Rocky Point in May offers fantastic outstanding weather, comfortable temperatures and a lot of action. After a great day at the beach why not try one of the six hotspots to show off your tan and get your heart beating.

1. One of the larger venues in town to shake your booty, is Wrecked at the Reef, on Sandy Beach. And guess what?? It is beach front. Drive past all the towering ocean front resort condos on your way to Cholla Bay and you will see signs for Wrecked at the Reef. A friendly compound with a great beachfront patio, an outside stage for live music in the corner, a corn hole or baggo game area to the side and great food. Inside you’ll find comfortable sofas and love seats and a large dance area with a great stage. Their house band plays Friday and Saturday night and they rock the world with the latest contemporary pop, rock ‘n roll and classic music. If you’re lucky enough to plan ahead, check out the Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers concert coming the first weekend in June. You will be sure to get your groove on in this place.

2. Chango’s also located by the resort condominiums on Sandy Beach (Just off the road in front of Sonoran Spa and Sonoran Sea); this bar restaurant also features a great live band on weekends. Here you can dance; watch sports and possibly, depending on where you are staying, even walk back to your condo on the sea. This place also offers a full menu, frozen drinks and the classic margarita. Corn hole/Baggos game also available.

3. Mariachi and Tequila fest on May 4th- Ok, now we are talking. Advertised as a festival of flavor, music and entertainment, this fest will get you dancing and celebrating. Music and Tequila are already a pretty good combination, but add a little sprinkle of Mexico folk dancing and Mexican food and it should be a tasting pleasure of all senses. Touted as the 2nd annual Tequila and Mariachi Festival it opens at 6:00 pm, admission is $10.00 per person VIP seating $20.00 per person or a VIP Company Table for $200.00 (seating for 10) this includes tequila.  Tickets are available at PayPal www.rockypointland.com. The location is the Puerto Peñasco Amphitheater, located just off Boulevard Benito Juarez as you head towards Old Port, behind Kaffeehaus Restaurant.

4. Ever hear the song “Dancing in the Streets”? Well, there may not be a dance floor, but if you head towards the end of Calle 13 on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night you will hear the music. At Max’s, enjoy dinner, a glass of wine or a margarita outside by the gas fire pit and listen to some live music. If the spirit moves you, or you have enough of them, you might just get up and start moving. Next door is Wrecked at Jen’s Joint, hoping to have some music in the future but until then, dancing is allowed anytime, I’ve witnessed it.

5. Elixir- This modern contemporary lounge has all the club music. Always open on the weekends starting at 9 or 10, this is a hot spot for locals and hip clubbers who are looking for some DJ spins. Music ranges from hip hop to pop contemporary in English and Spanish with an electronic twist. Get your groove on here until early morning hours as most of the patrons are not sitting down. Located: half a block east of Matamoros, on Durango St. in the Mirador Beach area.

6. J J’s Cantina- as the saying goes you haven’t been to Rocky Point if you haven’t been to JJ’s. Located in Cholla Bay, most long time visitors of Rocky Point will have a story to tell you about a night at JJ’s:  my advice, sit down and grab something to drink, it’s probably a good one. Of course the motto, ‘no sniveling’, is all over the walls, as well as thousands of pictures from the past of fun times and memories at JJ’s Cantina. If you have witnessed JJ’s in the past you might just want to check to see if your face is on the wall. When Roger Clyne is in town, the place will be standing room only, but any other time, you can find a place to dance on the dance floor, even if there is no band. No problem here, dance where you want. Check the JJ’s Calendar for upcoming live music or stop by day or night and relax on the beautiful Cholla Bay. This June 6-9, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers concert weekend, will bring lots of groupies to JJ’s and those just remembering the good ole days.

So in May, dance the day away… it doesn’t matter whether it’s a waltz, line dancing or hip hop… it doesn’t matter where you dance…even if it’s in your condo, balcony,  hotel or on the beach.  Don’t forget when all else fails, take some music with you, a few good friends and do some beach moves…sandy dancing with the  Sea of Cortez as your backdrop, is always a spectacular place to dig your feet in. Just dance…

Let us read and let us dance—two amusements that will never do any harm to the world- Voltaire

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. -Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Kindle, NOOK and Amazon.com.

Dia del Ejercito, Army Day, is commemorated on February 19th. The Mexican Army is the combined branches of the land and air services and is the largest of the Mexican Military, aka, the National Defense Army. Mexico rejects interference of one nation in the affairs of another nation and has no foreign nation-state adversaries. The Mexican Military is only concerned in matters of issues within their own country.

