The 4th of July is a big celebration in Mexico Beach. The day starts off with the Sandy Shoes 5k Fun Run and ends with our Best Blast on the Beach fireworks show. This year was another great time, and we hope all our friends enjoyed the festivities. A big thank you to all those who made the race and fireworks show possible.
And the Winner Is. . .
Up for grabs last month was a gift certificate from Mexico Beach Sweets, and the lucky winner is Bonnie W. from DeWitt, Michigan. Congrats, Bonnie!
JULY GIVEAWAY
This month’s giveaway is a 24-hour paddleboard rental, including the life vest and paddle, from Top Notch Beach Rentals. Don’t worry about packing everything you need to bring to the beach—Top Notch Beach Rentals has you covered. They offer a large inventory of beach gear, including golf carts, paddleboards, fishing poles, cabanas and tents, chair packages, and much more. To place your name in the hat, send an email to Kathy at [email protected].
Meet Mexico Beach
This month, we’re delighted to introduce the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, also known as MBARA. Formed in 1997, the MBARA works tirelessly to conduct and promote scientific research and evaluation of reef designs, development, and fish production. They have deployed over 290 artificial reefs into the Gulf of Mexico, and many of these reefs support a variety of marine and crustacean life. Part of their fundraising efforts comes from the annual Kingfish Tournament on July 26 and 27. Tournament coordinator Mitch Coleman has invited everyone to enjoy the captains’ party and weigh-in. Both events will be held at the Mexico Beach Boat Ramp Park and are open to the public. We are happy to have the MBARA as one of our great organizations here. If you’d like to become a member, you can! For more information on getting involved or registering for the tournament, visit MBARA.org.
Farmers & Craft Market
JULY 13 & 27
Come spend the morning at the Mexico Beach Farmers & Craft Market at Parker Park, located at 2500 Highway 98. Vendors will include produce, fresh jellies, one-of-a-kind crafts, and much more. Each market is sure to have new vendors, so be sure to come every time. If you’d like to be a vendor, sign up now. This market is put on by the Special Events for Mexico Beach, Inc.
Annual Photography Contest
Now–July 31
Get ready to print those pictures and try your hand at our annual photography contest. The Mexico Beach 24th Annual Photography Contest is open for submission and runs until July 31. We welcome all photographs taken in Mexico Beach, past or present. We hope you will capture Mexico Beach through your “eyes” and enter our photography contest.
MBARA Kingfish Tournament
July 27
Grab your bait, gas up the boat, and get ready to hit the Gulf of Mexico to reel in the big one! Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association is proud to announce its 28th annual Kingfish Tournament. This year’s tournament will take place July 26 (Captains’ Party) and July 27 (Fishing Tournament and Weigh-In) at the Mexico Beach Boat Ramp. This tournament is the largest fundraising event for the MBARA.
A friendly reminder:
Mexico Beach is a Leave No Trace community, and we appreciate your assistance in helping us keep our beaches clean. Any items left on the beach unattended from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will be removed and disposed of by the City of Mexico Beach. Items include, but are not limited to, tents and tent frames, beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, toys, etc. Also, please fill in any holes before you leave and please remain off the sand dunes and out of the sea oats to ensure their continued nourishment. There are boardwalks and walking paths that can be accessed to reach the beach. Your assistance with these requests will keep our beaches beautiful and pristine. For full details on this ordinance or questions, click here or contact City Hall at (850) 648-5700.
Lobster Dip
We publish this delicious dish with the compliments of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association cookbook. (MBARA.org)
INGREDIENTS
8 oz lobster meat, drained and flaked (can or fresh)
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 Tbsp lemon juice
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 Tbsp butter, softened
1 Tbsp prepared horseradish
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix lobster meat, onion, lemon juice, cream cheese, butter, and prepared horseradish. Continue mixing until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until serving. Serve with bread or crackers, and enjoy!
Summertime
It’s here! What do we think of summer?
Well, summer is:
When hair gets lighter and T-shirts funnier
It’s flip-flops, sunhats, and belly laughs
Lots of sunscreen and ice cream
The mermaid is off duty—send snacks
Beaches make the best friends
Palm trees, ocean breeze, funny tees
Yoohoo, beaches, where's the party?
It’s lots of vibes and funny jibes
It’s sun, surf, and lots of silly fun
We sweat glitter in the summer heat
Dog and Pony Show
A “dog and pony show” refers to an extensive demonstration or display designed to impress someone—often a sales event or product display. The events inspiring this phrase initially involved a real dog and pony. The shows were usually found at circuses and carnivals to attract customers with a display of animal talents. Over time, the “dog and pony show” expanded in meaning to any impressive or entertaining show to help showcase a product or event.
