Mermen of Anacortes 2026 Calendar Competition

Photo by Brian Hanser of Dunraven PhotoOriginally dreamed up by the Anacortes branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women), The Mermen of Anacortes Calendar was a wildly joyful success—fostering friendly community competition and raising vital scholarship funds for local women while sparking laughter, connection, and celebration across our community.

The Salish Sea School is proud to accept a torch-pass from AAUW and keep this lively tradition alive!

This year’s calendar will continue the tradition of making waves and spreading smiles—with a new mission: Proceeds will fund scholarships that get local youth into tidepools, onto boats, and face-to-face with the magic of the Salish Sea.

✨ All donations are tax-deductible and directly support student access to outdoor education.

🧜‍♂️ How Are Mermen Selected?

The 2026 Mermen of Anacortes Calendar will feature 12 fabulous finalists: 

• The top 6 fundraisers will automatically secure a featured month.
• The remaining 6 spots will be selected by The Salish Sea School team based on submitted photo creativity and scenic value. All registrants have a crack at this one: your chance to shine and score a spot in the calendar!

📸 Want to Enter the Contest?

We’d love to sea you in the calendar! Here’s how to enter:

• Pay your $25 registration fee at checkout (details will be emailed to you).

• Submit up to 3 high-quality photos (landscape orientation only) to mermenofanacortes@thesalishseaschool.org by June 23, 2025. 

• If you'd like help taking photos, Brian Dunraven of Dunraven Photo has graciously agreed to help free of charge! Email him at dunravenphotostudio@gmail.com.

• Get creative with mermesque costumes and iconic Fidalgo Island backdrops. (Costumes must be family-friendly and culturally respectful.)

• Rally your crew! Share this fundraising link and encourage your friends and family to boost you into the top six fundraisers for a guaranteed spot in the calendar.

The top 6 fundraisers and the top 6 selected photo winners will be:

✔️ Featured in the 2026 calendar

✔️ Invited to ride the official Fourth of July Parade float

🌟 Want to Nominate Someone?

Know someone with legendary merman energy who simply belongs in this calendar? Nominate a friend, coworker, partner, or neighbor!

Simply pay the $25 registration fee to officially enter them—then help launch their campaign by rallying donations in their name.

We'll let your nominee know they've been selected, but you have the honor in leading the charge in fundraising to help secure their place in the spotlight!

🧜‍♂️ Here to Support a Merman?

Support your favorite Merman—or if you don't know an applicant, you can simply give a boost to the underdog! Just include their name OR use "underdog" with your donation to help them rise with the tide and earn a spot in the calendar!

• Top 6 fundraisers = automatic calendar feature

• 6 more spots = selected for creativity + connection to place

• Gifts of $100+ will be recognized on the back cover of the calendar!

💙 Where Does Your Support Go?

Photo by Brian Hanser of Dunraven Photo

Your donation will fund scholarships for local students to:

• Discover marine life on outdoor field trips

• Experience the Salish Sea from boats and beaches

• Participate in transformative summer camps

• Build confidence, curiosity, and stewardship

Because of you, more youth will explore, belong, and connect deeply with the sea. Let’s make waves of wonder, learning, and access—together. 💙