Dia de la Bandera, Flag Day, is celebrated on February 24th. Since 1937, Flag Day has officially honored the current and previous flags of Mexico. As the War of Independence from Spain ended, February 24, 1821 General Vincente Guerrero declared Mexico’s independence and presented the new Flag of the Three Guarantees.

Aniversario de la Expropiacion Petrolera, the Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation, is commemorated on March 18th. President Lazaro Cardenas declared, on March 18, 1938, that all oil reserves found in Mexico belong to the nation, as stated in the Constitution of 1917. Vigorous political support from the labor unions and the Mexican population earned President Cardenas and his government strong support. On June 7, 1938 Petromex, now called Pemex, was created.

Heroica Defensa de Veracruz, Heroic Defense, is celebrated on the 21st of April, commemorates the defense against the US occupation of the Mexican Port of Veracruz in 1914. Cadets studying at the Naval Academy located at the Port fought the US Marines. Lieutenant Jose Azueta, a cadet, manned a machine gun outside of the academy on his own, causing a number of casualties. He did, eventually, become one of the fatalities of the battles which lasted for 6 months. Fifty-six Medals of Honor were awarded to the young men from the Academy by the Secretary of the Navy.

Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May, celebrated on May 5th is one of the most important celebrations for Mexico. It is not their Independence Day but, for them that day represents their valiant fight to maintain their independence from foreign invasion. On the morning of May 5, 1862, in the town of Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico City, a Mexican army of 4,000 brave men smashed 8,000 French, well trained soldiers. The French Soldiers had the most modern war equipment of the day, under the command of Napoleon III. The victory was a remarkable feat not only because the Mexicans were armed only with machetes, sticks and stampeding cattle but, were outnumbered 2 to 1. Cinco de Mayo is an official holiday in the State of Puebla, but a civic holiday for the rest of the nation.

Natalicio de Miguel Hidalgo, May 8th, the birthday of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla; who initiated the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1810 with the famous speech known as El Grito.

Dia de la Marina, June 1st, Marine’s Day or Navy Day, the Ministry of War created the Mexican Navy in 1821.  From 1810 through the mid 19th century, Mexico was in a constant state of war with Spain which would not recognize Mexico’s independence. Mexico’s first fleet was purchased from the USA to remove the remaining Spanish ships from its coasts.

Dia de los Niños Heroes, September 13th, Boy Heroes Day, celebrates the battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War of 1847. Chapultepec was a fortress that guarded the gates of Mexico City, it also served as a military academy. The Americans assaulted and captured the fortress, but Mexico takes great pride in the 200 cadets, some as young as 13 years old, who bravely fought to defend the gates.

Grito de Dolores, Cry of Dolores, is commemorated on September 15th. El Grito was the shout that started the War of Independence against Spain on the eve of September 16, 1810; El Grito was a speech made by Miguel Hidalgo at a church chapel in Guanajuato. There are usually great festivities with fireworks at the Municipal Building in the evening.

Consumacion de la Independencia, on September 27, celebrates the end of the War of Independence from Spain in 1821.

Natalicio de Jose Ma. Morelos y Pavon celebrates the birthday of Father Morelos in 1765, on the 29th of September. He is considered one of the founding fathers of the Mexican nation.

Descubrimiento de America, Columbus Day, October 12th; commemorates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 149

You may think that when the big yearly events are over, Rocky Point returns to its lazy, small-town fishing village personality. Fat chance. There’s still plenty of fun stuff going on. I don’t know where they find the energy, but some people can’t sit still for a minute. Like Louie. You remember my Greek friend who has offered visitors and locals everything from fishing charters to Rocky Point’s first Greek restaurant? Well, he’s at it again.

CAP’N GREG: What is it this time? A sunset cruise with baklava and bowling?

LOUIE: Well, we still have baklava, but El Greco’s Gyros is mainly Greek fast food.

CAP’N GREG: So where are you located?

LOUIE: Corner of 19th and Plutarco Elias.

CAP’N GREG: Could you be more specific?

LOUIE: Cross the tracks on Calle 13, and turn right before Peñasco del Sol, go six blocks, look for the smiling couple in the blue aprons under the covered patio.

CAP’N GREG: Wait. You serve food and smile, too? What a concept.

LOUIE: Kim and I do our best.

CAP’N GREG: What’s on the menu?

LOUIE: Good, honest food. Gyros and chicken plates, Greek salad. National Hebrew brand hotdogs, and I do burgers, too. All the trimmings you want, and much more.

CAP’N GREG: But what if I’m thirsty?

LOUIE: I sell Cokes and water, but you can supply your own adult refreshments if you want.

CAP’N GREG: Hours?

LOUIE: Food this good has a narrow window of opportunity. El Greco’s is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Orders-to-go at 638-112-9692.

