Carts carrying green, white, and red Mexican flags flutter over the streets of Rocky Point. September, the “Mes Patria” (Month of the Homeland) is just around the corner, bringing with it the celebration of Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16th), and even the start to cooler – less humid – temperatures in town. This also marks the unwritten “end of Summer” in the U.S., crowned with a three-day Labor Day holiday weekend. The RockyPoint360.com Weekend Rundown is back from a summer hiatus and looking forward to lots of activity this Fall! *First and foremost, be sure to subscribe to RockyPoint360′s updates and/or “Like” us on Facebook to keep track of fun things in and around town!* Also, if you’re interested in writing your own travel story about Rocky Point – be sure to check out the “Best Job in the World” Travel Writing contest (entries accepted through Oct. 10, 2012).
Before driving down to Rocky Point this weekend, there are some important things to know:
• Possible traffic delays – the main bridge in Sonoyta is being replaced, meaning there’s a detour over (through) Rio Sonoyta. This past year’s monsoon season has made its presence known at times in Sonoyta along this very detour. Good to check with Sonoyta police or U.S. entry post in Lukeville for any information regarding what type of delays to expect (if any) if the detour has turned into a wash. With a busy Labor Day weekend, plan for possible border delays when heading back North (read: stay an extra day!). (Remember, border entry at Lukeville is closed from midnight to 6 a.m.)
• Checkpoints – While on the U.S. side, there are two border patrol checkpoints set up between Gila Bend and the border, though you do not need to stop at these when heading to Mexico (but stay alert to speed). In Mexico, about 15 minutes North of Rocky Point, for the past few months there has been a checkpoint set up right at the highway intersection leading out to the Coastal Highway (east), Mayan Palace (west), Peñasco (south) – there are orange cones leading up to the stop, though hard to see at night so stay alert! Check this entry on the Laguna Shores Blog for other great tips on planning your Labor Day in Rocky Point: Allow plenty of time for travel this Labor Day weekend
Labor Day Weekend: Time to get active in town! Local golf courses The Links and The Club at Laguna del Mar are both offering special Labor Day Weekend specials, plus there’s the spectacular seaside course out at Mayan Palace if you’re headed that way.
The City’s Sports Institute invites everyone to join in the 2012 Global Challenge on Friday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. over at the Ana Gabriela Guevara racing track (behind the baseball stadium) for Zumba and other athletic activities.
Is yoga more your style? On Saturdays, from 6 – 7:15 a.m. Kundalini Yoga classes with Sangeeta Kaur –AvrilNoriega – on Playa Mirador at end of Sinaloa St. (follow Sinaloa past Capone’s and until the beach) Free!
Bringing a bicycle down? On Sunday, Sept. 2nd there is a family bike outing starting at 7 a.m. at the Health Center in town (near corner of Portugal Insurance), which will wind its way to the Malecon and back along Blvd. Juarez before heading out to CEDO for a history talk about Peñasco. Bring your bikes, helmet, water, and camera. Bike route is free – CEDO entry is 20 pesos/person (about $2 US).
If you’d like to burst a gut from laughter, rather than Zumba or cycling, stop by the Las Palomas Convention Center on Saturday or Sunday (Sept 1st and 2nd) for stand-up comedy with Gene Pompa from 8 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 US and there will be drinks for purchase in the comfortable comedy lounge set up for the gig. No kids, though we are told there will be a free Kids Club area (5 – 12 yrs) if you want to drop your parents off for some laughs and then go have fun. “Pompa’s television credits include several appearances on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien and CBS’ The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. Pompa has also starred in his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents special, as well as a half-hour comedy showcase on Si TV” (Laugh Factory).
On Sunday, September 2nd, join in on an Animal Fair & Pet Adoption Day at the facilities of Pet Effect here in town from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Pet Effect center is in town, kind of between Numeros and the railroad tracks. Another way to find it is turn on Sinaloa off Blvd. Fremont, headed for the tracks – immediately after the tracks turn left and continue straight about 4 or 5 blocks. The freshly painted Pet Effect facility will be on your right. Come for the raffles, see the center, and maybe even adopt a new pet (all Pet Effect animals are spayed / neutered).
Up for some music or dancing? Look for local bands around town including Agua de Coco at Elixir (Fri) or at Caribbean Bay (Sat), Riband at the Lighthouse, Rojo at Chango’s, DJs at the Icebox in the Mirador and more. Don’t forget sunsets and cervezas at everywhere from BooBar in the Old Port to JJ’s in Cholla Bay! Salud!
If you’re out shopping this weekend, in addition to paying a visit to Peñasco’s “Rodeo Drive”, or strolling past souvenirs and treasures in the Old Port, be sure to stop by Shrimp Park to see the work of artisans from Oaxaca who will have their wares on display and for sale through Sept. 10th.
Looking ahead
Harley Bike raffle to be held Oct. 6th! Tickets available now at Latitude 31, or catch up with Rosie Glover at Tourism and Visitors Assistance for a $25 US ticket for your chance at this 2006 Dyna Street Bob, 1440 CC, 6 speed transmission – one previous owner and only with 8000 miles on it. You could be rolling on a new bike just in time for the 12th Rocky Point Rally coming Nov. 8th – 11th.
September 15th – EL GRITO! Look for fiestas celebrating Mexican Independence Day – fiesta by RPR (Sonoran Spa and Sea) @ Chango’s, más fiesta at Puesta del Sol restaurant (Playa Bonita), fiestas and specials at local beach resorts and restaurants. Plus, the official “Cry for Independence” will be at City Hall on the evening of the 15th VIVA! Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16th.
September 29th – Bully and Pitdeporte Tunning Car Show – It’s a dog show and car show rolled into one fast and furious day! JJ’s one club open in Cholla Bay – a fun, sloshy day of seaside golf with your favorite club and amigos.
October 6th – Harley Raffle @ Latitude 31, InSANDity obstacle course @ Sonoran Spa & Sea, Funkalicious Volleyball @ Las Palomas, Back to the Beach fundraising dinner @ La Cocina de Ramón (in town) for the Las Conchas Community Relations Charities, 4th Jazz & Art Festival @ Peñasco del Sol, Angler of the Year Phase III ….
October 13th – Rocky Point Catamaran Challenge near Playa Bonita, Roger Clyne and PH Naffah (& special guest at Wrecked!! *tickets go on sale Aug. 31 at www.peacetimegoods.com) …
October 22nd – OTL Softball…
October 27th – Dirty Beach Mud Run! by Thunder on the Beach …
November 8th – 11th – 12th Rocky Point Rally
November 15th – 18th – Mystic Arts of Tibet
November 24th – Patti Springer Art in the Park (Las Conchas)
Upcoming events? Check out our Event Calendar! If you have information you’d like to add, please let us know at info@rockypoint360.com or cell: 638 380 8849, or from the US: 480-282-4226 For weekend rundown announcements, please get them to us at least by Monday-ish of that week…though the earlier the better! Don’t forget to subscribe to RockyPoint360.com to get all our articles and announcements and/or Like us on Facebook at Rocky Point 360.