The First Annual Portlandia Mermaid Parade is a grassroots artistic event aimed at showcasing and celebrating all things mermaid, and helping to bring magic, mythology, and joy to the City of Portland. The parade highlights the pageantry of Portland’s artistic communities, and recognizes how these communities have historically been eliminated via gentrification, and/or through the culture of business/corporate elitism. The parade is a revitalization of this artistic energy, and an opportunity for creatives to have a more public forum for fantasy based self-expression. 

This is a secular, noncommercial, and non-specific political event. This means that there is no single cause or agenda that can represent the diversity of the participants in attendance, and no corporate sponsorship. However local and small businesses may sponsor if they so choose, and individuals and groups are encouraged to promote their secular--political, artistic messages which are in the general spirit of the event and its themes.

A Portland version of the summer-solstice celebration, this parade takes place in mid-summer due to the NW inclement weather pattern in June. As an artistic framework, the parade celebrates oceanic myths, legends, symbology, spirituality and the water festivals associated with many global traditions including but not limited to: Celtic, Nordic, Pagan, African, and Eastern cultures. 

Although the event is NOT a protest, it is an organized gathering intended to promote artistic expression, a paradigm shift, culture gender, and body positivity, as well as other social concerns deemed harmful to a future of peace, artistic expression, and environmental well-being.

It is with this mission, The First Annual Portlandia Mermaid Parade invokes the following: 


• Freedom to peaceably assemble
o Freedom from unreasonable bureaucratic or financial barriers which limit (either intentionally or unintentionally) the grassroots intention of said event; such barriers will be considered excessive and discriminatory based on the level of unequal impact it has on different organizing echelons within the community (as seen historically through business elitism, and gentrification practices)
o Freedom from city ordinances which are invoked as a means to deter, or suppress any of these State and Federal protected amendment rights 

• Freedom of expression & personal creativity

• Freedom of speech

Vehicular floats, or motor assisted floats (NOT including disability personal assistance devices) are not permitted at this time. Smaller, hand push floats which easily fit within the size parameters of an average sidewalk width are ok, and encouraged. 

Individuals or groups found to be in violation of the community agreements; who do not acquiesce to the requests of the parade peace team will be asked or required to leave. 

Those who elect to go bare breasted may want to consider the use of shells, pasties or body paint to help decrease the risk of law officials interpreting the toplessness as lewd. There are no Portland laws regarding toplessness. Indecency laws in Portland specifically refer to the revealing of genitalia for the purposes of causing sexual arousal, or in matters of public sexual acts. Bare breasts have often not been interpreted as genitalia, but people should be aware that the matter is somewhat left to personal interpretation of law officials. Anyone ticketed or cited as a result of accused lewdness or indecency have been for-warned, and so the First Annual Mermaid Parade supports the freedom of artistic expression, however, the event and its associated organizers are not responsible for any fines or consequences that may arise as a result of people electing to express this freedom. 

All parade participants should know that while there are no expected instances of danger, personal risk, or injury, this IS a public event being held outdoors, so there is always a certain level of risk present. The First Annual Portlandia Parade and its associated organizers are not responsible for any physical or financial losses, or personal injuries, which may arise as a result of acts of nature, inclement weather, accident, or terrorist attacks, or behaviors in violation of the community agreements. 

Currently the framework for this event is just a parade. Vendors of any-kind who wish to sell goods, wares, or food must do so under their own license and permits in accordance with the City of Portland. The parade is not organizing or having any official vendors. 

Please bring sunscreen, drinking water, and snacks for self care. This event will be happening mid-summer, and heat stroke is a reality.