Two of my favorite things. Director Kevin Smith and Weeki Wachee mermaids. An episode of Kevin Smith's roadside attractions (now this is a fun roadtrip buddy!) recently featured Florida and some of our most unusual places to visit. See it here.
Weeki Wachee is one of my absolute favorite Florida places. If you like it too, or if you just want to learn more, visit their website. They have a great archival photo section. Classic stuff! They have just released their 2009 calendar with photos by photographer Andrew Busso, for sale on their website for $19.95. It makes a great Christmas gift for the Florida (or mermaid) lover on your list.
Also, pick up the book by Betsy Carter, Swim to Me.
The state of Florida recently purchased the historic Florida attraction to save it from closing and to preserve the sensitive springs and environment there. That makes the mermaids state employees, as our local newspaper columnist Mark Lane recently pointed out (see his Flablog in my bloglist). Imagine the job description for Weeki Wachee mermaid.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid. Reports to Sr. VP of Aquabeauties, Department of Underwater Entertainment. Responsibilities include: Training daily in underwater choreography, dance, and gymnastics. Performing in both dry and wet environments before an audience behind glass 5 days a week. Underwater ballet in a variety of restrictive and sparkly costumes, including tail. Daily maintenance of the mermaid mystique and projection of proper mermaid attitude and hospitality. Daily photo sessions, autograph sessions and meet and greet for children, adults and groups.
Qualifications: Minimum 18 years of age. Strong swimming skills required. Ability to hold your breath underwater for 60 seconds while smiling and eating bananas. Physical fitness and healthy body type necessary. Must love audiences, frolicking with fish, cool spring water, wearing swimsuits and mermaid tales. Beauty pageant experience a plus. Aversion to tube breathing or alligators need not apply. Preference given to Florida natives with proof of birth certificate and ladies with first names ending in “Y” or “I.”
Apply in person. Low pay, great benefits.
2 comments:
I enjoyed this post so much. Funny my brother and I had just had a "Do you remember...." chit chat about Weeki Wachee. We live in Michigan but as children we often vacationed in Florida and our favorite attraction was Weeki Wachee. (Maybe it was my dad's Fav, ha ha) I think I could probably scrounge up a souvenier if I looked hard enough. We were discussing whether it was still in business and I'm glad to know it is. The job description was hilarious. Thanks for memories!
I've never seen the Mermaids, but I think my parents had. I think we had an old program in the house somewhere when I was growing up.
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