What started as a dream for Elyssa Steward turned into a magical, record-breaking reality this past weekend as the Oscoda Pirates and Mermaid Festival officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as merpeople in one place.
Held on August 1 and 2 at Oscoda Beach Park, the event drew participants from 35 U.S. states, all donning mermaid tails and sea-themed attire. After months of planning and organizing, the moment of truth arrived when 500 mermaids and mermen gathered near the Oscoda Beach pier — officially surpassing the previous record of 457.
Chloe McCarthy, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, verified the count alongside local volunteers, ensuring every participant’s costume met the official requirements. Drones soared overhead, capturing footage as the crowd of shimmering merfolk flipped their tails and posed for the history books.
But the magic didn’t stop there. Immediately after the record was confirmed, Steward’s boyfriend, Jesse Coulon Gonzalez, proposed on the spot. Amid cheers and applause, Steward said yes — adding a romantic twist to an already unforgettable day.
“This year went swimmingly well,” said Steward, also known as Oceanic, a three-time Miss Michigan Mermaid. “Almost everyone in town helped. It was magical to see everyone come together. Thank you to all of the patrons, volunteers and sponsors who helped make my dream come true.”
The weekend-long festival featured live music, mermaid tank performances, pirate stunts, whimsical vendor booths, and even a red-carpet gala called the Great Lakes Grotto. Festivalgoers could get everything from mermaid tails and jewelry to face painting and hair tinsel. Notably, Blixunami, star of Netflix’s MerPeople, electrified crowds on both days.
Performers, including Mermaid Rachelle and local ukulele group The Sunrise Strummers, donated their time. Behind the scenes, community members, local government staff, and even the Oscoda Township Fire Department pitched in — from filling up a 9,000-gallon mermaid tank to helping with logistics and clean-up.
Food vendors, including Delishables, Desi’s Taco Lounge, and Sip n’ Sweet, faced unexpected demand, many selling out of stock on the first day as thousands flocked to the beach.
Elyssa Steward, a special education teacher who lives in Ohio but spends summers in Oscoda, now hopes to have the town officially recognized as the “Mermaid Capital of Michigan.” With the festival’s overwhelming success and the world record secured, that dream seems closer than ever.
