|
Former Miss San Pedros adorn the stage
at Central Park
|
|
The
sounds of reunited local musicians bring in the New
Year
|
|
|
Hosts Celi and Steve during the Y2K bash
at the Holiday Hotel
|
|
|
Friends congregate at the Lions
Den to welcome the Year 2000
|
It was the long awaited night for the countdown to the new
century and throughout the world crowds gathered at various points to
celebrate this memorable occasion. La Isla Bonita also had its share of
fun and unforgettable activities set up for this historic event.
Celebrations commenced as early as 6:00 p.m. at the Pier Lounge where the
world famous Chicken Drop took place. To commemorate the occasion, two
games were played with two lucky players winning $1000 each. Many friends
and visitors gathered for the party which included free snacks, free
champagne at midnight and fireworks on the beach.
Not far away from the Pier, hundreds gathered at
Cental Park for what was the last night of spectacular shows leading up
to the new year. The show commenced slightly later than scheduled due to
technical difficulties. The delays kept the crowd wondering if we were
already experiencing the bite of the Y2K bug but shortly after the fear
was alleviated as the program started. After the singing of the National
Anthem the stage was filled with the matronly presence of past Mother's
of the Year from 1985 to 1999. Each beautiful mother on stage was
presented with a red rose and serenaded by the "Golden Voice of San
Pedro," Mr. Oscar Aguilar accompanied by Wil Nuñez and Dale Wallace. The
Mother's of the Year received the public's respect and admiration through
loud applause and were then escorted back to their seats. Honored mothers
were: 1985 - Martha Guerrero; 1986 - Martha Leslie; 1987 - Leni Alamilla;
1988 - Donatila (Chala) Rivero (deceased); 1989 - Lina Nuñez; 1990 -
Elvia Staines; 1991 - Marina Graniel; 1992 - Bina Paz; 1993 - Dalinda
Salazar; 1994 - Lola Rivero; 1995 - Angelita Perez; 1996 - Alba Luna;
1997 - Juliana Acosta (deceased); 1998 - Nena Squires and 1999 - Lina
Guemez. The always popular and graceful San Pedro Dance Company took the
stage and performed one of their popular dance renditions, "Wild, Wild
West."
Once more beauty, elegance and charm
adorned the platform as past Miss San Pedro queens made their appearance
on stage. Almost all the beauty ambassadors from the first Miss San Pedro
in 1955, Mrs. Leni Aguilar Alamilla to the reigning 1999 Queen Miss
Delia Alamilla were present. They were also presented with a rose and
serenaded by Mr. Oscar Aguilar, this time accompanied by his son David.
Members of Barbara's Dance Group then ended the show with a dance
selection. As the clock almost struck twelve, members of the Y2K
Celebrations Committee accompanied by Area Representative Patty Arceo
went on stage to address the crowd. Loud cheers signaled the New
Millennium as fireworks illuminated the skies and surrounded the park.
Immediately after, various local musicians congregated on stage to bring
back yesteryear's sounds.
The San Pedro Lions Club was also in full swing with
their annual dance. The Baile de Casados or married couple's dance was
especially well attended this year. Love Explosion from Orange Walk made
their first appearance in San Pedro bringing with them a wide array of
dance selections. Party favors were given out and the grand raffle was
done shortly after midnight. Many stayed at the Lions Den dancing the
night away and welcoming the new year with their partners and
friends.
The San Pedro Holiday Hotel hosted Grupo Mix from
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico and offered free party favors and champagne.
Various prizes were given away throughout the dance with the grand prize
being a round trip to Dallas, Texas, USA won by Selina Valdez. The
celebration at the Holiday Hotel was filled with glamour, good music and
great company.
A brightly lit "2000" sign greeted
visitors to Ramon's Village. The Purple Parrot Bar, was ablaze with
entertainment as Gilharry 7 rocked the huge crowd gathered to bring in
the new year. Champagne was flowing down throats and showering bodies as
the countdown ended and the Y2K began.
As you traveled the streets it was hard to imagine
that anyone had stayed home on this momentous night. Truly San Pedro is
the "Party Capital of Belize"!
|