No to Low

The snow birds have returned to the north and we are in the midst of what is known as “Low Season.” But the good people at Paradise Community Center have declared this as “No to Low” season. Every couple of weeks they are opening their doors, stage and kitchens for an evening of good food, good drinks, good entertainment and good friends.

This past week, about a hundred people, mostly full time residents of Puerto Vallarta, enjoyed a “Western Roundup” at the center, featuring live entertainment by Rocky Rivers, a Nashville recording artist, and recorded music provided by DJ Stacy, who is also a line dance instructor. The theme menu for the evening included a choice of sloppy joe or pulled pork (donated by Carnes del Mundo) sandwiches accompanied by potato salad, beans and cole slaw. Also available was chicken and fish satay with peanut sauce. Of course, there was an assortment of cold beverages available, and at Book and Bean they had coffees and tea as well as desserts.
To add to the atmosphere of the evening, peanuts were placed on the tables, and videos of The Lone Ranger and Tonto, and Roy Rogers with Dale Evens and Andy Devine were shown. After dinner, Stacy held a dance class, and taught several dozen people a number of line dancing steps.

In future weeks, the community center will have more theme nights with food and entertainment. Coming soon will be “Latin Fever” night, featuring guitarist Eduardo Leon, who received a standing ovation a few weeks ago at Cabaret Concert night. This will be followed by “Italian Night,” and on July 2nd, there will be a BBQ to celebrate Canada Day and US Independence Day complete with a Rock & Roll band. In mid-July they are planning an “Asian Night” and the beginning of August will see a “Classical Night.”

These theme nights, sponsored by the Paradise Community Center, do more than bring people together for food, entertainment and fun. Funds raised from ticket sales, food and beverage sales, and a 50/50 raffle are put to good use in feeding children and mothers. The center, under the name Compassionet Impact, in partnership with New Beginnings, provides between 700 and 800 meals every week to less fortunate people.

The community center holds the Farmers Market every Saturday morning, the Worship in Paradise Church services on Sunday mornings, the Book and Bean Coffee Shop and book exchange 7 days a week, and recently added Alexander hair salon. It is located on Pulpito, across the street from Coco’s Kitchen and the former Kit Kat.

The Paradise Community Center, with its modular stage that can be configured for almost any type of event or situation, a good lighting system and a wonderful sound system, is becoming the place to find good entertainment, good food at reasonable prices, and a place to mingle with friends during what some people call “low season.” But here we call it “No to Low” season. This is a place for full time residents to enjoy the summer months, and with fewer people in town, the availability of nearby parking.