Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - The North Webster Mermaid Festival is going back to the time when Michael Jackson and Madonna ruled the music charts, E.T. was phoning home and everybody wanted their MTV while wearing their shoulder pads, leg warmers and acid-washed jeans.
To celebrate 80 years of the Mermaid Festival, the North Webster Lions Club is presenting “Back to the ’80s” as this year’s theme.
Wednesday, June 17
For sure, the fun begins Wednesday, June 17 with the North Webster United Methodist Strawberry Festival from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the festival grounds.
The midway, merchant and food vendors will run from 5 p.m. to close.
Dinosaur Takeover is at 5:30 p.m. at Merlin’s Stage, with the Cutie Parade on Main Street starting at 6:30 p.m.
The North Webster Lions Club Bicycle Give-A-Way will be at 8 p.m.
Performing at 8:15 p.m. on Merlin’s Stage will be Beez & the Rocker, with the Dinosaur Takeover again at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 18
The activities on Thursday, June 18 will commence with the midway and Patriot Games Laser Tag starting at 5 p.m. until close. The merchant and food vendors also will be open at the same time.
Dinosaur Takeover starts at 5:30, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Merlin’s Stage, with the Lake City Bank Coin Hunt at 7 p.m.
Performing on Merlin’s Stage at 7:30 p.m. will be the Old Man Band.
Friday, June 19
Things really get groovy on Friday, June 19 with the midway, merchant and food vendors going from 5 p.m. to close. Patriot Games Laser Tag also will start at 5 p.m.
Dinosaur Takeover will be at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. at Merlin’s Stage.
The Cutie Pageant will be at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center. The 2025 Cutie Queen was Ella Warren, and the Cutie King was Bexley Oneal.
Performing on Merlin’s Stage at 8 p.m. will be The Strays.
Saturday, June 20
The final day of the Mermaid Festival begins at 8 a.m. with the Mermaid Pickleball Tournament at the North Webster Community Center, which is scheduled to go until 3 p.m.
The midway, merchant and food vendors and Patriot Games Laser Tag all start at noon and go to close.
Power Wheels registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with the races starting at noon at the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds on Washington Street. Each age group winner receives a prize. Bring your favorite Power Wheels or there will be some available to use. It’s for children up to 8 years old.
Knight of Destruction Monster Truck Rides go from noon to 7 p.m.
Dinosaur Takeover will be at 12:30, 2:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Merlin’s Stage.
The 80th Mermaid Festival Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s parade grand marshal is Rick Owens.
Performing on Merlin’s Stage at 5 p.m. will be Lions Karate Academy.
The Mermaid Festival Demolition Derby is at 7 p.m. at the Mermaid Festival Fairgrounds on Washington Street. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place in each heat and the last car still running and able to move for the final event. Entry fee for each car is $25 and comes with two pit passes.
The Queen of Lakes Pageant starts at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center. This year, 17 young women are scheduled to compete. The 2025 Queen of the Lakes was Ava Weldy, Syracuse.
Chris Cage brings his karaoke to the Merlin Stage at 7 p.m.
All events are weather permitting and subject to change.
