“There are two big events in Rocky Point” my old realtor friend tells me, as we enjoy Bloody Marys on the sunny patio of Colins’ Cantina. “The Roger Clyne Concert, and the rest of the year.” Well, everyone knows there is a lot happening in Rocky Point. All the time. But when Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers come in June, it’s as if someone picked the place up like a snow globe and shook it. From the first guitar chord to the last hot dog at JJ’s, Circus Mexicus is the definition of a Rock and Roll beach party. New things are happening this time, and the stars seem to be aligning for a Peacemakers show unlike any before.

What things?

‘The Independent’ is out. It’s the groups’ 7th album, written, produced, and recorded by them. Songs from ‘The Independent’ have been road tested during a just completed tour, and will be on the set list this weekend.

Circus Mexicus gets closer to being a full blown festival with the inclusion of headlining acts on Friday night. The Sand Rubies and Cracker will be there.

The bar formerly known as ‘The Hut’ is now Banditos, owned by none other than Roger Clyne. It is fast becoming the base of operations for the singer when he is in town, as recent solo gigs demonstrate. It’s sure to be headquarters for this years show, as it is right across the street! Circus Mexicus has been in this spot before, a natural ‘ampitheater’ that slopes down to the stage.

Always full of excitement and surprises, Circus Mexicus is what starts the Summer spinning in Rocky Point. Go to Peacetimegoods for ticket information, and Seaside Mexico for room reservations.      By Richard Scott

Schedule of events

THURSDAY June 5th
Kick Off Party / JJ’s Cantina
7:30pm Random Karma
9:00pm Ghetto Cowgirl
10:00pm Hickman-Dalton Gang

FRIDAY June 6th
Main Stage
7:00pm Shurman
8:00pm Sand Rubies
9:30pm Cracker

SATURDAY June 7th
Eat & Greet / Banditos
6:30-7:30pm Peacemakers and guests
Main Stage
7:00pm The Black Moods
8:00pm Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers (with The Jons)

SUNDAY June 8th
PH Naffah’s Hot Dog & A Smile / JJ’s Cantina
11:00am Ghetto Cowgirl
12:00noon Sand Rubies
1:00pm Shurman
2:00pm The Black Moods
3:00pm Shawn Johnson
4:00pm Elvis Before Noon
5:00pm Random Karma

 

Every place has its’ traditions. Pioneer Days, Home Coming, and Fourth of July fireworks are memories for those from the U.S., especially of if you are from a small town. Not too long ago, Rocky Point was a small town. It grew up with its’ own mix of special days. But above all others, the most important and anticipated was El Dia de la Marina, which today has become Marina Fest.

Marina Fest is a week when the fair is in town, and starts with a parade of the young ladies who want to be festival Queen. There are musicians and comedy acts too. But originally there was just one special day to honor the sailors of the Mexican Navy (known as the Marines). For someone growing up here, it was the best day of the year.

“We waited all year for this, we did” says Caperina. “Everyone, even poor people, dressed up. The whole town wore blue and white, because it was for the Marines. Everyone lived at the fair, no one wanted to go home.”

Like Memorial Day in the U.S., the fun and excitement was only part of what the day was about. “Shrimp boats, and ships from the Navy gave rides. All of the town was there.” A tradition that continues today. “An offering was made to remember sailors and fishermen who had been lost. A wreath of flowers was placed in the sea.”

Friday night will see the coronation of this years Queen. The fair continues throughout the weekend, headliner Susy Aguilar performing her tribute to the late Jenni Rivera on Saturday. On Sunday, June 1st, ships of the Mexican Marines will again be open to the public. By Richard Scott

 

Coming to town next week, bringing good times all the way from Tempe Arizona…well yeah, RC and the Peacemakers, sure. But a weekend of great music starts Thursday, June 5th with Acoustic Carpet, performing in Las Conchas Park.

The Las Conchas Community Relations Committee is putting on the show, and like all of their events, money raised will go to good causes around town. Rocky Point is lucky to have a number of people who put their time into helping others. Every year, Las Conchas puts together a full calendar of events that support those in need, including a massive yard sale and beach bocce ball tournament.

