The shores of Lake Huron transformed into a magical underwater kingdom as hundreds of merpeople and pirates gathered for a cause far more serious than buried treasure. In a dazzling display of community spirit, a record-breaking number of people dressed as merfolk united to bring awareness to a critical clean-water issue plaguing the Great Lakes.
The event, which took place during Oscoda’s first Pirates and Mermaids Festival on August 1, 2025, was organized by the local group Oscoda Citizens for Clean Water (OCCW). Their mission was to raise awareness about the contamination of the Great Lakes with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can cause a variety of health problems. The contamination is largely a result of the decades-long use of firefighting foam at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in the area.
As part of the festivities, the group sought to break a Guinness World Records title for the “largest gathering of people dressed as merpeople.” A Guinness World Records adjudicator was on hand to officially count the participants. By the end of the day, a total of 500 people—from young children with sparkling tails to grandfathers sporting merman fins—had gathered on the beach, officially beating the previous record of 457.
“There were all walks of life on that beach,” said Elyssa Steward, an OCCW board member and event organizer. “It was just so magical.”
The festival and record attempt were a huge success, turning a serious environmental issue into a fun, family-friendly event. Organizers hope the new record will draw national attention to the issue of PFAS contamination and help fund research and remediation efforts to protect the vital waterways of Lake Huron.
