Join in the fun on April 27th as the Chamber returns with this one of a kind event on the shores
of Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River from noon – 8 PM!

Mermaids & Margaritas returns April 27th at Ft. Island Gulf Beach

In partnership with the Chamber, The Mertailor’s Eric Ducharme will feature a bevy of beauties
modeling the exquisite custom mermaid and merman tails that his company creates right here
in Citrus County and ships worldwide, including to many well-known celebrities like Lady Gaga
and Britney Spears. Enjoy the mermaids on the beach and in the water and get a close up look
at each one-of-a-kind tail.

Want to be a mermaid yourself? Enter the Ms. Mermaid and Mr. Merman contests and strut
your stuff. Enter at https://www.chronicleonline.com/contests/.

Oh! And what is Mermaids and Margaritas without those Frosty Favorites? Margaritas will be
offered for purchase from Riviera Mexican Cantina, along with other beverages, beer and wine.
What better way to celebrate the warmer weather and the beginning of beach season than an
exceptional afternoon and sunset evening with mystical mermaids and enchanting
entertainment? Bring your family, your bathing suits and cover ups, your sunscreen and your
sense of adventure and join us!

Entertainment on the Main Stage:

Dara Sweatt: 12 – 1 pm
Dara Sweatt is a singer songwriter from North East Florida with influences
ranging from country to reggae to hip hop. She has an entrepreneurial spirit always
coming up with new ways to market herself and branching out with experiments in
different genres. She is a follower of Christ and lover of red wine and dogs.

Barefoot Bob & the Hope: 1 – 4 pm
Barefoot Bob and The Hope, originally The Bob Hope Band, was founded by Bob
in 2010. Bob grew up singing in church and school. His “break” into the live band world
came as a lucky break while working his way through college as a bartender. When the
bar band’s lead singer became ill, Bob was asked to step in, and the rest is history. Bob
Hope never looked back and has devoted his career to performing and entertaining
people throughout the Tampa Bay Area. He recently added ukulele to his skills, and
focuses on fun, laid-back beach vibe tunes with some soul and rock n’ roll from the 60’s
through today, performed with his own unique twist. Bob always performs barefoot and
puts his heart and soul into his vocal stylings.

Borderline: 5 – 8 pm
Borderline is a Classic Rock band with a focus on hits of the 70’s and 80’s with a
little touch of modern rock influenced Country Music. If you’re a child of the 70’s and
80’s Borderline’s song list is a road map to where you were and what you were doing
growing up. The band has a rich history in the Pasco/Hernando County areas throughout
the past ten years and has an amazing, loyal and local following. As a band Borderline
brings some very exciting players and singers to the table along with a state-of-the-art
PA and Lighting systems. A Borderline show is like seeing a touring act in a smaller
setting with the utmost care being taken towards performance and production.

Food:

Look for a great variety of food options from local Citrus County vendors who are whipping up
the perfect beach food to keep you full and happy as you enjoy all the festival activities.

Margaritas, Beer & Wine:
For the adults, there will be an offering of frosty margaritas for purchase with just the right flair
to remind you we are frolicking in a tropical paradise. Margaritas not your drink of choice?
There will also be beer and wine available in the Beer Garden.

Kids’ Zone:
Mermaids & Margaritas will be a kids’ delight! From inflatable slides and bounce houses, face
painting, and FREE beachy activities happening ALL DAY to keep little guppies happy and
entertained.

Ms. Mermaid / Mr. Merman Contests: 4-5 pm
Participate in an early online contest with the Citrus County Chronicle to be selected as a finalist
for the Ms. Mermaid / Mr. Merman contest. Information and rules for the contest will be
published in the Chronicle and on the festival website. Those selected as finalists will compete
for the grand prize, a gift certificate to The Mertailor, at Mermaids & Margaritas!

Paddleboard Rentals:
Set Sail! Hunter Springs Kayaks will be on the beach ready to send you on an adventure!
Paddleboards are a perfect, low impact activity, for any age. Stretch your sea legs and enjoy
one of the Nature Coasts favorite activities.

M/M Merchandise:
What is a festival without the opportunity to find that “perfect something” that you can take
home as a memory of your day? Enjoy browsing and shopping for mermaid/tropical/nautical
offerings from local merchants as gifts for yourself and others!

Festival at a Glance:

What: Mermaids and Margaritas Festival: www.MermaidsAndMargaritasFestival.com,
or Facebook at “Mermaids and Margaritas Festival 2019”
When: Saturday, April 27th, 12 noon – 8 pm
Where: Fort Island Gulf Beach, at the end of Fort Island Beach Trail, Crystal River
Admission: $5, children 12 and under are free

FREE parking with FREE shuttle to the beach. Continuous shuttles from the festival
parking lot at US 19 & Fort Island Trail. OR skip the wait and grab a taxi for $5.
Handicapped parking with accessible shuttles will be at St. Anne's Episcopal Church,
9870 W. Fort Island Trail. (Be aware that parking at Fort Island Gulf Beach is not offered
– it’s 100% full of vendors! – and we encourage use of the shuttle.)

ABSOLUTELY NO COOLERS and NO PETS/ANIMALS (with the exception of service
animals)
15% OFF Your Stay at the Plantation on Crystal River when you mention Mermaids and
Margaritas.
For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 352-795-3149