CAP’N GREG: Do I get a free meal for writing this?

LOUIE: Opa! Not in your wildest dreams.

Jeni O’Callaghan

Yes we have Rey del Mar, a great PIRATE SHIP…just Google Rocky Point Boat Charters to see what you like.

Hi – I just recently subscribed to the RP Times but have been reading the paper for many months. In the February 2013 issue Tom O’Hare talked about his great experience with the office of Dr. Grijalva and listed his phone number. I did call it but got a recording in Spanish. I must admit that’s where I got lost. Does Dr. Grijalva have an email address per chance?? Or another means of contacting the office? Would appreciate any help you can give. Looking forward to receiving the next issue of RPTimes!

Sonja Guss

Mario got your message on the answering machine, and he will be calling you back, so you must have done fine with the message in Spanish!

Hello: We had been hearing about the baby boomers event that is supposed to be there the end of April. We just got out copy of the Rocky Point Times and haven’t seen anything about it. Can you tell us if it is still in the schedule? We come down from Colorado and hope not to miss it. Thank you.

Greg and Dena Schick

We haven’t reported anything in the Rocky Point Times because there is nothing to report, as yet. Last we heard, BOOMERFEST has been ‘re-scheduled’ for sometime this fall. Thank you for being a RPT reader! You can always check our Rocky Point Times Newspaper Facebook Page…we will report there first.
SandyO

We just returned from another great trip to Rocky Point, and noticed your new article on “Finding Paradise”. What a novel and inspiring idea! Below, please find a “Letter to the Editor” of the Rocky Point Times that we sent in October, 2012. Unfortunately, it was not published. Perhaps, you may be able to mention this little piece of paradise in one of the upcoming editions. We are confident that if you eat at La Cita Café, you will make sure to tell your friends about it.

Hola! Yes, this was published in our January issue page 54. Thanks for Writing.

SandyO

Rocky Point Times, please have a subscription for the Rocky Point Times sent to us at the following address.

Jeffray Jorgewson

Paradise Valley, AZ

Enclosed check to renew my subscription. What a pleasure to keep up with the ever changing happening in Rocky Point!! Cholla Bay has been my “Home away from house” some over fish visit (a camping trip) in 1947 – Five generations (a 6^th on the way) have enjoyed our second home and continue to cherish our love for Cholla and its surroundings.

Jean Troxell

Cornville, AZ

Hi Sandra, thanks for the great paper! It’s always so informative and has lots of interesting articles, about our favorite vacation destination! I’ve been coming down since 2005; multiple times a year…I have a friend who lives here now. You may remember a few years ago when I wrote to you about the 31/2 year old who had crossed eyes; my friends and I did fund raising and drove him and his mom and aunt to Hermosillo where he had surgery by a bilingual pediatric ophthalmologist! His eyes are much better now (I visit him out at the Invasion where he lives). I last saw him in January, and asked him mom if he’d started kindergarten yet (he’s now 5 1/2 I think). Well he did start, but it turns out he has “selective autism”…He will only speak to his mother or brother, and only if they’re alone…So the teachers said he has to go to that “Special School”, The Escuela La Montaña. I was wondering if you tell me where it is. I’ll be down again on 3/24 for 4 days, and would like to visit it if possible. Do you know if they have any special teachers there for this condition? Selective autism, from what I’ve read on the internet, is an anxiety disorder, usually treated with one-on-one therapy (but in the presence of the mother. Do you know of any child psychologist in town? I could pay for therapy if he needs extra, more than what could be provided at the school. I thought if anyone would know of resources in town, it’d be you! My Spanish is passable, but I’m by no means bilingual (I only married into a Hispanic last name!) Thanks for any help you could give. Thanks.

Jennifer Cordova

Thank you for the great paper each month. I really enjoy keeping up in things down there when we are up here (Idaho).

Julie R.

Dalton Gardens, Idaho

Now that Reggies is closed where can you get a Breakfast Burrito to go? Also tried to go to the Aquarium and it hasn’t been open is it gone also?

Chuck Fischl

Oh my! You and Tom are missing the Reggies burrito already! There are many “Taco” stands who make breakfast burritos, go look!

I had a wonderful experience this last week at Sandy Beach Medical Clinic. Everyone speaks English and the facility is clean and first class. Dr. Gonzalez has taken great care of me and my kids.

Missy Crawley

Scott wrote: “Thank you for the reply and the help. We had left before I was able to check back on FB. Yes, we did get our ride. Finished the trek through the Pinacates early on Thursday at the visitors center. Very difficult trek through some of the most remote country I’ve ever seen. BTW the new visitor’s center is fabulous! Spent Thurs night at the Peñasco del Sol hotel drinking margaritas and celebrating our crossing of the Gran Desierto de Altar.

