Maritime Festival's First Ever 'Merfolk' Contest Connects Children To Sea

The 24th Annual Maritime Festival, which kicked off Friday in Greenport, focuses this year on family, children, and the sea.

And for the first time ever, a "Merfolk" contest will encourage kids to learn about mythology and folklore by capturing their attention with rich tales of mermaids — and a hands-on contest they can participate in, by dressing up in "Merfolk" attire.

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.

"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."

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

Jewel will march with the young contestants, ages five through 12, in the parade, which kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m., proceeding south on Main Street to Mitchell Park near the marina, where the award ceremonies will take place.

"The event is truly a collaborative effort of local artists and volunteers," said Waloski. 

Greenport artist Terrance Joyce created a" fanciful arch" under which the "Little Merfolk" awards will be give in Mitchell Park, she said; the mermaid crown is the creation of Taffi Rosen-Laing, and the mermaid costume was created and produced by Ann Dittmeier and Rena Wilhelm.

Jewel the mermaid will be at the Friday night's opening reception "in all her regalia for a photo op," she added.

Breuer explained the concept for the contest: "The folklore of mermaids have always interested me," he said. "This year's festival is focusing on family, children and  the sea, so it seemed like a natural."

The children's contest, he said, was expanded to include mermen and was called a "Merfolk" competition.

"Coincidentally, the Greenport BID logo also has a mermaid on it," he said. "We intend to make this an annual event and as there has been a lot of interest in mermaids, I would project to see a lot more mermaid activities in Greenport."

Mayor David Nyce, Breuer said, "has said he believes that our mermaid 'Jewel' was brought in by Sandy."

The vision behind the contest, Breuer said, was to help to make youth more aware of merfolk mythology, folklore and the maritime heritage relationship by participating in the contest.

The contest is open for kids ages 5 to 12, who will be judged by Icim Miller, Heidi Kelso and Diana Hasse. So far, about 40 kids have registered. Kids will have the chance to win in four categories: Best In Show, Best Use of Sea Shells, Most Creative, and Most Natural.