Beach Party History

In 2011, volunteer, David Boyd came up with the idea of making a CD with the songs of the many talented local musicians and calling it “Sounds of San Carlos”. Then he thought it would be a great idea to have a big beach party as a CD Release Party. So, our first party was held at La Palapa Griega March 27th, 2011. Thank you David Boyd, who passed away last year, for your wonderful idea, we think of you each year about this time as we plan for the next one.

That was also when the idea of a community service award was born and our group had recently lost a valuable member of our group and our community, Doug Marshall, so we decided to name the award after him for all the help he gave our community over the years. The very first winners of the award were Dick and Diane Newlon, long-time volunteers and fundraisers with Rescate. Since that time, Jean Baker, Glen Fraser, Sophia Reid, Nancy Leras and Bill and Betty Lou Hammer have won the award. We are now looking for another recipient of this award for our 2016 Beach Party. Please see our new website for information on how to nominate one of our many great community members.

The Beach Party has evolved and changed a bit each year, with the hope that we are making it better and more enjoyable for everybody. Last year we instituted the idea of pre-selling tickets for the barbecue dinner and using tickets for beverages. It has helped the wait staff and made the process of getting drinks and dinner much quicker and simpler. Raphael at La Palapa Griega has worked with us to add a beach bar, more shades and more wait staff for the day of our event.

It is always held toward the end of March, before Semana Santa, and has served as a “going away” party for many of our snowbirds heading back to the US or Canada for the summer.

Of course, we always have Castaway Kids merchandise available, CD's, a silent auction with lots of great items and a 50/50 raffle.

But the best part is the MUSIC! How lucky are we to have the wide variety of music available to us on just about any day of the week. These same musicians we enjoy at the different venues around town all come and donate their time and talent to help the kids and others of our less-fortunate neighbors who are served by Castaway Kids. In addition, the new members of the Esperanza Azteca Steel Pan Band will make their debut at this year's event. We have a whole new group of young students who are dedicated to the steel pan band, along with Gaby, a teacher dedicated to teach the pans. We plan to have some of our sponsored students there and hope to have Andrea Castro singing again; and we hope to have some dancers performing. Keep an eye out for posters going up around town with the list of entertainers.