This is the second year that Acoustic Carpet has played here. Talented guys, they perform their own songs, as well as covers that turn into long jams. The perfect vibe as the sun sets. Like a big back yard party, bring your lawn chair and pop a cold beer. Sing along. Watch the kids dance barefoot under the twinkling lights. Maybe you will too.

The 2nd Annual Concert in the Park starts at 6:30pm on Thusday, June 5th. The cost is 5 dollars. All proceeds to benefit the Community Relations Committee Charities. Local singer-saxophone player Richard Scott will open the show. The Park is located in Las Conchas, near Cedo. Look for the signs.            By Richard Scott

El Tapeo (ubicado en Playa Bonita) el lugar ideal para encontrar una gran variedad de vinos en Puerto Peñasco, ofreció el ambiente perfecto para la presentación de “Hombres Valientes”, la mas reciente novela histórica del escritor nativo de Puerto Peñasco, Guillermo Munro.

El pasado Sabado 3 de Mayo, ‘Don Memo’ como le dicen con afecto, estuvo en esta ciudad como parte de un tour promocional que está realizando en algunas ciudades de Mexico para presentar su mas reciente libro, que tambien la llevará proximamente a Estados Unidos iniciando con su presentacion en Phoenix Arizona.

“Hombres Valientes” habla del intento faillido de Henry Crabb por conquistar teritorio Mexicano en 1857. Caborca Sonora (dos horas al este de puerto peñasco) fue el sitio de esta batalla donde los pobladores locales exitosamente defendieron su tierra, muriendo unas 100 personas, incluido Henry Crabb.

Personas viviendo el extraordinario y muchas veces dificil ambiente de Pimeria Alta, desierto del norte, es el tema en este trabajo de Guillermo Munro; ha escrito tambien novelas como “Las Voces Vienen del Mar” describiendo un rustico pueblo de pescadores que fué Puerto Peñasco, tambien escribió “La Ruta de Los Caidos” que cuenta la historia de inmigrantes cruzando el desierto durante la Gran Depresion.

El trabajo de Guillermo Munro, uno de los mas reconocidos escritores Sonorenses, fue recientamente adquirido para realizar una pelicula dirigida por Bertha Navarro, que será filmada en Sonora.

La presentacion de “Hombres Valientes” en El Tapeo fué presenciada por unas doscientas personas. El programa incluyó lecturas de sus libros, comentarios y la oportunidad de tener un libro autografiado por Don Guillermo Munro.

El Tapeo (located by Playa Bonita on Sandy Beach) is a great place to go for a glass of wine in Rocky Point. A place with an atmosphere just right to present “Hombres Valientes”, the latest historical novel by Puerto Peñasco native son Guillermo Munro. This past Saturday, May 3rd, ‘Don Memo’ as he is affectionately known, made a stop in his home town as part of a promotional tour that has taken him throughout Mexico, and includes an up coming presentation in Phoenix Arizona.

“Hombres Valientes” tells the story of the ill fated attempt by Henry Crabb to annex Mexican territory in 1857. Caborca Sonora (2 hours east of Puerto Peñasco) was the site for a battle where the local citizens successfully defended their land, resulting in the death of over 100 members of the raiding party, Crabb included.

The theme of people living in the extraordinary and often difficult environment of the Pimeria Alta, Sonoras’ vast northern desert, recurs in the work of Guillermo Munro. His previous novels include “Las Voces Vienen del Mar”, set in the rustic fishing village that Rocky Point originally was, and “La Ruta de Los Caidos”, telling the story of immigrants crossing the desert during the Great Depresion.

One of Sonoras’ most well regarded authors, Guillermo Munros’ work has recently been chosen as the bases for an up coming feature film, produced by Bertha Navarro and to be filmed locally in Puerto Peñasco and the nearby Piñacate  Biosphere Reserve.

The presentation at El Tapeo saw close to 200 people attend. The night included readings from his work, and a book signing.     By Richard Scott

Home made fudge. Jewelry. Hand woven baskets. Rocky Points’ Shimp Park (or Plaza Camaron) turns into a craft fair two Saturdays every month when the Mermaids’ Market sets up shop.

