10th Season Finale: Pirate and Mermaid Fiesta

After a brief break in April, 

there are two Mermaid's Market scheduled for the month of May. 

The first one will be on Saturday, May 7th.

We are happy to announce that the second market in May will be 

our Season Finale Party of the 10th season of the Mermaid's Market. 

The "Pirate and Mermaid Fiesta" will be on the Saturday 

of Memorial Day Weekend: May 28th, 2022.

NOTE: This is the 4th Saturday of May

As readers may remember, the first Mermaid's Market was in December of 2012. By the end of our 2nd season in April of 2014, we had introduced a New Orleans-style Pirate and Mermaid party as the last event of the season. Back in 2014, we had no restaurant vendors and no bar. So, this was the first time we requested a food and alcohol permit from the city administration. We received permission and had a fantastic first Finale Party - including food, music - and we served our first ever Mermaid Margaritas!

The following year, we decided to add live music to the Finale Party. Ever since, we have invited a variety of musicians and entertainers - always keeping with our New Orleans, Pirates and Mermaids theme.

Now, a quick diversion back to 2011 and another memory: The Jazz Festival at Penasco del Sol (was it called Plaza Las Glorias back then?)... well, the point is that in the fall of 2011, they held a Jazz Fest and we were introduced to the super cool and funky sound of the Bad Cactus Brass Band. Soon after that, in 2012 the New Times named them Phoenix’s "best traditional New Orleans brass band."

All these years later, we've caught up with them again!

Their website (www.badcactusbrass.com) concludes by asking, "Is your event unusual enough to pique our interest?"

Hmmm, of course I had to ask! 

. . . and, we are so happy to announce they will be our special guests at this year's Pirate and Mermaid Fiesta. This 8-piece band from Phoenix - the Bad Cactus Brass Band - will be entertaining us with 3 sets of music throughout the day. Their fun, upbeat sound will be sure to get you up on your feet! 

In addition, the Paulani dancers (polynesian/Hawaiian dancers) and the Cultivarte group with their African-style drums & dance will be entertaining us.

Of course, our 30+ "mermaid" arts and crafts vendors - including artists, painters, photographers, designers and artisans - will have new and unique treasures for you to discover and enjoy!

In the spirit of New Orleans fun, the "Mermaid's Lounge" bar will be serving up traditional New Orleans-style Hurricanes - in addition to our signature Mermaid Margaritas and ice cold beer. We have great lunch choices! El Menche Tamales, Rocky BBQ House with their famous ribs and pork, and other artisanal delights.

As has been true for all 10 seasons, we work with the local administration to present these events for our community. The Mermaid's Market benefits the local DIF organization, which gives assistance to local vulnerable families and children.

Add to the fun of the day and dress up as a Pirate or Mermaid!

Come by the bar, show us your costume to win great prizes!

 

Don't miss this Season Finale Party!

See you there.

 

 

 

Season Finale to be May 29th!

Mermaid's Market (with Pirates!) in May

by Naomi Black

Can you believe we are nearing the end of the 9th season of the Mermaid's Market? 

I thought I might briefly review the history of the market and tell you what the "mermaids" have planned in the very near future!

Way back in the winter of 2011 and spring of 2012, we participated as vendors at a Farmer's Market here in Peñasco. Yet, as the fall of 2012 approached, we realized the Farmer's Market would not be returning. Russ and I began thinking about organizing a similar event. In discussing some of the obstacles that existed for the Farmer's Market, we decided that we had a very real lack of "farmers!"  The prior market had definitely attracted more artisans, artists and crafters than farmers! 

So, we decided to call it this new project the Mermaid's Market. It sounded a little more artsy. Besides, who knows exactly what mermaids sell - or buy for that matter! (Although, it seems as tho they must buy & sell wonderful treasures!)

