Courtesy of Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids Facebook page

 

Forget whatever your fourth grade science teacher told you: Mermaids are real. Each year, they make their pilgrimage from across the globe to the sandy shores of Asbury Park sporting pastel hair, ornate seashell bras and, of course, long, shiny tails.

The 4th Annual Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids on June 30th is an invitation to all wannabe mermaids, mermen and even merbabies to stroll (or waddle) down the boardwalk, browse a collection of vendors fit for Poseidon himself and strut their stuff in a costume contest for a chance to win prizes.

Entering the costume contest costs $10, but victory could mean scoring bubbly prizes donated by Merdoggo, Mermaid’s Yuletide and Mermaid Haberdashery amongst other fish-friendly organizations. A portion of the proceeds goes to Rescue Ridge, a local animal shelter funded entirely by donations.

Registration starts noon at the 2nd Avenue Pavilion on the Boardwalk. Free water provided by MotionFit of Asbury Park will be given to mermaids of all ages, however, you’ll have to bring your own sunscreen. The Promenade begins at 2 pm near the 1st Ave. Pavillion and heads north towards Convention Hall.