On the first weekend of October every year, mermaids take over Salado! Sirena’s Creekside Carnaval, hosted by Legacy Salado Inc., a local 501c3 nonprofit, honors the beloved tale of Sirena by bringing together the community and beyond on Saturday, October 7^th at Pace Park for a promenade that celebrates the crowning of the Creekside Carnaval Princess and Catfish King, along with a host of fun, free activities for families! This year, attendees can expect live music, live mermaids, vendors, food trucks, a zoo show, petting zoo, storytime, performances by Native American dancers, and so much more. The promenade starts at 9:30am sharp, and the festival will be 10am – 6pm.

The Tonkawa Legend of Sirena is a story near and dear to Saladoans young and old alike. The legend, featuring a young Native American woman named Sirena being tricked into becoming a mermaid by a magical catfish, was brought to life by local artist and sculptor Troy Kelley, who created a bronze sculpture that honors the tale his Native American grandmother told him as a young child.

Each year, Legacy Salado Inc. selects a project that improves and enhances the Village of Salado’s public spaces or community members. Last year alone, Legacy Salado Inc. donated $48,705 towards Salado’s all-abilities playground. Since the Village of Salado considers the playground project fully funded and construction is slated to begin soon, Legacy Salado has found a new project this year. Driven by a passion to make a difference, the 2023 project will be constructing Little Food Pantries in the Village. Salado ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Novotny has agreed to the first Little Food Pantry being placed at the Salado Civic Center site, with more locations planned around Salado soon. A non-perishable food drive will also be held at Sirena’s Creekside Carnaval to keep the pantries, and Salado families, full for years to come! For more information about Salado’s Creekside Carnaval, visit www.sirenafest.org, email sirenafestsalado@gmail.com, or visit “Sirena’s Creekside Carnaval” on Facebook.