We also wanted a highly visible spot. The "Shrimp Plaza" or Park was our first choice! We were absolutely thrilled to receive permission to have the park as a home for the Mermaid's Market. Through these past 9 seasons, we have worked with several administrations to renew these permits. The Mermaid's Market also benefits our local DIF organization, which gives assistance to local vulnerable families and children.

At the end of our 2nd season (April of 2014), we introduced a season finale: the Pirate and Mermaid Extravaganza. It would be a "Cajun-style New Orleans Party". This was the first time that we had food and beverages at the market. The following year, we added live music and entertainment!

In April of 2018, we began sharing the park with the Oaxaca Market each spring around the Semana Santa season and that year there was no finale party. In 2019 our finale was relocated to the far side of the park. And of course, in April of 2020 there were no group gatherings scheduled at all.

For 2021, we have redesigned our schedule and, after a brief interruption, we are happy to announce our Pirate and Mermaid Fiesta will happen! This Mermaid's Market season finale will be on Saturday, May 29th.

Our artists are definitely excited to return to the park! We will have food and drink along with live music and entertainment all day. In the spirit of New Orleans fun, the bar will be serving up Hurricanes in addition to our signature Mermaid Margaritas! There will be a few strains of Zydeco music thrown in, too. 

Are you willing to join the fun? Dress up as a Pirate or Mermaid and we will have prizes for great costumes!  We hope to see you there.

2019 Pirate & Mermaid Extravaganza Photo Album

April 6, 2019 ~ What a Fun Day! 

Here are a Few Highlights from the Day.

Find the entire Photo Album from InFocus Photo Studio at:  

https://www.misfotos.com.mx/Eventos/Mermaids-Market/

(Thank you Manny & Grethel!)

*A few pictures are courtesy of Russ Black, 
Tony Ballesteros, Linda Plante and Barb Rock.

The City Marching Band

Los Ponchos . . . Always Great & Always a Crowd Pleaser

The Crowd enjoying the Music

The park has great trees and shade on this side!

Then, just for fun we sorta 

"kidnapped" Melissa (from the SOB Festival) 

. . . and we held her for ransom in Mermaid Jail until her "knight in shining armor" 
came to her rescue and played us a song to gain her release. 

Good sports, these guys!  

We didn't keep her jailed up for tooo long...

      

Paulani Dancers . . .  The Pirates!

Paulani Dancers . . . The Mermaids

Relaxing in a shaded and grassy park.... kinda cool!

Judges for our Costume Contest

The "Kids" Pirate Contest

That littlest one always captures our hearts.

"Kid's" Mermaid Contest. Such creative hand made outfits!

 The attentive Audience. (Anticipation)

Here come the Pirates....

A few more....

And, a few more.

 

The Adult Mermaid Costume Contest 

First time we had a Merman in attendance. 

_________________________________________________________

  

Our artist's and craft vendors are what the 

Mermaid's Market is all about! 

 Thank You to all of the local and visiting artist's who 

are willing to set up at the Mermaid's Markets month after month.

It is a lot of work and we truly appreciate it! 

For this season's April "finale" market, we had about 34 artists joining us. 

We don't have photos of everyone...

But, here are a just a few. 

  

 

 _____________________________________________________

Amazing Food vendors bringing us 

Cajun & New Orleans Specialties

Most of the Satisfied Frog Crew

The BBQ House Crew

  ________________________

THANK YOU! 

To the Pirate Crew behind the BAR!  

Linda, Shayna and their Crew

 _________________________

Thank you again to all of the 

Sponsors and Supporters of this event!

 

"That's a Wrap!"
We are so pleased that the Mermaid's Market 

completed a successful 7th season. 

Stayed tuned for any special summer events!

And, we will see you in October! 

 ______________________________________

Here is the Photo Album from InFocus Photo Studio at:  

https://www.misfotos.com.mx/Eventos/Mermaids-Market/

(Thank you Manny & Grethel!)

April 6th A few Final Details.

