06102016Fri
Last updateFri, 10 Jun 2016 6am

North Banderas Beat – November 21, 2015

Beach Bags

Over the summer, large, upturned plastic bottles were fixed to poles at the seven beach accesses between the arroyo, which marks the south side of Bucerias centro, to the Decameron Resort Complex, at the southern edge of the city.  The aim is to keep these “containers” filled with plastic shopping bags, like the ones used to package purchases at area supermarkets.

Beachgoers are being encouraged to take a plastic bag with them to pick up trash they see on the beach and/or bring bags to replenish the containers. 

Local dog trainer/sitter Donita Hart says she loves the containers being so handy when she takes her “herd” for their daily morning walks on the beach.  “I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten to the beach and had to share my bags with other dog owners so they can pick up their dogs’ poo.” 

The idea for the beachside plastic bag project came about after Guadalajara Reporter columnist Harold Sokolove saw a Facebook post by Bucerias resident Herbert Kuntz. 

Kuntz had photographed a four-liter plastic jug that he had hung on a lamp post at the curb in front of his house with a label imploring people walking their dogs on his street to use the plastic bags contained inside.

Sokolove ran the idea past the staff of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bahia de Banderas mayor, who gave the project a thumbs-up, recognizing that it would improve the town’s image and involve locals in beach clean-up efforts. 

Visiting Crocs

Looking for something to do out of the ordinary while in the northshore? 

Go for a tour of the Crocodile Sanctuary El Cora and you will experience something new and different.  

Animal behavior specialist Ruben Saavedra has taken on the responsibility of caring for these amazing reptiles and now is offering tours of the sanctuary and surrounding areas of the Quelele Lagoon, located on Highway 200 between Bucerias and Mezcales, where you will be able to observe many different species of crocs in their natural habitat.  

The sanctuary’s hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.  The entrance fee is 20 pesos per person.  

Call 322-208-0722 or visit Santuario de Cocodrilos El Cora on Facebook for more information.

Christmas Boutique

Trying to plan all the shopping, cooking and preparing to entertain family and friends at your holiday get-togethers? 

It’s daunting enough for those who live here full-time, but for those who are away from familiar kitchens and cooking supplies it can be quite the challenge. 

This year, Beta Sigma Phi service sorority members suggest letting them do the work for you.  

The annual Christmas “Easy Entertaining Boutique” will be held in Bucerias on Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lazaro Cardenas 52.

Says Boutique chairperson Karen King: “In addition to the home-made crafts and baked goods we’ve always had, Beta Sigma Phi decided to add an easy entertaining theme to our boutique.

“Those who have attended wine and cheese parties in previous years know what delicious treats our members can make. This year, you can purchase things frozen and ready for you to pop in the oven to impress your guests,” she says.

More detailed information will be coming out a few weeks before the event, but be sure to save the date. 

“We promise to be bigger and better and tastier than ever,” says King.

Cancelation 

Beta Sigma Phi regrets that they are unable to hold their popular yearly “Welcome Back Wine and Cheese Benefit” due to unforeseen logistical problems. 

Over the years, the benefit event funded the Operation Warmth program, which provided warm clothing and blankets to hundreds of families and senior citizens in Bucerias and La Cruz. 

That program will continue, funded from other sources, representatives from the organization say.

Amigos de Buceroias

Many residents of Bucerias have shown their support for the non-profit Amigos de Bucerias through their continuous membership. Now they are being asked to do more than just pay annual dues to the ten-year-old organization. 

It was announced in July that all of the present officers are ready for a change, meaning that Amigos needs four people to form the 2016 executive committee, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

If you are one of those people who have thought, “This should be done” or “why don’t you do this?” then this is the opportunity to put your thoughts into action and serve on the committee.  

The nominations need to be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to the attention of the nominations officer and should be submitted by December 1, at the latest.  

Members in good standing can nominate themselves or another member, with that person’s permission, of course. The term of office is one year.

Nominees will have to write a few words about themselves and to provide a photo, which will be placed on the Amigos de Bucerias website in order to get everyone prepared to vote for their choice at the Annual General Meeting in January. 

Nominees, as well as people making the nominations, need to be fully paid up 2016 members.

Memberships will be available at the December and January meetings for 250 pesos.

Adds Amigos President Veronica Barker, “Treasurer Dick Pickup and I will be available to help new officers make a smooth transition. It is time for some new faces and fresh ideas for the organization.”

Barker says any questions about the process can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Farmer’s Markets

Starting this month, there’s a farmer’s market going on almost every day of the week along the northshore, between Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz. 

The variety of artisanal and organic markets offer locals and tourists another shopping option during the high season, in addition to the more traditional markets, the tianguis tradicionales, which operate all year. 

Dozens of sellers and artists set up shop from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. in streets, plazas and other public areas,

Shoppers can enjoy everything from handicrafts to organic products, home-style food, accessories, jewelry, ceramics, yoga classes and live music.

Beginning Monday, November 23, the Monday Market at Art Walk Plaza in Bucerias will offer organic produce, gourmet foods, exotic coffee and home-made desserts, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Tuesday in Nuevo Vallarta you’ll find the Riviera Nayarit Farmers Market in full swing in the parking lot of the Centro Empresarial, from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. 

The Forever Spring Farmer’s Market takes place in Bucerias on Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., across from Sandrina’s Restaurant on Lazaro Cardenas

The Nuevo Vallarta Artisanal Expo opens shop on Saturdays, also from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  around the Marina paseo, across from the Mayan Palace Seagarden resort.

In La Cruz, you can browse the Mercado Huanacaxtle on Sundays at the Marina Riviera Nayarit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you’re looking for something organic and natural further up the coast from the northshore area, try the Mercado del Pueblo in Sayulita, happening every Friday on Calle Revolución, the Mercado del Sol in San Pancho on Tuesdays at the Plaza del Sol, or the newest market in the area, the Tianguis Lo de Marcos, on Saturdays along the main avenue.

No Comments Available