On November 1, 2008, Weeki Wachee Springs became Florida's 162nd state park. Former mermaids Barbara Wynns, then 63, left, of Weeki Wachee and Bonnie Georgiadis, then 76, of Tarpon Springs were among the first inductees in the Weeki Wachee Springs Hall of Fame. Theyre absolutely gorgeous.. Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring where you can see live mermaids, take a trip on a river boat cruise, learn about Florida wildlife, and swim in the pristine waters at Buccaneer Bay. We put a 45-minute synchronized swimming show for him, she says of the first show. When the girls heard a car coming, they ran to the road in their bathing suits to beckon drivers into the parking lot, just like sirens of ancient lore lured sailors to their sides. First I thought she was kidding, but quickly realized that her dream of this magical place where these legendary mermaids swim in sparkling, bubbling springs really exists. The Weeki Wachee mermaids put on eight shows a day to sold-out audiences, captivating as many as half a million people a year. Seating is first-come, first-served. The City of Weeki Wachee incorporated in 1966, putting the tiny city of Weeki Wachee on maps and state road signs. These simple structures are living monuments to the fishermen who built this community over a century ago. ABC built the current theater, which seats 400 and is embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface. That first trip is what ignited a lifelong passion, and it's one that continues to be fueled through pen and paper Or, in this case, a keyboard and a computer screen. Pine Island Park is Hernando County's only public beach. In the shows the mermaids (and mermen called princes) discreetly take mouthfuls of air from the slender breathing tubes while they perform. Perry was also an all-star swimmer and coach, so it was easy to bring his idea to fruition when searching for the perfect business venue. June 16, 2017. They all use their hoses now and fancy tails and the whole works.. "Perry happened to hear about us, and that's why he invited us up to put on a show," says McDonald. For one admission fee, park visitors can also swim at the on-site water park, see an animal or reptile show, and take a boat ride down the Weeki Wachee River, where they might spot great blue herons, manatees, or alligators. One of the newest shows is Wonders of Weeki, dedicated to Perry. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Amphitheater, Interpretive Exhibit, Concession and Restaurant. 19, 2021 | Updated Mar. The mermaids are swimming in a natural spring; the 500-seat theater is embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface. One statue named The Spring remains at Weeki Wachee, and another can be seen at the Visit Florida I-75 Welcome Center in Jennings, Florida. Today, visitors can still witness the magic of the mermaids, take a river boat cruise and canoe or kayak on the Weeki Wachee River. plus the mermaids narrate a lot about the history of Weeki Wachee springs, how the mermaid show started and give a few not so subtle pitches about protecting the springs, making good environmental choices, etc. www.floridacrackerkitchen.com. She swam in its deep blue for half a decade and, like many of her peers, unearthed something transformative below the waterline. The Mermaid Shows are the most crucial part of the Weeki Wachee Springs. I did what I came to do and all things considered (the super long line when we got there) it went really smoothly. Youre going to want something cold to drink, snacks, maybe something to sit on, definitely a hat and sunscreen. Women performers show various stunts and performances by wearing fishtails and stylish outfits. The water was so clear, and the scenarios so . After Bragg, from right are Paisley Easton, Victoria Vernon, Taylor Kane and Kelley Madden. . Its quite a feat for a mermaid to stay in one place in such a current. So, onto the show itselfthe 30 minutes youre waiting in the theater for the show to start feels like part of the show. In 1946, Perry scouted out Weeki Wachee for his new business. The waterpark is three slides (hey theyre great slides but thats all thats there) plus you can pay an extra $7 to rent a tube for the lazy river. The lazy river involves floating through a roped off area of the springs and maybe 50 yards down the Weeki Wachee River. Guests will be turned away when the park is full. On Jan. 12, the park unveiled 28 new mermaid statues as a part of the "Mermaid Tale Trail" exhibit. This wasnt running when I visited and that was disappointing because it wouldve been a great way to see the river. P.S. In the mid-90s they introduced Mermaids of yesteryear, a popular standing-room only show performed once a month by former mermaids of Weeki Wachee - after all, as their motto goes: "Once a mermaid, always a mermaid." Weeki Wachee Springs is a Florida state park where you can still go back in time and catch the classic mermaid show. Kids 5 and under are free. You can pack a full size cooler (no alcohol), but they also have full concessions on site. www.floridasadventurecoast.com. But this weekend, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Hernando County will celebrate 75 years. Theyve recently changed how they handle kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River and now you have to book through the state park. He taught them to drink Grapette, a non-carbonated beverage, eat bananas underwater and do aquatic ballets. First published in The Montauk Sun December Issue 2021. A network of underground water channels that dates back to the Middle Ages. Next: Manatee Watching: When & Where To See Florida's Gentle Giants, Lianna boarded a plane by herself for the first time at the tender age of 12 to traverse nearly 9,000 miles halfway across the world. Weeki Wachee Springsthe deepest naturally formed spring in the United Stateswas first explored in 1946 by former Navy sailor Newton Perry. A Florida classic since 1947, Weeki Wachee's mermaid show is the creation of Newton Perry, a former U.S. Navy man who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War II. "The former mermaids may have moved on in life, but the enchantment of the Weeki Wachee Spring calls them back time and again, like a dream that can . To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. Since opening its doors in 1947, Weeki Wachee has attracted thousands of roadside visitorsand aspiring mermaidsfrom all over the world. Add these Weeki Wachee Springs Attractions to Your Bucket List. Being a mermaid is a magical job. Robin Wendell/CC by 2.0 Long before Disney World became the staple of Florida 's tourism industry, there was Weeki Wachee, the City of Live Mermaids. . For anyone who wants a fully-immersive experience, a boat tour through the Florida hot springs is an absolute must-do. The Weeki Wachee Mermaids Somewhere in the bowels of South Florida, there is a campground. Since 1947 - which is older than Disneyworld, for those who are counting - the Weeki Wachee mermaids have been entertaining fans from all over the world. Chinsegut Hill is actually a retreat for special events, weddings, educational seminars and gatherings of fraternal and religious groups. Having never been there before (and now knowing exactly how everything worked), we werent even sure if we were going to make it inside the park (let alone get to see the Mermaid Show!). This charming, local, family-owned place is surrounded by lush, sprawling Florida landscape and a fun decorated, blooming garden. The statues are beautiful, she says. Turns out that one of the ladies was an extra in my favorite movie. Weeki Wachee Mermaids features rare, never-before-published vintage photographs, postcards, and publicity shots taken over a thirty year period, starting with the first performance in 1947 and ending with the extravagant "underwater Broadway" shows created by the corporate owners of ABC-TV. I mentioned that we arrived about 30 minutes before the park was scheduled to open and it was PACKED. In its heyday, mermaids performed eight shows a day, and as many as half a million people traveled annually to Weeki Wachee to see the mermaids, including Elvis Presley, Don Knotts, and Esther Williams herself. The mermaids are swimming in a natural spring; the 500-seat theater is embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface. Weeki Wachee became part of the Florida Parks Service in 2008. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. No purchase necessary. McDonald was the co-creator of a certain pose that is depicted in "Adagio," one of the statues that can be seen in front of the park. One performer, Kylee Troche, who started swimming at Weeki Wachee at 16, has posed during her off hours at mermaid conventions as "Mermaid Kylee, the International Mermaid." (She does not. WEEKI WACHEE Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week . It was really cool getting to see the mermaids enter the water from their dressing tent and get set up for the next show. Athanason said the park will bring together mermaids from over the decades, including 92-year-old Diane Wyatt McDonald, one of Weeki Wachees first Aquabelles.. The mermaids have been swimming in these waters for over 60 years. The adagio pose struck by the pair of mermaids atop the center column of the fountain was created by former mermaid Diane Wyatt McDonald, now 91. I love creating & composing history articles and lists. When we swam with manatees in Crystal River last winter, Montauks Chamber of Commerce office manager Karin Johnson had shared her childhood dream with me of longing to see the mermaids at Weeki Wachee. When you first get into the park, youll either want to go straight to Buccaneer Bay to set up camp (especially if youre trying to get one of the like 5 lounge chairs) or to the Mermaid Show. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. AND THEN THE CURTAIN GOES UP. One of them will be moved to its permanent home at the Visit Florida Welcome Center at the Florida-Georgia line in Jennings, Florida. I need underwater swimming. We told him that we'd be back the following week, and we would be doing an underwater show.". (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: These 18 Magical Photos Of Florida's Live Mermaid City Will Leave You Speechless Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a must-see attraction for any Florida bucket list. We found to our surprise a retreat that was set atop one of Floridas highest elevations, 267 feet, and part of the Chinsegut Hill Manor House, originally built in the 1850s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By that time in the morning, the temperature was already in the upper 80s and we were in the BEATING sun. and people set up camp. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. The mermaids took etiquette and ballet lessons. McDonald recalls that the following week she and another girl on the synchronized team got together and drew stick figures of different poses to do underwater. Visitors enjoy the mermaids show with the gap of just a window. We're thrilled to announce the unveiling of The Mermaid Tale Trail! And you have to do it in advance. America's strange has sunk to the bottom and settled in these Floridian places. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, in costume, performing an acrobatic routine. For centuries, these mythical creatures have captured the imagination of sailors and landlubbers alike. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Those interested in getting a glimpse at some of Florida's most beloved animal species can also do so at Weeki Wachee. A childhood dream come true on the Gulf Coast is also an ode to roadside Americana and a love letter to Floridas natural beauty. The performers hired trained with Perry to learn ballet-style moves which were performed underwater, thus literally bringing to life everyone's mermaid dreams. PLEASE NOTE: Spring and summer are busy seasons for Weeki Wachee Springs. During the first half of the 20th century, decisions and discussions made within the walls of Chinsegut influenced national and world leaders and the impacts are still felt today www.chinseguthillretreat.com, Until next month from another interesting location! Privacy Policy. In 1946, Newton Perry, a former US Navy man who trained SEALs to swim underwater in World War II, zeroed in on Weeki Wachee as a good site for a new business. Choices include burgers, wraps, chicken fingers, sodas and ice cream. The prince prevails, proving that love conquers all.. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Fortunately along the way we also found the Breadbox, a little hometown bakery. Each day, more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 74-degree water bubbles up out of subterranean caverns. The City of Weeki Wachee incorporated in 1966, putting the tiny city of Weeki Wachee on maps and state road signs. Candidates from across the globe train to become one of the live mermaids in Weeki Wachee. Love, Ingrid, Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger www.EscapeFromParadise.net, Award-winning TV Host, Publisher, Travel Writer www.MontaukSun.com, Ambassador for www.Seven-Stars.com & 15 Emmy awards www.aTasteofHistory.org, www.facebook.com/ingrid.lemme #EscapeFromParadise. Btw, we stayed for dinner in Brooksville and were glad that wed discovered Enchiladas, a cosy, little Mexican restaurant, close to the historic district, with awesome, authentic food and fun people all around us. Florida Cracker Kitchen is a place to feed your soul and belly at the same time. Its 13 dollars for the day. Yes, I waited in line to meet Mermaid Ashley. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. https://www.facebook.com/WeekiWacheeSprings/, https://twitter.com/WeekiWacheeSpgs?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor. www.weekiwachee.com, And as if our time on Floridas Adventure Coast wouldnt have been already precious enough we got to experience that evening a breathtaking sunset at Hernando Beach, on the tip of Pine Island. Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606 Phone Number: 352-592-5656 WeekiWachee.com Weeki Wachee Mermaid Show From here we got to explore Floridas Adventure Coast.
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