Scott Lunt

How cool! We have been there many times…always in a vehicle, though. Good for you!

Of course!! I liked the Rocky Point Times Newspaper Page because Cholla Bay feels like my second home

Karlene Quattlebaum

Thank you! We are OVER 3,000 ‘Likes’ on our FB Page already!

Sandra this IS the perfect fortune! And you picked the most perfect time to share this as that pleasure will come for me and my family Thursday afternoon. PERFECT! See you at the seashore.

Lynnette Gutierrez

“FORTUNES AWAIT YOU AT THE SEASHORE” was the saying from the fortune cookie.

Foto seleccionada para ser la portada del periódico The Rocky Point Times del mes de abril, muchas gracias Sandra O’Hare. Thank you for choosing one of my photos for The Rocky Point Times cover for this month, I just realized today!

Eddie

The April cover photo is Perfecto!

Love your magazine online.

Gary Hann

Thank You!!! We NEVER, EVER thought, 20 years ago, that you would be reading our paper online!!!

Thank you! So nice to make your acquaintance! Maybe someday we will meet in Puerto Peñasco. Out trip fell through, I missed the good airfares. We will come another time. I will contact the person you suggested for our next trip though. Our big extended family and friends visit as often as we can. Thanks for your Facebook page info…It’s delightful to hear about the whales when there is snow outside!

Stacey Barnhill

What are the open hours for RPT’s?

John Cuevas

Rocky Point Times Office is Open Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM.

July 20!! Can’t wait for some sun…sand…water!

Anna Xtina Meneses

In July, you will get a lot of SUN with your Sand and Water!!

I am trying to remember the name of a resort we stayed at a few years back. Do you know what the resort is called between…Princesa De Peñasco and Sonoran Sea resort?

Leslie Hooper Smith

The resort between the Princesa and the Sea, is the Sonoran Spa Resort

Oooooo…Vegas!! This is the new airport close to us out here in Playa Encanto…will keep an eye on the price of a flight!

DebJo MSki

Supposed to begin in June of this year!

We were just there @ Pink Cadillac 2 weeks ago- we stayed across the street at El Mirador- Was Very nice and we got to bring our dogs too!

Cindy Leonhardt

Oh, cool. Thanks for the heads-up, we didn’t know Mirador was pet friendly.

When I was in PP a year or so ago, I was staying out past the police station towards the Pink Cadillac. I would walk over to the bar on the beach at Vino del Mar, I believe. Anyway, they were serving on tap a new amber beer and I can’t remember the name of it. The bartender said you could get it in bottle in MX City but only keg elsewhere in country. Anybody know the name? It was to die for! I enjoyed many a sunset sipping good beer and running my toes through the sand!

Patricia Bird

I cannot figure out where you were? BUT if it was more than 2 years ago, it would have been an ice cold Indio that was being served. Indio is now sold in Rocky Point in bottles.

I couldn’t really find much on that site mainly because there is not a lot in English…I was more concerned about packaged products or anything opened already…Fruits and vegetables caught me by surprise as I didn’t think they were a problem. We do buy a lot down there just some things are more of a personal choice. Like I said, I have been coming to RP for 40 years even before there were any resorts down there. Things have changed a lot and I can go with the flow…some people in our party are just really stressed about it all and what they can bring…thanks so much for all of your help

Karen Butler Guy

Buy your beef when you get to Rocky Point! Don’t pack any vegs/fruits…ours are better here, anyway. You won’t have problems with a package of breakfast rolls, or an open box of cereal. What are your friends most concerned about?

Hi, Thank you for your like, sure I will let you know. Now we are a restaurant bar and we are open from 12 to 10 pm and our menu is seafood, pizza, wings, burgers snacks etc and we are a family restaurant and on the weekends we will have live music late night, for sure we are going to get an ad in your newspaper…Thank you so much.

Caribbean Parrot

Cool! Tom and I will have to drop by to see you there on Sinaloa! SandyO

This is fantastic, I just read your great April edition down here in Auckland New Zealand, now I can keep up to date with one of my favorite places in the world, awesome job.

Michele MacKenzie

How cool! Yes, read RPTimes online now.

Could someone please tell me the name of the pirate ship company and the info so I can finally do it when I come back down. My family and I have a beach house east of town and have been coming down for 15 years!

Kate Barnhill

Sure! The Pirate Ship Reservations can be made by phone 383 5490 or @ Balboa’s Restaurant at the Marina!!

