Mounds View‘s Beloved Mermaid Set for a Comeback
Mounds View audiences are about to be reintroduced to a beloved emblem. After years in storage, the city’s iconic 38-foot fiberglass mermaid statue is slated for a triumphant return.
The comeback began on Thursday when Mounds View resident Dan Mueller purchased the statue for a token $1. It’s a reunion steeped in personal history for Mueller, whose connection to the mermaid dates back decades. He met his wife at the Mermaid event center 47 years ago and even witnessed the original mermaid blown off the roof during a storm in the 1970s.
“It blew her across Highway 10,” Mueller said of the original statue. “He and some friends picked up the statue and took it back to the bowling alley and event center. He doesn’t know whatever became of it, but a new, heavier and larger mermaid took its place.
Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom orchestrated the purchase with Mueller, cementing the commitment to revitalize this beloved landmark. “We’re going to get ready to bring her back,” Lindstrom said.
The mermaid statue had stood sentinel atop the Mermaid Event Center for years before being removed in 2018. It was taken down because of concerns that it was sinking into the roof, leaving a noticeable void in the cityscape.
Mueller, a passionate advocate for the spot where he and his wife began their love story, quickly agreed to help facilitate the statue’s return. He said he was was surprised, but delighted, to hear the news that it could be bought.
The restored mermaid will be relocated near its original site, a move sure to delight locals who have long missed its presence.
The mermaid’s story transcends mere fiberglass and paint. The statue holds a special place in the memories of generations who frequented the Mermaid Event Center— enjoylive music in the basement on Friday and Saturday nights.
“It was just a fun place to go,” Mueller said.
The Mermaid Event Center has evolved over the years, but this homecoming of a local icon promises to add another chapter to its rich history.
What were some of the biggest obstacles Dan Mueller encountered while working to bring the mermaid statue back?
## Mermaid Makes a Splash: A Comeback Story
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re diving into a truly unique local story, the return of a beloved icon: the Mounds View Mermaid. Joining me to discuss this exciting news is Dan Mueller, the man behind the mermaid’s comeback. Dan, welcome to the show!
**Dan Mueller:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited to share this news with the community.
**Host:** So, let’s get right to it - a 38-foot fiberglass mermaid? Tell us, what sparked your interest in this project?
**Dan Mueller:** Well, as a lifelong Mounds View resident, I remember the mermaid being a landmark growing up. Seeing it disappear was a real loss for the community. This statue was more than just a roadside attraction; it was a symbol of fun and togetherness for generations. When I heard it was languishing in storage, I knew I had to do something.
**Host:** Obviously, restoring a giant fiberglass mermaid is no small feat. What were the biggest challenges you faced?
**Dan Mueller:** [chuckles] To be honest, it was quite a journey! Finding the right experts to handle the restoration was crucial. Then there were logistical hurdles like transport and finding a suitable location. But the biggest challenge was simply convincing people that this was a worthwhile endeavor.
**Host:** And what can you tell us about the mermaid’s next chapter? Where will she be making her grand return?
**Dan Mueller:** The plan is to reinstall her at . The details are still being finalized, but we’re aiming for a grand unveiling in [Insert timeframe here].
**Host:** That’s fantastic news! Dan, thank you for sharing your passion and for bringing back this Mounds View treasure. We can’t wait to see the mermaid back where she belongs!
This interview script utilizes the provided information about the mermaid’s comeback while incorporating the details of Dan Mueller’s involvement and leaving room for further details about the location and timeframe of the reinstallation.
