NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk Mermaid celebrates her 20th birthday this year.
Norfolk adopted the mermaid as its symbol in 1999. The idea was suggested by longtime Norfolk attorney and philanthropist Pete “Uncle Pete” Decker. He credited his wife, Bess, with the idea, who drew inspiration from Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” campaign.
The original mermaid design launched a campaign that led to a sea of sculptures, each based on a template created by local sculptor Georgia Mason and customized by local artists and businesses.
To celebrate 20 years, the Mermaid will be traveling the globe as a "mermaid in the mail" all year long and taking selfies along the way. Track the mermaid with the hashtags #Mermaid20 and #NorfolkVA.
The Mermaid will also be making a splash around the city as part of the Virginia Arts Festival, during events at Town Point Park, in our libraries and recreation centers, and as part of a city-wide scavenger hunt.
The City is asking residents to take a mermaid with them on their trips. Headed to local historical sites, museums, concerts, or picnics? Take the mermaid! Packing for a trip? Take her with you!
Post your mermaid photos to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with our #Mermaid20 and #NorfolkVA hashtags so she can keep track for her birthday photo album!