Sandy,

Thanks for responding so quickly! Yes, a real estate (ReMax) agent, she said she resides in Rocky Point; she told us about it, she had to go to Hermosillo, to get her paper work up to date. She advised us of this…FM3′s are out. We called Douglas, AZ Consulate…they confirmed FM3′s are out…now Visas are in. We plan to go to Douglas next week, and get the current information. Our FM3 had expired, so we wanted to get it updated, when we called them about renewing the FM3, they said, FM3′s are out…but bring it in with other things…like a bank statement…etc. We will let you know what we find out in Douglas, AZ… sometime this week. But Gretchen has already gone through this…Best regards…and are you getting the wind we are getting? 40 -60 mph Cochise County (Sierra Vista)

Bryant & Deb Ballard

Yes, this is new law as of 11/12…SINCE YOUR FM3 HAS EXPIRED. If you still had a CURRENT FM2 or FM3, it would still be good (until it’s next expiration date). The FM2 and FM3′s are being phased out, for a more convenient ‘card’. Yes, we have known Gretchen for many, many years. She gave you good information…I just always want to know the whole story before I answer a question like this, and you did just that. I think you are on the right track!

SandyO

We’re heading your way for a week Monday then were planning to head to Yuma for a cycle rally. Should we skip the new highway and go all the way up to Gila Bend and over? Seems like trouble every time I try to go through San Luis.

Tracy Paul Gruber

I don’t have trouble getting through @ San Luis (except one time, years ago, when our car overheated on a weekend night). Lannette went through today, I’ll ask her when she gets back. Who knows? You never know how busy it will be.

Got the paper the next day, neighbors are waiting for me to finish reading it. I told them I digest every word, especially CHEF MICKEYS.

Edward Swafford

In the March Editorial, I wrote about “Never a dull day in Paradise”, and the need for part time visitors to have a local inexpensive cell phone for use in case of an emergency. Then in last month’s Editorial I told you how we lost the grill off the Hummer while we were having a sunny breakfast at Balboa’s. Well, one day mid-April I had a rare day planned for myself. A day to catch up on my “Honey To Do List.” I had planned on servicing our solar system (we have no electric or water at the Ranchito), do some plating, yard work, etc. I had been outside working, when my neighbor Larry, yelled over the fence, “Tom, answer your da__n phone”. I had left my cell in the house on the charger. It turned out that my daughter, Lannette, was on her way from Rocky Point to Yuma, Arizona and her truck broke down about 10 or 15 miles south of El Golfo. She needed help so, after trying my phone with no success, she called the Rocky Point Times and the ‘real boss’ of the RPTimes Offices, Alicia, tracked me down thru my neighbor Larry. I called Lannette and told her I was on my way. Dirty work clothes and all. I couldn’t help but think, “Oh well, another day in Paradise, at least she had a cell phone”.

About an hour and a half later, I hooked up a tow strap to her truck and we headed back to her and Wayne’s home in Laguna Shores. A long time later, traveling at the break-neck speed of 45 miles per hour, and seeing buggies, cars and semi-trucks pass us going about 70 MPH, we finally pulled up to their house. It seemed like it took us 5 hours when it was actually about two and a half. I told Lannette, “I’m going to shower and change clothes, then you’re buying my dinner”. She agreed and we went to Mikky’s Beach Club Restaurant, which is located on the property of Laguna Shores Resort. It was a gorgeous and warm evening, sitting on Mikky’s patio by the pool with a spectacular sunset. Lannette had a shrimp plate and I had a shrimp linguini. The food was good, the service and presentation was excellent and the price was even better. Two dinners, two cocktails under $25dlls. During dinner, the general manager of Laguna Shores Michael Cline, stopped by to say hello. When we went to pay the bill, we were told, “It’s on Michael”. Thank you Michael, that treat was totally unexpected! Lannette, YOU still owe me a dinner. Just another day in Paradise.

Many times in the last five years, I have written about my friend and local dentist, Dr. Grijalva, and said that during some procedures, that I have almost fallen sleep. What I haven’t wrote about is our conversations about the game of golf. Thru the years I’ve bought some used clubs, putting green, wiffle balls, etc. for Dr. Grijalva, who had never held a golf club or been near a golf course. Many, many times I’ve left his office saying, “When are we going to play a round of 9 holes?” Over the Easter week, Semana Santa, we finally made it on to a golf course at Laguna del Mar. Dr. Grijalva, with his 12 year old son along for inspiration, Wayne Corcoran, and I started out. On the very first tee-box, between Wayne and I, we put 5 balls 30 feet in front of us in a sand trap. Dr. Grijalva was down the fairway. I should have known right away, it wasn’t my day. As Wayne and I approached the first green, coming out of yet another sand trap, we looked up and there was Dr. Grijalva driving his cart around the pin looking for his ball. We waved him off the green and explained that it was a no-no to drive a cart on the green. After 9 holes, with Wayne and I having one of those not-so-good-score-card- days, and Dr. Grijalva proving to be a natural on the course, we called it quits. All and all it was a great fun day and I am looking forward to another round. Thank you Wayne for all your golf tips and patience, from both of us, Dr. Grijalva and I.

