Visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park this week will have the chance to transform into a mermaid during a special event.
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The “Magical Mermaid Tea Party” provides a mermaid makeover with hair and makeup for each registered child, including a dress and tiara. The event, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday, also includes a mermaid buffet, treats, drinks, arts and crafts, music and goodie bags.
Tickets are $150 per child (includes one adult and all of the items listed above) and $25 per additional adult.
The history of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs dates back to the 1940s when Navy veteran Newton Perry, who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater, saw a business opportunity and bought the land surrounding the spring.
He invented an air hose method for underwater breathing and enlisted the help of attractive women to train as mermaids. Perry built a theater submerged 6 feet below the water’s surface, and in October 1947, the first mermaid show was held.
Modern-day mermaids pay tribute to the park’s history and the mermaids of yesterday during a “Wonders of Weeki” show, touching on the time Elvis Presley visited and how to help the springs. The show also showcases feats from the past six decades, including underwater eating and drinking.
The other underwater offering is Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” presenting an “under the springs” twist on the classic story.
Aside from the famous mermaid show, the park offers the Buccaneer Bay waterpark, riverboat cruises, food concessions, paddling and tubing.
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During the Halloween season, the park offers “Wild ‘N’ Wicked Nights” — on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23-24 — with “The Pumpkin King” underwater shows, the toy factory haunted house, Jack’s Tree Lot haunted maze, scary stories, a Halloween Town festival area and costume contests for children ages 12 and younger.
On the morning of Halloween, guests can grab a paddle and come dressed as a witch or wizard to participate in the first Witches Paddle at Weeki Wachee Springs. The event includes a breakfast buffet and a costume contest.
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If you go
The Magical Mermaid Tea Party is from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. Tickets, which include the mermaid makeover, buffet, treats, drinks, crafts, music and a goodie bag, are $150 per child (includes one adult) and $25 per additional adult. The event takes place in the Coral Room. Park admission costs extra.
Wild ‘N’ Wicked Nights are from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23-24. Tickets are $12 for ages 3 and older. Tickets are available through Eventbrite only.
The Witches Paddle is from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. Oct. 31, with tickets at $ 60 for a kayak rental or $40 for the bring-your-own kayak option. Tickets include a breakfast buffet, a medal for all participants and entry into the best-dressed contest. Park admission is not included.
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More information: weekiwachee.com