Official start
Well here it is, the first week of December, the official first week of “High Season.”
Buses and taxis are arriving daily fully loaded with the snowbirds who have happily left Old Man Winter behind. Rental units and campgrounds are filling up fast. The sidewalks, stores and restaurants are jammed with returnees and newcomers who only want to get settled in and then sink their bare feet into the golden sand. Authors, artists and musicians are all honing their talents for all the upcoming events in the weeks ahead. Hang on to your hats folks — it’s going to be a fun ride!
Up on the roof
Casa Luz hosted the first of their Roof-Top Cinemas this past Sunday night.
Patrons enjoyed a delightful film called “The Biggest Little Farm.” Its focus was about John and Molly Chester (and their dog) who leave the “security” of corporate careers. Taking a leap of faith, they buy a 200-acre farm one hour outside of Los Angeles, and become farmers.
If you think that this is a remake of the old “Green Acres” show, think again. This documentary is an irresistible sleeper movie. Caza Luz offers independent and often thought provoking films once a month. A portion of the proceeds from the evening is donated to the School Garden Program here in the town. I may not be Roger Ebert, but I give this venue a “thumbs up.”
Without music, life is B-flat
No danger of that happening here! A wonderful diversity of music fills the town all winter long. Whatever genre you crave, you’ll find it and if your feet start tapping, feel free to just dance like no one is watching. Here’s is just a start of where to “get what you want!”
Bahia Azul Restaurant: Live music four evenings a week. Mondays: dance music by Amadeus, 7 to 10 p.m.; Tuesdays: Los Banditos Rock Band, 7:15 to 10 p.m., Thursdays: guitarist Mario Muntalago, 3 to 6 p.m.; Fridays: Latin music with Frida and Adrian, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Palapa Joe’s Restaurant: Wednesdays: Scottie Turner, easy listening music to dine by, 7:30to 10 p.m.
La Playa Restaurant – Manglar: Rock from 7 p.m.
Crocodile Bar & Cabanas Restaurant: Featuring a variety of artists seven days a week, morning and night.
Litter news you can use
La Manzanilla Hermosa is committed to making our pueblo litter free and our Bay of Tenacatita plastic free.
Vicki Mercer, the lead on the Litter Patrol Committee, has announced that our town administrator (delegado) Francisco has arranged to manage the lending of eight litter grabbers and buckets. These can be checked out at the Delegación office to anyone willing to do litter patrol around their block or on the beach. The pails can be emptied into any one of the large blue garbage buckets around town. They have been donated by La Manzanilla Hermosa.
The Delegación office is located directly across from the town square, and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also connected with La Manzanilla Hermosa is the town’s recycling program. New this season is a giant mesh heart that has been placed in front of the Gran Caiman Hotel on Lazaro Cardenas to drop off your plastic caps. All sizes and colors are welcome. Once full, these caps will help fund cancer treatments for children.
There also is a recycling depot located on the street behind the elementary school, where the rest of your plastics can also be dropped off.
Upcoming events
• Pickleball begins Monday, December 9 at the basketball court in La Manzanilla’s park. Games are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8 to 10 a.m. Membership is 300 pesos for the season, or 30 pesos for drop-ins.
• The tennis courts located at Quinta Valentina’s Restaurant are in full operation. Reservations for court times can be made at the front desk of the restaurant.
• Bachata dance classes with Stephen Eiring begin Monday, December 9, 5 p.m. The classes will be held at the home of David and Debbie Dagoli, the first house north of the crocodiles on the beach.
• La Manzanilla’s Writers Group will once again present its Spoken Word Charity Series, beginning with an open mic night on Monday, January 6, 2020, 7 to 9 p.m. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Dave Sullins Memorial Art Fund, which supports art programs for the children of La Manzanilla. A Story Slam and Charity Invitational are also planned for later in January and February. All these events will be held at Casa Luz, Calle Boca de Rio 75.
• The Bocce Ball White Affair Dinner Dance is scheduled Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Bahia Azul.
• The Careyes Polo Club will be hosting tournaments throughout the season. It is located between kilometer 49 and 50 on Highway 200. Entrance is complimentary, dress casual elegant. Enjoy the sport of kings while you’re visiting here.