They'd have to catch you all somehow, no?

[Mermaid Freyja]

Question! The faire has said no to the mertenders dressing as pirates (too 'late' after the medieval period)... what the heck else can I dress them as? Thoughts?

I actually just began talking with one of our local faire organizers in NorCal, about doing a Viking themed Mermaid cove at one of the fantasy faires.
We have enough pirates...you can't swing a dead fish and not hit one, etc...
;D
So that's an idea you could do a spin on. It'd be neat to have 'sister' mermaid coves at other faires across the country, too.
xoxo

[Prince Calypso]

This is a really interesting idea and i would love to do something like this for my hometown's annual fair

[Anahita]

This thread has inspired me to look into working in the SoCal Ren Faire scene. If anyone has any connections down here let me know! (:

It would be a great option for those of us who love to entertain but aren't big on doing solely childrens' parties...

I could see if I'm still on talking-terms with anyone in my old guild. I left a bit irritable though, contemplating attempting to launch my own guild, so I'm not sure that anyone will be happy to hear from me anymore....