I was filled with excitement the Medieval Fair was almost here. In February of 2002, I was asked to audition to be a mermaid for the Medieval Fair. My parents signed the contract and permission form saying I could do it. I was so happy, but at the time, I did not know I would have to practice and learn how to be a mermaid.

   The first  thing I had to do was audition. To audition I had to pick a shell top and a tail color, I chose turquoise. For my audition, they had me on their float in the Mardi Gras parade in Norman. It was so cold that night in early February. I missed the Valentine's dance at my school because of it, but it was all right with me.

   The next week they told me that I did just fine and they would work with me on being a mermaid. Therefore, I learned how to be a mermaid. I am not allowed to talk to patrons or the other merfolk while on the rocks or in tail. We are not allowed to have man made products with us on the rocks, examples of this are plastic, rubber, metal, and other things like that. I had to come up with a name; the name I chose is Sparkle.

   Finally, the week of the fair was here. I was so nervous because a lot of the students and teachers from different schools and my school were coming on the first day, Friday. It went just fine at first but the kids from my school recognized me and teased me. Nevertheless, I tried not to let their rude words bother me. However, many other people thought it was cool. Therefore, that day went good. The second day was  Saturday. It rained on and off all day. We only had a few people that were willing to go out on the rocks that day. I did once then it started to pour and they came and got me. On Sunday, it was much worse than Saturday. At least it must have been because the fair was canceled. We were still in the cold, wet rain at the duck pond because that was where the fair was at the year. We had to clean up all of the props off the rocks and take down our tent. It was a good experience for me and I am looking forward for years to come. I hope that it will be better in 2003.

-Sparkle <><