There was an era in Florida where the attractions were plentiful and they required no electronic animals or rides on tracks. In fact, the animals were real and the rides were less predictable. They were roadside attractions.

The era may have passed, but for Weeki Wachee Springs, the tradition --and most importantly, the fun, still thrives. Dating back to 1947, it remains one of Florida's oldest attractions, and the mermaids still swim in the water today.

If you're new to Florida, you might not be aware of treasure sitting just above Tampa Bay. Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the its famous, "real live" mermaids, and sets upon a natural spring that produces hundreds of millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily. Aside from the mermaid shows, which date back to the beginning if the park, Weeki Wachee Springs is also home to the Buccaneer Bay water park, river boat rides, animal shows and various other activities (not to mention lots of cool treats) that revolve around a beautiful natural setting.

Mermaids

"Some of the feats that the mermaids do is indicative of what they did forty or fifty years ago," said John Athanason, Marketing Director, proudly speaking about the intricate shows the young ladies put on.

To this day it is still amazing to watch the mermaids perform underwater with such grace. And the crowds still gather.

"The kids to this day are captivated by the whole mystique and the beauty of the mermaids, and say 'I want to become a mermaid'," said Athanason, who made it a point to explain the rigors of mermaid life. "It's a very difficult job. You have to be an athlete. The number-one thing we look for is: are you comfortable in the water? These girls not only have to swim in 72 degree water, but they're swimming against the current, maintaining their buoyancy -- and on top of all that they have to perform and smile. It becomes a vigorous, physically-challenging job, you really do have to be an athlete."

The mermaids themselves choreograph a lot of their creative shows, and through the years have maintained an almost sorority sisterhood. Former mermaids still come back to entertain, and new mermaids work hard to become the people they once idolized.

But first and foremost, it is a great show. As if the mermaids aren't enough, you never know when a curious manatee or turtle might join in the fun.

Water, Water, Everywhere

The spring is the the heart of Weeki Wachee, and from it flows the clearest water you may ever get to see. It feeds Buccaneer Bay, a favorite for kids of all ages, who get to swim, sunbathe, shoot through water slides and enjoy ice cream and homemade treats (try the fudge!). Also boasting a little sandy beach and a floating deck, Buccaneer Bay has been a childhood favorite for many years.

For a drier appreciation of the springs, hop aboard a river boat cruise, which can take you 15 minutes down the river where you are sure to catch a glimpse of some of Florida's wildlife, such as manatees, alligators, turtles and, of course, plenty of birds. It's a "natural" ride, the boat captain explained, having remarked on the unpredictability of nature tours and the joys of taking people out on a journey without electronic tracks and scripted dialogue.

"It brings you to what Florida's really about," said John Athanason. He explained how amazed he still gets while on the water contemplating about the native people who once traversed the very same paths.

No Cages Required

One of the first natural beauties a new park visitor might notice (besides the water itself) is the amount of water fowl. Great Blue Herons, loons, ducks and even peacocks roam freely on the grounds, among the tropical plants and between the buildings --and all seem to be posing for a close-up photo.

Weeki Wachee also hosts two animal shows, a reptile show and a bird show. The reptile show uses frogs, lizards and snakes to entertain as well as educate, and teaches what value these creatures have for our ecosystem.

The park has a long tradition with its bird show, which is currently ran by Julie Rivers of Movieland Animals. She excitedly spoke of her birds, which include various macaws and cockatoos, including "Baby", a gorgeous hybrid. Sarah Kelly, a full-time student, recently had a chance to perform with the birds unassisted (a relief to Rivers, who produces bird shows at Weeki Wachee seven days a week!) and showed-off some of Baby's most recent tricks.

"These bird shows were as famous as the mermaids," said Rivers. "Yes, we train them, but do they always do what we'd like? Not necessarily! And you know what? They like that too, because everything they do is trained by positive reinforcement -- the good good, bad , or indifferent, they get a treat for doing it."

Endangered Species in a Very Small Town

1966 was a year of change for the park. It was then that they incorporated into a city, which now has a resident count of nine. Weeki Wachee operates as a real city and contracts from the county police and fire services. Even the Mayor and General Manager is a former mermaid.

And this city, which purchased the park in August 2003, has inherited quite a challenge.

The land on which Weeki Wachee sits is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which holds high standards for maintenance and for environmental concerns. The previous owners of the park failed to keep up with the demands set forth, and now the city of nine is facing nearly a million dollars in restoration costs. They have initiated the "Save Our Tails" campaign as an effort to make the public aware of the very real threat to the survival of Weeki Wachee Springs.

Their story of struggle has reached a worldwide audience, and support has come from many generous sources. Home Depot alone has donated thousands of dollars worth of lumber to help build necessary infrastructure such as the bridge you encounter at the park's entrance.

But in the end it will be up to the public. John Athanason spoke about kids who send in fifty cents along with a crayon picture of a mermaid.

"That tugs your heart, that motivates you to keep on going," he said. "We've never asked for money. The best way to save the park is to come visit."

Natural Wonder

Weeki Wachee is a true part of Florida's identity, as a source of family entertainment and as way to view nature at its finest. Older folks walk the paths in nostalgic wonder as they enjoy the park that has remained true to its natural identity and integrity, while the young gleefully splash in the water and gasp at the beauty of the mermaid shows. Weeki Wachee's plight for survival is not some lost cause for a run-down theme park, it is an invitation for all to come visit an exciting and invigorating natural water park has never lost its original appeal and wonder. The mermaids will go on to amaze the next generation, just as they have for many before.

For more information, including directions and hours, visit www.weekiwachee.com.