Writing this column in December of 2024, it is difficult to project into the new year. After all, Thanksgiving is just past, and Christmas 2024 has not arrived yet. Also, time travel hasn’t been invented yet either. Trying to make this space relevant to readers is challenging, to say the least, and describing what ‘might’ be interesting in January is a crapshoot.
Thinking ahead, and because we are always a month early for print reasons, I had the thought that it might be a good idea to do a ‘retro’ column and talk about what has happened in the recent past. That doesn’t inform new readers who might be looking for information on current events and places to visit while they are here in January, but it might be informative enough that they’ll consider returning for the holidays next year. What do you think?
So, November…
We started out with the Rocky Point Bike Rally, which is touted as the largest motorcycle rally south of the border. The event is held every year over the Veteran’s Day weekend and this year, as always, it was well attended. It’s always a lot of fun to see all of the various bikes and the people who ride them. The Malecon is jam packed and the bike parade through town is not to be missed. The children line up for miles to receive candy tossed to them by the passing bikers. Great fun for all. Add to that the American Legion Riders barbecue at the post and you have one heck of a good time!
After the rally, the build up to Thanksgiving begins. While it is not a Mexican holiday, there are plenty of gringos here in Peñasco to warm things up for turkey day. Of course, the border guards are well aware of the norteños predilection for the bird and, since it is illegal to import them, make it a point to inspect, very closely, each vehicle stopped crossing into Mexico. They will confiscate your turkey if they find it! Also, Sam’s Club has turkeys for sale, at astronomical prices of course, so lots of folks go for that option. In any case, the holiday is widely celebrated by the expat community here in Peñasco.
On the heels of the big day (Thanksgiving) the inaugural Empty Bowl charity fundraiser took place on the 30th. This charity uses the funds it gathers to assist the needy families here in town. The way it works is this; artists make hand thrown and fired ceramic bowls in all shapes and sizes. The bowls are placed on a long table. Ticket holders can select one to keep as they queue up to try various soups made by many of the local restaurants, as well as breads from local bakeries.
The soups were wonderful (I tasted several but settled on the potato soup and the clam chowder as my favorites). The mushroom soup, made by Grapes and Barley, was a real crowd-pleaser as well. Also, there was a silent auction offering many interesting prizes that were donated by many local merchants and service providers. The offerings ranged from massages to beautiful artwork and handcrafted items. (My friends won the bid on a beautiful wrought iron cheese basket/charcuterie board).
The event was held at the American Legion Post 15 and the Baja Hotel on Calle Mariano Matamoros in El Mirador, just down from Manny’s. It was so well attended that they ran out of soup and had to cancel the 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock seatings! The event was well run, and the all-volunteer staff were outstanding! Looking ahead, I suspect they will do it again next year, so mark your calendar now! The cost of a ticket was $20.00 U.S. or 360 pesos. Well worth the cost and all was donated to help local deserving families!
That brings us up to December, where I’m not sure what to write about January! So far, the weather has been super, if a bit chilly in the mornings, and it’s time to get the Christmas cards out. Even though you’ll be reading this in January…I hope you had a Feliz Navidad!
If you think doing the ‘retro’ thing is a good idea, let me know through the Rocky Point Times. It sure seems easier than trying to do a column a month in advance. If not, I’ll just report on things “I think” will happen or tell you stories about the way Peñasco used to be.
