As the monsoon clouds inch closer to the Old Pueblo, mermaids and other sea folk from long ago begin to stir.
The crashing thunder and pouring rain transform the desert into the world it once was, where mermaids, jellyfish and octopus played and danced in gardens of coral and seaweed.
Some say the mermaids are what makes the passing clouds burst open, as they fall to the creosote scented desert. Others believe they come from a dry underworld only to be awoken by the dampening earth.
But we believe they live among us — only showing their true selves when the streets are glistening and the air is cool.
In any case, each year in mid-August, when the monsoons are in full swing, the mermaids reach the surface with merriment and glee, dancing in the rains and parading through town.
People cannot resist their beauty and siren's call to dress up, dance and join the mer-party.
Michelle Ruffo, known as Mermaid Michelina during Return of the Mermaids, presses against a window transformed into an “aquarium” at Tucson Thrift Shop.
You can be a mermaid too! Saturday at the Return of the Mermaids
• Pop-Cycle is hosting a mermaid art show at noon and then offering a 10 percent discount on mermaid items until 6 p.m. You could stock up on things before the festivities.
• Get the kids excited with a mermaid show at Tucson Improv Movement by Friends of Make Pretends. The show is $5 per person or $20 per family of six or fewer people.
• Head to the "Beach" downtown, near Hotel Congress from 3 to 10 p.m. for art vendors, music, food trucks, and awesome shows.
• Your little mermaids and pirates can also meet real-life mermaids. Mermaid Michelina will be at Tucson Thrift Shop at 4 p.m and you can meet Mermaid Odette and Mermaid Kailee from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Haggerty Plaza. That's where the adventure is happening from 4-8 p.m with a photo booth, sno cones, face painting, games and more.
Young mermaids share a cool treat while Shrimp Chaperone plays local Tucson surf rock on the stage at Haggerty Park at 316 N. 4th Ave. during Return of the Mermaids on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015. Photo by: Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
• Want to show off your fins? The costume contest is at 6:30 p.m. — there are prizes — and all children participants get a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. After, join the other mermaids in the parade that starts at Haggerty Plaza at 8 p.m. Costumed children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Anyone over 21 can keep the party going all night long. Mermaids are welcome to a Surly Wench (424 N. Fourth Ave.) dance party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Don't forget your ID and $5 to pay the cover.
If you go
What: Return of the Mermaids
When: Saturday, Aug. 12, the parade starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Along Fourth Avenue and Downtown Tucson
Cost: Most activities are free, others cost money.
Along Fourth Avenue and Downtown Tucson.
