How to Participate...

There is no registration process required to participate in the parade. This event is for all ages, and is FREE to participate in. All you need to do is dress up, and show up!
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival is intended to be family friendly, gender neutral and body positive event. We are inclusive of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, identities, races/ethnicities, orientations, and body types! The parade route is a walking only route which is entirely ADA friendly.
Push Floats & Pedi Cabs
Small decorated push floats, wagons, bicycles, and pedi-cabs are HIGHLY encouraged! Any floats deemed too large or are determined to block sidewalk paths will not be permitted in the parade. If you have questions regarding specific float push float dimensions please inquire within. On push floats, wagons, and bicylces: Please be sure your push, pull, or peddle device is able to safely navigate the sidewalk terrain. Please be mindful of other parade goers, and pedestrians who are not part of the event who may be using the sidewalk. Don't run anyone over :) Pedi-Cabs: If you intend on highering a Portland pedi-cab to peddle you for the duration of the parade please arrange this in advance with a peddle cab company. Give them the parade route in advance so they can determine the proper fee. Determine if you will need them to take back, and arrange this in advance so you are not left stranded in a mertail. Please PAY and TIP your pedi-cab driver well, especially if they are willing to wear a costume, or let you decorate their pedi-cab! |
Costuming

The Portlandia Mermaid Parade seeks to promote, and foster individual and group creativity. This is a body positive and gender neutral event, but it most definitely celebrates mermaids and water mythology. Costumes are a MUST, the more sparkly, beautiful, and outrageous the better! Each year a parade theme will be announced to help serve as a creative framework. Handmade or up cycled costumes are a super plus! Glam it up, think scales, body paint, shells, pearls, and all things whimsical! Walking tails for landlocked mermaids, and full swim tails for those who don't mind being carted around! Oceans the limit!