Mermaids from all over the world came to attend MerMagic Con 2020 in Manassas, Virginia, in February.

This weekend at Mermaid MegaFest I had the great joy of crossing paths with one of those applicants, Graceanne Taylor. I was, again, impressed with her grace in professional interactions and genuine enthusiasm for her art. She had come from New Jersey all the way to Michigan to keep learning, this time by taking Lila Jones’s NAUI mermaid certification. she had clearly both applied notes and kept a great attitude. So, on something of a whim (which is rare for me, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts) I offered her a guest appearance in our tank.

And this Mer SLAYED.

Outside the tank she was prepared, respectful, timely, gracious and humble: all traits I look for in artists. And in the tank she was a magical powerhouse. Mermaid Brizo stunned crowds during her solo portion, being photographed and published in multiple publications representing MegaFest and CSP. She picked up our performance standards immediately, and she worked seamlessly with our established Mers during her duet sessions.

She received rave reviews from every member of the team in every aspect of her guest appearance. I am impressed. And we sincerely hope to have the extreme pleasure of working with her again in the future.

A professional mermaid waves underwater at the Mermaid MegaFest in South Haven, Michigan on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

Mermaid Brizo read stories; explained what she does to keep water clean, safe, and healthy; and stamped the Water Passports of participants at Saturday’s World Water Day event at The Watershed Institute in Pennington. Exhibits, demonstrations, games, hikes, and tours were also featured. Participants share how they raised their “Water IQ” in this week’s Town Talk on Page 6. (Photos by Charles R. Plohn)

Taylor, who uses the stage name, Mermaid Brizo, listens as Morgana Alba of Laurel conducts auditions. Alba owns Circus Siren Pod and is one of the organizers of MerMagic Con. (André Chung/for The Washington Post)

It was so hot the mermaids didn't want to get out of the water.

A day after the Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids took over the boardwalk, they went for a swim Sunday in the Asbury Park Hotel swimming pool.

More than a dozen mermaids swam and relaxed in the pool with a few lounging on the pool deck for short periods of time.