Schedule of Events for this Saturday's 

Pirate & Mermaid Extravaganza 

APRIL 6th, 2019   10 to 3.

This Year we have Great Support 

from the Local Community!

Here is our banner showing Sponsors.  

2017-2018 Season

The "Mermaids" are back at work! 

Check out all the Mermaid's Treasures at each Mermaid Market. 

We have New Vendors (Mermaids) scheduled to be joining us! 

The 2017 - 2018 Season dates are listed on the poster and to the right 

Hope to see you!

2017 SUMMER EVENT

IT'S A DATE! 

 

CONTACT: 

mexicoruss@gmail.com

 

The Pirate Party ... "After Words"

2017 Pirate & Mermaid Extravaganza 

 

A Great Day of Fun. . .Enjoy the Photos! 

Thank You to Manny Sanchez Photography

with extra photos by Tony Ballesteros 

(and maybe a few from Rita and Libby).

Russ welcomed the First Lady of Penasco,  

Linda Pivac de Munro, who spoke briefly about the 

purpose of the local DIF and its recent accomplishments. 

Elegante School of Dance   

8 little octopus girls danced to Octopus' Garden

6 Pirates, 3 Mermaids and a final Hip-Hop Dance   

Entering from the street and weaving through the crowd! 

Puerto Penasco City Marching Band 

 Richard Scott and Company 

with more Sounds of New Orleans, Louisiana USA

 And, then it was a fantastic hour of dancing

Our Favorite Local Band, Los Ponchos  

 

The audience enjoyed the Entertainment 

along with Great Food from our Major Sponsor, 

Satisfied Frog Restaurant

 

_______________________________

 2:30 Arrives and it is time for the 

Pirate & Mermaid Costume Contests

This year, we had almost more 

judges than contestants...

But who's counting? ( O...that would be me)

Our Judges include...

Ashley of Canvas Hair Studio
Ellie from Oceano Real Estate

Maru from Eco-Fun  
Sarina, Local writer & Health instructor 

Along with Bill, Claudia, Dick Liv and Patti 

The kid's are always the cutest! 

The smaller they are, the more adorable they are! 

They all had great hand-made costumes

and with prizes for both 1st place and 2nd place, 

everybody that entered was a winner!   

Prizes included Cash along with Gifts from the Idea Store 

and Banana Splits from Latitude 31 ...yummy.    

They weren't locals (I think they swam in from the Sea.)
and, these Mermaids made their own fantastic seashell crowns!

Their Prizes included Cash along with Bottles of Tequila,

and Gift Certificates from BooBar and La Spa de Penasco 
 

 

Most popular was the Pirate Contest! 

In the running was quite the Motley Crew 

of Crusty-looking Characters!   

Their Prizes included Cash along with Bottles of Rum,

and Gift Certificates from BooBar and La Spa de Penasco

(SIDE-BAR)
Goal for 2018...More Contestants!  

  

Our Artists, Crafters, and Vendors are the BEST! 

Not only do they agree to be called "Mermaids," 

but they pack up their Treasures 

and set up great displays on selected Saturdays

at the park from October thru April each year. 

We certainly appreciate their cooperation! 

 

Thank You to Everyone who attended! 

Thanks to all the 

Artists, Dancers, Musicians, Vendors, Contestants, 

Cooks, Bakers & Candy-makers. 

Special "Thank You" to our Crazy Volunteers

Thayne, Tamra, Alberta and Hector.

THANK YOU to the Long List of Sponsors 

who help support this Event 
(See List at Left)  

and the City or Puerto Penasco 

and the Local DIF office for their support.

"One Salty Pirate & his Not-Quite-a-Mermaid Hang Out here"

. . . NEXT YEAR . . . 

JOIN US & DON'T MISS OUT!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS  

APRIL 7, 2018

For the Entire Event Photo Album visit: 

 http://www.mannysanchez.photography/Events/Pirates-Mermaids-2017

Click on the Video to view