Mermaid Hunting

What is Norfolk's obsession with mermaids?  Those half-women/half-fish sirens of the sea have a bad reputation in mythology, where these sea maidens “would sing to men on ships or shores nearby, practically hypnotizing them with their beauty and song. Those affected would rush out to sea only to be either drowned, eaten, or otherwise sent to their doom.” So goes the legend. Then along comes Ariel in Disney's version of The Little Mermaid, and suddenly the sea nymph’s image became all sweetness and light.

So what does a mermaid have to do with the city of Norfolk? Mermaids have graced the city of Norfolk for well over a decade.  It all started when local attorney Peter Decker, also known as Uncle Pete throughout the community, introduced the idea of Mermaids on Parade at a breakfast with 300 business and civic leaders at Nauticus on November 30, 1999. 

The idea is credited to his wife Bess, who was inspired during a visit to Chicago at the height of the city's Cows on Parade.  Who knew cows would lead to mermaids?

Through a public/private partnership, the Norfolk community pulled off this major event - Mermaids on Parade - in a short period.  It was a huge success with local bronze sculptor Kevin Gallup mass-producing 130 mermaid castings for artists to decorate.  Business and community leaders from Norfolk and beyond "adopted" mermaids at $2000 a piece that were auctioned off during the event.


Many of the original mermaids are still hanging around, and many more have been added over the years.  It’s always fun to spot one in front of a building or along the road.

Today mermaids can be found throughout downtown and in neighborhoods.  Some old, some new.  Some in front of businesses, schools, hospitals and some in homeowners' yards.  Some have had to be completely redone due to damage from the elements or unfortunately from vandals.  Some have even disappeared.  But one this has remained since their appearance: they are truly loved by young and old, visitors and residents alike.

And they have sites to help lead you to them here.  Something I've done on many occasions with family and friends who come into town.    It's so popular that other cities are doing their own version.

So if you're in the area please go out and hunt those mermaids.  But remember it's a catch and release program.