Costa Maya Kicks Off with Noche San Pedrana

The long awaited Costa Maya Festivities kicked off in fine island fashion with the annual Noche San Pedrana held last night. Hosted by the San Pedro Lion's Club for the third consecutive year, the Lion's put out the welcome mat for La Reina de la Costa Maya Pagaent Contestants and the San Pedro community joined in greeting the young ladies to the Isla Bonita for a night of entertainment, dinner, fashion and dance.

The evening began with an address by reigning Costa Maya Queen 2010, Maritza Rivas.

One by one the Pageant Contestants were escorted to the stage and introduced to the applauding crowd.

Miss Belize, Liliana Mia Nuñez

Miss Nicaragua, Claudia Alejandra Trejos Gadea

Miss Guatemala, Gabriela Asturias

Miss Costa Rica, Krysia Ortiz Campos

Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

Miss Mexico, Priscilla Pastrana Lopez

Miss Panama, Yosibell Sánchez Espino

Miss El Salvador, Diana Ingrid Martinez Pineda

The Contestants, with Costa Maya Queen 2010 (center) and flanked by Miss San Pedro Lion's Club, Alexis Guerro (far left) and Miss San Pedro Rachelle Badillo (far right)

San Pedro Lion's Club President, Melanie Paz, extended a warm greeting to the Contestants.
The crowd was then treated to a fashion show where several clothing stores and boutiques on the Island showcased their designs. beautifully modeled by the Contestants.

After dance performances by the San Pedro Dance Company the crowd enjoyed a delicious dinner of roasted chicken with all the trimmings.

After dinner Rompe Raja provided jammin' music where Contestants got to dance with the crown and mingle.

Before the night ended the ladies were given a gift from the San Pedro Lion's Club, a very appropriate beach towel with the map of Belize on it!

Be sure to attend the much anticipated La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant this Thursday night!

TONIGHT...

Also on the agenda for tonight is the grand opening of Hidden Treasure restaurant at Coral Beach Hotel on Barrier Reef Drive.

Summer Camp 2010 draws to a close

For four weeks, children have been enjoying arts and crafts, diving, swimming lessons, archery, Be Kind Belize classes, visits from special guests like Mr. Eddie Halliday with his legal pet birds, SAGA puppies, and other fun people.

The month-long fun and activities at Summer Camp 2010 came to a close on Thursday, July 29. An awards ceremony took place at Reef Village by the pool, with kids getting fun awards for "Best Manners", "Miss Congeniality", "Mr. Friendly" and more.

At the final get together and awards ceremony, a very adorable baton twirling presentation was given for the parents and guardians. Special thanks to Jean Allred for teaching the girls the twirling skills!

A delicious rice and beans lunch followed with swimming and fun for the kids.

Organizer of the camp, Tammy Peterson is thrilled with the success of the first ever summer camp, which gave children a place to be to have fun and enjoy all that is available on the island and even beyond. Already plans are underway for next year's summer camp, which will be held in a new location. Look for information as it becomes available!!

Costa Maya Pageant Delegates Arrive!!

-Press Release-Costa Maya Festival Committee - July 30th, 2010 - The participants arriving today for the La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant are Ms. El Salvador Diana Ingrid Martinez, Ms. Honduras Nicole Yaret Hawit, Ms. Mexico Priscilla Pastrana Lopez, Ms. Costa Rica Krysia Ortiz Campos, along with Ms. Belize Liliana Mia Nuñez, and the reigning La Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas. They are presently staying at Ramon’s Village Resort in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye which is our official hotel for the Costa Maya International Festival 2010.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Ms. Panama, Ms. Guatemala and Ms. Nicaragua will not be arriving today. It has been confirmed that they will be arriving tomorrow morning to join the other participants in the week’s schedule leading up to the pageant on Thursday, August 5th, 2010.