Mermaids’ Market is the creation of Russ and Naomi Black, Puerto Peñasco residents who support the work of local artisans through this event. On the first and third Saturday monthly, October through June, ‘Mermaids’ is the place to be for fun shopping, live music, and food from local vendors. Look for special events too. Last month saw a pirate costume contest and cajun cooking (shrimp boil, red beans and rice, yum). Mermaids’ Market runs 10am to 3pm on the first and third Saturdays, October through June. More information is available at Mermaidsmarket.com            By Richard Scott

Guess which state has the highest percentage of boat owners? Surprisingly, it’s Arizona. Being right next door, so to speak, Rocky Point is the closest ocean access for boaters who want more than a lake. Every May for the past 10 years, the Cinco de Mayo Regatta brings the beauty of sailing catamarans to Rocky Points‘ waters.

What’s a Regatta? It means ‘race’. Part of a series of races, this event is hosted by the Phoenix Hobie Fleet 66. The popular and innovative Hobie Cat design is on display, with 3 or 4 races each on Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th.

Lay your blanket on Sandy Beach during Cinco de Mayo weekend, and enjoy the show. The friendly folks from Fleet 66 will be happy to talk about the boats they love. Who knows, you may become a convert too. Many start in the sport by becoming crew members.

The Cinco de Mayo Regatta is on Sandy Beach, Rocky Point May 3rd and 4th. Tucsons Fleet 514 hosts the other big sailing event of the year, the Pinata Regatta, during the first week of October. For more information see the Fleet 66 website.
By Richard Scott

Coming up on Saturday, May 24th (Memorial Day Weekend) is the next installment of the Dirty Beach Mud Run. Challenge yourself to 5 kilometers of crawling, climbing, and balancing your way to the finish line.

And mud. Getting dirty is a big part of the event. For one day Rocky Point Speedway turns into the mother of all mud pits. Balance beams and climbing walls cover what is normally a short course race track. Most days, an instructor co-pilots you around the oval while you learn how to drive a race car flat out fast. The Dirty Beach Mud Run is a race too, and there are those who come to win. Go for the gold, or see how much you can take, either way the Mud Run is a fun time.

15 different obstacles await you, as well as various surprises and refreshment stations. Refreshments as in water, beer, or shots. Following the event, stay for the big beach party afterwards

Rocky Point Speedway is at the end of Sandy Beach near the reef, on the way to Cholla Bay. Doors open at 10:00am, with the first ‘wave’ hitting the course at 11:00am, with additional waves every hour. Pre-register online, or at Playa Bonita on Friday the 23rd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for discount pricing.

By Richard Scott

“Cuando me coroné dos veces campeón nacional, el periodico ‘El Imparcial’ empezó a escribir la historia de mi vida y fotos con letras grandes llamandome ‘Un Gallo de Pelea’, despues la gente empezó a llamarme así tambien,dijo Juan Francisco Estrada, explicandonós cómo se le empezó a conocer con el apodo “El Gallo”.
Es oficial, El bi-campeon mundial de Puerto Peñasco defenderá su titulo el proximo 26 de Abril aqui en su pueblo natal. Fué el mismo Juan Francisco quien pidió que esto sucediera.
La gran pelea se realizará en el nuevo Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Peñasco Sonora.
Los aficinados podran ver a su Gallo y Richie Mepranum pelear por los titulos peso mosca WBO/WBA.
Abrá 8 combates antes de la pelea principal.
El Centro de Dialisis local sera el beneficiado, los aficionados al box tambien! Juan ‘El Gallo’ Estrada estará cumpliendo su meta de tener un evento para la gente de su pueblo, sus ‘homies’.
Los boletos ya están a la venta !

by Richard Scott

“When I became 2 time national champion, Imparcial started captioning my stories and photos with giant letters ‘UN GALLO DE PELEA’ (a real fighting rooster) and then the people started doing it too.” Says Juan Francisco Estrada, explaining how he came to be known as “El Gallo”.
It’s official. Rocky Points own world champion “El Gallo” will defend his title April 26th here in his home town. And he is the one who pushed to make it happen.
The fight takes place at Puerto Peñascos’ Convention Center.
Fans will get a chance to watch Gallo and Richie Mepranum battle for the WBO/WBA Fly weight titles. There will be 8 bouts before the main event. The local Dialysis Center will benefit, boxing fans too! Juan is fullfilling a long time goal to have an event for the people of his home town. His ‘homies’.
Tickets are on sale now.

by Richard Scott