North Webster Mermaid Festival

The North Webster Mermaid Festival is a lively annual event held at the Lions Club Festival Grounds in North Webster, Kosciusko County, usually over four days in mid-June; the 2025 festival runs from June 18 to June 21 with the theme "Circus Under the Big Top." It features a broad mix of family-friendly activities including the Cutie King and Queen contest, the Queen of Lakes pageant, and the Cutie Parade, which collectively offer over $30,000 in scholarships. The festival also hosts amusement rides, a demolition derby, a big parade, tasty food vendors, and various merchant stalls. The event is accessible and offers ATM service on grounds, with vendor and food spaces available for a fee.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

North Webster is a small town known for its lake-centered community, lending the festival a festive, lakeside small-town Americana vibe with strong community participation. The festival grounds come alive with decorations and midway-style entertainment aligned with the theme "Circus Under the Big Top," creating a carnival atmosphere focused on family fun and community spirit.

Activities and Event Highlights

• Cutie Parade: Takes place on Wednesday evening, June 18, with a rain date on June 19. Participants range from walking to motorized units competing for scholarship prizes.
• Cutie King and Queen Contest: A pageant event where children compete for titles and scholarships.
• Queen of Lakes Pageant: Another pageant focused on celebrating the lakeside community.
• Amusement Rides and Food Court: The midway includes rides, a food court, and outdoor vendors open from 5 p.m. until closing on Wednesday through Friday, and from noon to closing on Saturday.
• Demolition Derby: A popular event attracting strong spectator interest.
• Live Entertainment: Merlin’s Stage features a variety of shows:
  • Wednesday, June 18: Kids bicycle giveaway at 8 p.m., followed by the band Beez & the Rocker with the Leesburg Wrecking Crew at 8:15 p.m.
  • Thursday to Saturday: The Queen City Stunt Circus performs multiple times daily; the Old Man Band performs Thursday evening.
  • Tactical Force Laser Tag is available from Thursday evening through Saturday closing.
• Power Wheels Racing: A fun race event where participants can bring their own Power Wheels vehicle or use one provided by organizers.

Rough Schedule Outline

• June 18 (Wednesday): Cutie Parade evening at 5 p.m.; kids bicycle giveaway at 8 p.m.; live music at 8:15 p.m.
• June 19 (Thursday): Laser Tag opens 5 p.m.; Queen City Stunt Circus shows at 6 & 8:30 p.m.; Old Man Band at 7:30 p.m.
• June 20 (Friday): Cutie Pageant; repeat stunt circus shows in evening; Laser Tag 5 p.m. to close.
• June 21 (Saturday): Vendor and food court open from noon; multiple stunt circus shows throughout the day; Laser Tag noon to close.

History and Founding

The festival, celebrating its 79th anniversary in 2025, is organized by the North Webster Lions Club and embodies decades of community tradition, aiming to engage local families in fun and fundraising efforts, including scholarships sponsored by the Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation. It has grown into a major community event featuring contests, parades, entertainment, and vendor activities that support local causes and businesses.

For additional details, vendor application, or participation in contests like the Cutie Parade and Queen of Lakes pageant, the organizing North Webster Lions Club and associated contacts are the primary sources. The festival consistently draws families and visitors for a festive, vibrant midsummer celebration.