Lots going on this month. May starts out with May 1st being our Dia de Trabajo (Labor Day), a national holiday with many businesses closed (Our offices included). The events begin with Cinco de Mayo weekend and the RPTimes 34th El Golfo Run, probably the largest group we have ever hosted. Same weekend is our 2nd Annual Tequila Fest & Mariachi Festival, a Garage Sale at JJ’s Cantina to support The Santa Claus Club, Rocky Point Riders Bikers Fest, the Annual Fundraiser to support Puerto Peñasco Vida Joven (Young Life) at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Plaza), and the actual Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) which is not a National Holiday, but many will celebrate. Mexico Mother’s Day is always May 10th and this year, two days later, is USA Mother’s Day on May 12th. Every year when the days fall on different dates, Sandy always celebrates BOTH days. Check the ads in this month’s paper for special meals, coupons, and deals for Mother’s Day. Mark your calendars for May 15-19 to be at the Mayan Resort for the Annual Uniting Nations Cup with golfers from Mexico and the USA vying for top honors. The 1st Annual Tequila 125 Off-Road Desert Race will be Saturday the 18th, with the awards given out that afternoon at JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay, and finally the event that everyone is waiting for…The 2nd Annual Las Vegas Charity Night Sponsored by Sonoran Resorts to support DIF, will be Saturday May 25th. Check this month’s RPTimes for all the information about these big events. Also, Sandy posts all the events (that we know about) on our Rocky Point Times Newspaper Facebook Page, and she says, “Thank You!”, to the almost 3,200 readers who have liked our page just in the last two years (since she figured out how to run it). It’s a big month in Rocky Point, with many events and beautiful weather, so ‘COME ON DOWN’. Memorial Weekend is always a time which draws crowds to our beaches, so be careful, have fun, and be safe! JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE!

Macadamia crusted flounder

6 large filets of flounder

2 Cups macadamia nuts roasted unsalted

2 Cups all-purpose flour

2 Liters vegetable oil

4 Cups tempura

4 Cups Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Cups cold water

Chop the macadamia nuts, and then add them to the Panko bread crumb.

In a small bowl, put the 4 cups tempura and add the 2 cups water to the tempura. Make a thin batter.

Put oil in a heavy skillet and bring the temperature to reach 350°. Season the fillets of flounder with salt and pepper, put the fillets in the four, then put them in tempura batter then the Panko and macadamia nut mix. Cook the prepared breaded flounder in hot oil (one at the time) until golden brown and there you have it! Serve this great fish with a nice rice pilaf and broiled asparagus and enjoy everyone! We, here at Chef Mickeys Place, want to wish all of the beautiful mothers in the world a happy and wonderful mother’s day! Don’t forget to stop by Chef Mickeys Place for a fine dining experience!! Reservations are strongly suggested! Kind regards until next time. Chef Mickey.

March 9th was the date for the third Women’s Horseback Ride, and ,73 women signed up to commemorate International women’s Day (IWD) by riding their horses from the baseball stadium located in Juarez blvd to Lomas Campestres. Throughout the ride they displayed not only their friendship and joy to be a woman in a time when women’s rights and choices have improved dramatically over the 1900′s when IWD began as International Working woman’s day, but also their strength, capabilities, solidarity for one and other and of course their beautiful horses in their best tack. They sported the now traditional pink T-shirt and many beautifully braided equines, one even had stars shaved on his hair plus a beautiful and elaborate French braid on his tail. Stallions, geldings and mares all walked peacefully alongside each other with their female riders; even if some of the stallions have a little bit of huffing on the way everyone arrived safely at the final destination.

The organizers, who started these 3 years ago and have no political agenda, make a lot of effort to make this a safe, fun, enjoyable event. Their love for horses, riding and getting together with others who like to ride is their inspiration to organize this ride commemorating IWD every year. They also offer classes for people who don’t know how to ride before the parade, and can help riders without horses find a borrowed horse if necessary.

Many Thanks to: Rita Borboa, Ambar Terriquez and Greta Terriquez for making this a fun and safe event for all the women of Puerto Peñasco.

Music was provided throughout the parade, with a mobile sound system. Police and many admiring gentleman were helping anyone who had any issues with their horses or tack, which made all the women riders feel safe even if they were just beginner riders.

