Ajijic is preparing to hold its 13th “Thrill The World” event, where zombies young and old, Mexican and expats, dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and raise money for local charities.
Rehearsals have been underway since September 2 at the Centro Cultural Ajijic every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Nonetheless, Thrill Ajijic director Donald Stordahl says it’s never too late to put on your inner zombie and join in the dance.
The event itself will be held on the Ajijic Malecon, Saturday, October 28, from 2 p.m., and include entertainment both before and after the dance.
Community is key
Thrill The World Ajijic is a global event that raises money in the same way that a walkathon does, by getting pledges. This year’s goal in Ajijic is to raise money for the Chapala Cruz Roja construction fund. The institution is currently building a new emergency wing on its property located next to the Cristiania Park.
Chapala Cruz Roja President Yolanda Martinez said the Jalisco Red Cross has found a benefactor that will double any funds that go toward the construction project.
A new twist is that this year a group of about ten witches, the “Brujas y Brujos de Ajijic,” choreographed by Melody Peterson, will take the stage on the plaza around 2 p.m. for a Flash Mob dance before heading down to the Malecon, throwing candy to any children they meet on their stroll. They will perform again on the Malecon stage at 3 p.m.
The zombies will then maraud their way down to the Malecon basketball court to act out the Thriller number for the crowd at 4 p.m.
Various surprise dances will be performed when the Zombies finish their gig, after which the audience will be invited on to dance floor.
The Thrill Ajijic event also raises funds by hosting VIP tents on the Malecon where the various dances will be held. DJ Panda will keep the turntable spinning until 7 p.m. and snacks, drinks and dinners will be served from 2 p.m. on — this year by Diane Smith’s Simply Joyful.
Keeping cool
Supporters who wish to be out of the sun and enjoy the dancers can purchase a VIP ticket, 500 pesos presale and 600 pesos at the gate, for a seat at tents set up in front of the Malecon stage. Sixteen tables, each for ten people, will be offered. The tents will open at 2 p.m.
Snacks and beverages
Drinks include water and soda for 35 pesos, beer at 45 pesos, wine at 50 pesos, and margaritas at 55 pesos. Snacks are 65 pesos: chicken salad sliders with chips; pulled pork sliders with coleslaw; Italian pasta salad; and filet mignon and veggie skewers. Tickets for drinks and snacks can be purchased from three different cashiers at the food tent.
Dinners are offered for 250 pesos and include the options of chicken picata, beef Stroganoff or shrimp skewers, all served with mashed potatoes, veggies and a small salad.
Dinner tickets must be prepaid and can be purchased online at ThrillAjijic.com and also at Simply Joyful, Pancho’s (both Riberas and West), Casa del Sol Inn and Mel’s Casa Social.
Patrons can bring their own umbrellas, seats, snacks and drinks, but should get to the Malecon early to get a good spot.
Last year more than 100,000 pesos was raised for the designated charity, the Tepehua community center. This year, Stordhal hopes to bring in more for the community’s most important medical facility.
You can make direct deposits to the Cruz Roja construction fund at Banamex account number 4335520373. WhatsApp the deposit receipt to Martinez at 331-485-9048.