Community Corner

And the Winners Are: First-Ever Little Merfolk Competition Draws Applause

The children wore costumes and enjoyed a day of fun and fantasy.

The littlest mermaids stole the show at the Greenport Maritime Festival over the  weekend.

The first-ever "Merfolk" contest was held for children ages five through 12. But, while mermen were invited, it was mostly mermaids who turned out in full costume, with seashells and glittery costumes galore.

The idea for the contest, said Caroline Waloski, Greeport BID promotion liaison, was conceived by Ron Breuer, chairman of the East End Seaport Museum, which sponsors the event with the Village of Greenport and the Greenport BID.

"Ron wanted to add an activity for children that is interactive and underlines the connection Greenport has with the sea both past and present — and in fact and fantasy," she said.

Waloski said she worked with Breuer to develop the image and promotion for the event, which was produced by Anne Dittmeier, who portrayed "Jewel," Greenport's resident mermaid.

"Jewel" marched with the young merfolk in the parade.

Dittmeier, who lives in both New York and Greenport, has had experience working with Microsoft and, as a summer internship, worked at Disney World, where her name tag read "Jewel."

The children, Dittmeier said, were "so excited" at the idea of the event.

She added that seeing the joy in the kids' faces was the best part of the experience.

"It was a very special day," Dittmeier said, adding that over 45 children got involved. "I spoke with many of the parents who told me their child was really excited to participate. It meant a lot to many of them, the children, to participate, for various reasons. So when the day arrived, it was great to put the names to the faces, to see the 'Little Merfolk,' and how each embraced the contest categories in their very own special way, becoming a mermaid or merman."

She added, "The day was always about allowing them to show their creative side, make new friends and have fun. A day of fun and fantasy."

Dittmeier said she enjoyed spending time with the children. "And I hope they enjoyed spending time with Mermaid Jewel. It was a memorable time for her."

Winners of the contest were: Olivia Kennedy, 11, for Best Use of Seashells; Claire McKenzie, 5, for Most Creative/Unique costume; Arielle Rothman, 11, for Best Handmade/Organic costume; and Caitlin Heath, 7, for Best in Show.


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