Throughout the parade, prominent families of Peñasco displayed some of their most beautiful equines including a Friesian Stallion, Lusitano, and Spanish horses together with the well beloved quarter horses, Thoroughbreds and Mexican Criollos. There were dancing horses, beautifully braided manes and tails, tooled saddles, and generally well behaved horses throughout the ride even with stallions in between the mares.

Some of the women who didn’t have a horse to ride still showed up to take pictures and cheer their friends on from the streets as did some gentlemen admirers of the beautiful women who attended the ride. This fun event ends with a get-together with everyone enjoying Mexican food and drinks. Everyone had fun and the bond of being a woman strengthens during this once a year ride that brings horse lovers together.

Have fun, enjoy your horses and friends and most of all the joy of being a woman in this day and age when being a woman is a whole lot better than it was in the 1900′s or ever before!

January 1^st, the first holiday of the year, is of course, New Year’s Day.

Constitution Day is celebrated on the first Monday in February. This day commemorates all the constitutions of Mexico. The Constitution of 1857, known as the Reform Laws included such things as: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, the right to bear arms, civil liberties for all Mexicans, the reaffirmation of the abolishment of slavery, debtors prison and the death penalty; it secularized marriage and greatly curtailed the power of the Catholic Church. The Constitution of 1917 was drafted during the Mexican Revolution of 1910 – 1917. This is still the Constitution in force today.

President Benito Juarez Day celebrates his birthday of March 21, 1806. This holiday is observed on the third Monday of March. Benito Juarez became a lawyer in 1834 and a judge in 1841. From 1847 to 1852 he served as governor of the state of Oaxaca. He was president of Mexico five times. He helped draft the Plan of Ayutla, demanding the deposition of Santa Anna and the implementation the Constitution of 1857. He is known for his efforts to modernize his country and for restoring Mexico to a Republic.

May 1^st: Labor Day, commemorates the union movement of the Mexican worker. Article 123 of the Constitution of 1917 gave workers the right to organize labor unions and to strike. This article also provided for the protection of women and children, an eight hour work day and a living wage.

Independence Day: September 16^th. Since 1825, Mexico commemorates the anniversary of the day, a Roman Catholic priest, Father Hidalgo y Costilla, made his dramatic speech, known as El Grito de Dolores. This speech propelled the start the war of independence from Spain. On the evening of September 15, 1810 Father Hidalgo roused the people to revolution in the town of Dolores near the city of Guanajuato. The war lasted 11 years. On the evening of September 15, a big celebration is held, usually at the Municipal Building, with speeches, food concessions, music and fireworks.

Mexican Revolution Day is celebrated on the 3^rd Monday of November. Francisco I. Madero led the uprising in 1910 against the dictator Porfirio Diaz. The war is acknowledged as lasting over 10 years. The Mexican Revolution is recognized as one of the most important and greatest upheavals of the 20^th century. This revolution brought about the manifestation the Mexican Constitution of 1917.

Christmas Day, December 25^th, celebrates the birth of Christ.

Besides the above mentioned statutory holidays, every 6 years, a new president is sworn into office on December 1^st and election days, as designated by federal and local election laws.

If you were one of the crowd estimated at 1,000 to 1,200 in attendance at the 6th annual Taste of Peñasco T.O.P. Chef Competition and Show on Saturday February 16, you surely experienced the atmosphere of “perfection” that prevailed throughout Plaza del Camarón, starting with the weather, as perfect as it could be, and the 32 exhibits, sold out and offering a perfect selection of homemade, manmade and fabricated arts, crafts and products, plus the food tents with perfectly prepared specialty dishes from all parts of Mexico, Italy, France, even Greece; the perfect mix of performers who provided a variety of music that created the mood of friendly celebration that permeated the plaza all day.  The center of attention was the creative perfection with which five of Puerto Peñasco’s best culinary artists showed their finest skills in the 6th annual TOP Chef competition to determine the supreme of the supreme among our city’s great restaurants.

Formerly known as the Iron Chef, The TOP Chef competition this year was as impressive as any you may have seen just about anywhere, and played out as dramatically. This year the distinguished panels of judges were showcased in the middle of all the activity for the tasting. The chefs were given the secret ingredient—coffee—not revealed until the beginning of the competition at 11:00 AM and which had to be used in each of three courses: appetizer, entrée and dessert and which the chefs had to prepare in a very tight time frame—15 minutes to prepare the appetizer, 30 minutes to prepare the entrée and 15 minutes to prepare the dessert.

