San Pedro celebrates the Year 2000

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 10, No. 1            January 6, 2000

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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"!



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