Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - The 79th Mermaid Festival takes places Wednesday through Saturday this week, with the 2025 theme of “Circus Under the Big Top.”
Parking and admission are free for the event presented by the North Webster Lions Club.
Midway hours for food court, merchant’s building, Kiwanis ice cream and outdoor vendors are 5 p.m. to closing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon to closing on Saturday.
On Merlin’s Stage Wednesday, June 18 is a free kids bicycle giveaway at 8 p.m. Get a free ticket at the stage. Beez & the Rocker with Leesburg Wrecking Crew are at 8:15 p.m. after the bicycle giveaway.
On the stage Thursday, June 19 is the Tactical Force Laser Tag from 5 to close. Laser Tag also will be there 5 p.m. to close Friday, June 20 and noon to close Saturday, June 21.
Queen City Stunt Circus Show takes to Merlin’s Stage Thursday at 6 and 8:30 p.m.; Friday at 6 and 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday at 12:30, 2:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m.
Old Man Band performs Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Merlin’s Stage.
Lion’s Karate Academy takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Tege Holt and the Lonesome Pines perform on the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Power Wheels competition is back Saturday at the Mermaid Festival Fairgrounds on Washington Street. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with the race beginning at noon. There are participant trophies. Each age group winner receives a prize. Bring your favorite Power Wheel or some will be made available to use. It’s for kids up to 8 years old.
The North Webster United Methodist Strawberry Festival is 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the Festival grounds Wednesday.
The Cutie Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street Wednesday.
The Lake City Bank Coin Hunt is at 7 p.m. Thursday, with the free RE/MAX tethered balloon rides from 7 to 9 p.m., weather permitting.
The Cutie Pageant is at 7 p.m. Friday at the North Webster Community Center. The 2024 Cutie Queen was Remington Nabinger, and the Cutie King was Roczen Vetor.
The Mermaid Festival Parade starts at 4 p.m. Saturday on Main Street.
At 7 p.m. Saturday is the Mermaid Festival Demolition Derby at the Festival grounds 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. For rules and more information, visit the website at nwmermaidfestival.com.
The Queen of Lakes Pageant is at 7 p.m. Saturday in the North Webster Community Center. The past Queens for 2018-24 were Madison Nunez, North Webster, 2024; Jaela Faulkner, Bourbon, 2023; Jordan Hofmann, Andrews, 2022; Corynn Barton, Huntington, 2021; Meghan Beer, Nappanee, 2019; and Mikala Mawhorter, Syracuse, 2018.
The schedule is subject to change. Visit the official website at www.nwmermaidfestival.com for updates. There’s also a Facebook page at facebook.com/mermaidfestival.
To see a complete list of sponsors for the 79th Mermaid Festival, visit the website.