This year the chefs were assigned a prep area inside a large tent divided into five sections. Each section drew a crowd of onlookers who applauded the chefs as each completed a course, which was then whisked away by formally clad waiters for delivery to the judges who were grading each course on presentation, creative use of the secret ingredient and flavor. It was quite a show and the creative presentation of the dishes by each of these outstanding culinary artists was worthy of the cheers and applause each received.

The distinguished panel of judges was of a caliber that didn’t have to pull any punches when it came to determining the TOP Chef among the competitors. However, even they had to admit that the decisions they made were close enough that any of the chefs could be deserving of the top award. But a supreme culinary artist did rise above the rest in the end and that chef, the T.O.P. Chef of 2013 was Neftalí Ponce of the Mayan Palace, announced by the First Lady of Puerto Peñasco, Rafaela Félix de Figueroa who is also the President of DIF, one of the three charities to whom the proceeds of the festivity were donated. DIF Director, Samuel Ortega Castro announced the second place runner up for TOP Chef 2013, Chef Juan Caballero of Mare Blu.

Sharing the stage with the First Lady and DIF Director, Samuel Ortega was John Fowler of JJ’s Cantina fame who’s Santa Claus Club was one of the charities benefitting from the Taste of Peñasco along with the local volunteer fire department.

DIF’s portion of the proceeds that were raised at this event are ear marked for their Hemodialysis Project, the badly needed medical device, lack of which right now is causing those whose life depends on such treatment to waste precious hours traveling out of town to access a machine.

Thanks to the kindness of Puerto Peñasco citizenry as well as a couple of gringos who spend a lot of time in Rocky Point, and who are without a doubt two of the most caring achievers on our planet, a surprising amount of additional donations were given Saturday afternoon specifically for the Hemodialysis Project.  First, local resident, Dr. Doug Allen presented the First Lady with a check for $1,000 US dollars. Then, Greg Bindel and Joe Rodriguez, both in the medical field in the Phoenix area, presented the First Lady with a check in the whopping amount of $7,000 US dollars.

Greg and Joe were fulfilling a promise made to Rosie Glover of the Tourist and Visitors Assistance Office (and head of the over-achieving committee who put this event together), that if they won the drawing for a Harley Davidson that was held last year, they would sell it and donate the funds to purchase a hemodialysis machine. God works in wondrous ways. Their good intentions were blessed as one of their raffle tickets was drawn for the Harley.  They were successful in selling the bike and promptly wrote a check to the DIF Hemodialysis Project for the $7,000 selling price. By the way, look for an in-depth story on this blog in the near future about the numerous times these two charitable individuals have miraculously come through with needed items for so many in our community.

If you were not among the crowd attending this year’s Taste of Peñasco, you’ll want to look for the dates of next year’s event—that will be the 7thsuch event—and mark your calendar to clear that weekend to come down to Rocky Point. In addition to the reasons above, we still didn’t cover all the great activities and fun that went on throughout the day, such as the constant prizes being given away from raffle drawings all day long. And the prizes were really exciting. And of course you can’t forget all the other fun beach, water and cultural activities that abound in our little slice of paradise by the sea.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Mark your calendars for Saturday May 25th, the date for this year’s Las Vegas Night of Charity. Because of the overwhelming success of last year’s gala event, this one promises to be even bigger and better. One of the major changes will be the venue. This year the event will be held in the second floor Sonoran Sky conference room, nearly 4,000 square feet of fun will be in store for this festivity, which last year proved to be one of the most popular nights in Puerto Peñasco and one of the biggest fundraisers for the Municipal DIF charity.

This year, in the larger space there will be more Black Jack tables, a roulette table and possibly a craps table. Another successful Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament like last year is in the works for this year as well. Tickets will include a buffet again this year which promises to top last year’s spread as the Sonoran Sky’s new Ocean View Restaurant will be open downstairs.

Attendees will be helping the very deserving City of Puerto Peñasco Family Assistance Charity Program (DIF) that for 36 years has provided vital services to needy families including food and medical care as well as shelters for protecting children from harmful family situations. While helping this worthwhile charity, attendees will also benefit themselves by using their winning chips to bid on a veritable plethora of fabulous prizes generously donated by local businesses and the many artists and crafts persons who reside in our little slice of paradise by the sea. Sonoran Resorts will donate all proceeds from ticket sales to DIF.

If you are a business, an artist or craftsperson and want to donate a prize, please contact Jim Ringquist at the Sonoran Sales Office by email or phone: rockypointjim@gmail.com or from the U.S. call 602-476-7511; locally, call 638-105-9357.

Look for more updates in our blog as we get closer to the date and after organizational meetings with the First Lady, who serves as President of DIF.

This article is brought to you by The Sonoran Sales Group, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.