Calling all Ghost and Goblins and scary creatures of all kinds. It’s time for the Saga Halloween Party. It’s the Humane Society’s 14th Annual Spooktacular Halloween Party and Costume Contest. Get your four legged furry friends ready for the best dang pet party in town. Come for lunch and stay for the fun! There will be contests and raffles and games and prizes. Face painting and sack races and so much more. Don’t miss the Celebrity Judged Costume Contest. The fun starts at 11AM. Parking is free! All proceeds will go to Saga Humane Society Spay Neuter Initiative Program. It’s hip to SNIP!
On Your Mark, Get Set, Paddle! – Paddle for fun, paddle for a purpose, paddle for health or paddle for a challenge at the Ambergris Caye Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge. All kayak paddlers are asked to get ready for the Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge that has been set for May 26 and 27, 2018.
The Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge, is a 42 miles, two-day kayak race starting on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye, through the many lagoons in the North Ambergris Caye Area, up to Bacalar Chico, then down to Robles Point, where all teams camp and the race then resumes the following day and finishes at the Central Park, in San Pedro Town.
The race will start at 6:30AM from the Sunset Boulevard near the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex, heading north through the mangrove channels of the lagoon area of Ambergris Caye. The race route takes competitors on a thrilling 2-days of fun starting from the San Pedro Lagoon through more than 12 lagoons in the North Ambergris Caye area, including Laguna de Mata, Laguna de Cayo Frances, Laguna de Cantena, Los Arenales, and Laguna de Mexico. Other beautiful points that are traversed during the race are the San Juan Area, Boca Bacalar Chico, Robles Point, Basil Jones, Punta Azul, and Mexico Rocks.
Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge Route
Day 1 – 25 miles
Lagoon side behind football in town – 6:30 a.m.
Sir Barry Bowen Bridge
Basil Jones Area in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve (paddlers camp out for the night)
Day 2 – 17 miles
Basil Jones Camp site – 9 a.m.
San Pedro Town
Awards
Awards are cash prizes given to the top three finishers (along with a trophy for first place) in each category (such as three winners for Adult Female, three winners for Junior Co-ed, etc.)
The Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge aims to “promote awareness, protection and conservation of mangroves, lagoons, reefs and the diverse species found in these natural habitats off the coast of Ambergris Caye.” The idea was birthed by Elito Arceo, from San Pedro Town, who is known to be an environmentalist and community activist.
Anyone interested in giving a donations whether it be in cash or gift certificate can kindly contact Elito Arceo at 610-1690 or Seaduced by Belize Office at 226-2554.
During this free, two-day festival, Mango Fest attendees enjoy mango-themed food offerings as well as non-mango dishes, browse locally made arts and crafts, while hearing the musical talent of Hopkins as well as other talented artists from around Belize and the world.
The Hopkins Mango Fest committe’s (HMF) goal is to promote Hopkins as a tourist destination in a fashion that builds on Hopkins uniqueness and promotes cultural preservation. This is done by featuring authentic Garifuna food and music through a clean, wholesome, culinary and culturally fun festival. It also provides economic opportunities during a time that has traditionally been referred to as “maga season” or thin season.
FOOD:
Hopkins is a blessed with an abundance of good food and is quickly becoming a culinary destination as there are about two dozen restaurants in our village of 2,500. Hopkins also has many “fast food” places that sell panades, street tacos, conch fritters, tamales, pastries, and other unique food items. The festival has a fusion of foods from all the cultures in Belize—Garifuna, Creole, Caribbean, European, and North American influences. Be prepared to sample such delights as mango chimole, chicken kebabs with mango salsa, ceviche, mango chutney, mango smoothies. There will also be many other non-mango food items such as the national dish of Belize-stew chicken, rice and beans, pizza, tacos, hamburgers, sausage on a stick, and much more!
MUSIC:
The Mango Fest Committee plans on featuring live music throughout the day that showcases the best of Belize and of Hopkins. Did you know three of the five members of the Garifuna Collective are from Hopkins? Plan on hearing Paranda music (Belize’s version of the blues,) Caribbean rhythms, Ray-gay, and much more. Check the Mango Fest Facebook Page regularly to see as the acts are confirmed for the festival.
ACTIVITIES:
Mango Fest Saturday, June 2:
6am – Floyd Arana Fishing & Tours hosts a dory fishing contest.
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
2pm – Miss Bertie’s Hopkins Community Library is hosting children’s’ story hour.
3pm – Dory fishing contest, weigh in.
Mango Fest Sunday, June 3:
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
Related Link: Eat as Many Mangoes as I Could at Hopkins Mango Fest
Caye Caulker celebrates its 25th Anniversary of their world-famous Lobster Fest. The 2019 has been scheduled for June 28 to June 30, in the backpacker heaven of Caye Caulker Island. Scheduled events include Miss Lobster Fest – Bartending Competition – Beach Games – Beach Party and of course tasty food.
Live performance with Pandemonium Steel Band and Marlyn Vansen on Friday night. Travellers Liquors Ltd Bartending Competition & POWDER PARTY will be in full effect! For the first time in Belize, Dj Scratch Master for Saturday Night – Music all weekend with Youth Connection Band – Julian Blue Wave Pacheco – Khris Alexander Rosado – Justin Jago Williams – K-Mix Evolution – Evolution Sounds – Kori Odyssey Dawson.
