This month kicks off the start of Peñasco’s “season” and let’s hope it’s a super one. October’s weather is just about perfect, the Sea of Cortez is still warm, and our event calendar fills up. We’ve actually had a pretty decent summer so I’m predicting October is going to be super fantastic so take a look at the Events Calendar and start making your reservations. Beautiful beaches are only a 4-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson and, if you time it right, there won’t be but a few minutes wait at the border. Time it even better and you can be out on the ocean on a sunset cruise with a margarita in hand!
By the time you read this most businesses are back open from their summer break and ready to greet you. The Mermaid’s Market starts up again this month, which everyone always loves, and we have the Hobie Cat Piñata Regatta, the Jeep Junkies Beach Run, the Cornhole Tourney which benefits the long-standing Santa Claus Club charity, the Cholla Bay Poker Run, the super fun Charanga Derby, golf tournaments, music events and all kinds of other stuff including a weekend musical event featuring Roger Clyne. Oh, and don’t forget the Rotary’s Polio Plus dinner – this is always a fun event and last year not only did we have a great dinner, but there were some really fantastic auctions. There will also be tons of stuff popping off at the last minute as well so you’ll have to check out our Facebook Page for the latest goings-on all in one place – we keep you updated as best we can. Oh, and if can, come down for Dia de Los Muertos. The festivities and decorations on Rodeo Drive are wonderful.
I’m writing this at the end of September and, as of this writing, we’ve received nothing “official” pertaining to whether or not Friday border hours will be extended past the October 10th date we were previously given. CBP/DHS are the only ones who can authorize the U.S. border crossing to stay open, so please do not rely on social media rumors or what your friend said they heard or what someone said they saw posted…unless it is an official statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Lukeville Port Director. Unfortunately, no one in Mexico can dictate what the U.S. border does, but I have no doubt that Puerto Peñasco’s Mayor is trying to keep our extended Friday hours as I write this. BUT, if nothing comes down the pipeline, then our border hours will go back to 6AM to 8PM, 7 days a week – that goes for coming into Mexico at Sonoyta and leaving Mexico at the Lukeville, AZ Port.
Most of you probably know Naomi Black from the Mermaid’s Market or her many years of being here in Rocky Point – and if not, then you probably knew her late husband, Russ Black. Anyhoo, she wrote a nice little article in this edition about moving her Seashell Museum over to CEDO in Las Conchas. Give it a read and take a visit by CEDO. I haven’t been in years - I was there for a wine tasting (of course) but haven’t played tourist for a while. I used to love their lectures and gift shop and browsing around the exhibits and the whale skeleton out front so it’s time to go take a look and see what’s going on. I love seashells, and have my own large collection, so it will be cool to see Naomi’s collection. What a great addition to CEDO! And a visit to CEDO is a great free activity suitable for the entire family.
A heads up if you’re in town for Dia de Los Muertos next month…you must head down to Rodeo Drive for the festivities. Last year was very impressive with all the altars, decorations, costumes, parade and the carnival-like atmosphere. The people who entered the costume contest were out of this world! It must take them all day to get ready. This is also a fun, free activity for the entire family and if you have little ones, just walk up and down Rodeo Drive and scoop up the candy 😊 Pro-tip…If you don’t want to worry about parking or hassle with driving or trying to leave LOL – have a taxi drop you off and pick you up at a designated time and location (and negotiate the price in advance). Oh, and speaking of next month – the 25th Anniversary of the Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally is happening from November 6th to the 9th so if you haven’t made reservations you want to do so chop-chop!!
Lots going on this month, but not much to say except drive safely and see you at the beach!
Caption 2:
Lovely view for the first wine pairing dinner at Level 24 Restaurant at Encantame Resorts. All restaurants are open to the public.
