Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Vallarta news headlines, a couple of community announcements, and a few upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

Celebrities Tie the Knot in Riviera Nayarit

Actress and singer Alexa Vega and her new husband, actor and dancer Carlos Pena, chose to tie the knot in Mexico’s Pacific Treasure on the first weekend of the New Year. Alexa and Carlos said, “I do,” on Saturday, January 4th, before their family and closest friends. The wedding took place at the Grand Velas Hotel in Nuevo Vallarta. The North American couple with Hispanic roots took to the social media airwaves to keep their fans informed of every detail. Carlos, known for participating in the children’s show, Big Time Rush, tweeted “Epic day! So, so, so, great!” A few minutes after the event, Alexa, known for her starring roles in Machete Kills and the Spy Kids franchise, tweeted what made the rounds of both the social media world and the international media — “Mrs. Penavega” — in reference to the fact that they changed their last names once they were married.

Aeromexico Becomes First Mexican Carrier to Link Puerto Vallarta to US

Aeromexico introduced seasonal flights from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to Chicago O’Hare, IL (ORD) on December 21, 2013. The 2,870-kilometer sector will be served weekly (Saturdays) with a 737 until January 29, 2014 when Wednesday flights will be added. Service ends on April 26th. This winter there are some 130 weekly flights between Puerto Vallarta and US airports, all of which, with the exception of this new Aeromexico service, are operated by US carriers. Competition on the route is provided by American Airlines (nine weekly flights), United Airlines (two) and Frontier Airlines (one).

"Fast Eddie" Hosts a Texas Size Barbecue Benefitting BBWS

On Sunday, January 26, 2014, "Fast Eddie" will host a Texas Size Barbecue with entertainment by The Texas Embassy Blues Band to benefit the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter. This FUNdraising event is scheduled to be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at La Cuiza Galería Concepto, where you'll enjoy a Welcome Margarita, a BBQ dinner, Jello Shots, live music, Karaoke and a Silent Auction for just $200 pesos. For those who want to sing Karaoke, but need a little "liquid courage," La Cuiza will be offering special prices on Beer ($25 pesos) and well drinks ($45 pesos). Tickets are available from Fast Eddie at La Cuiza's Thursday night Karaoke, or Nacho Daddy's Sunday night Karaoke, at Carol's Boutique on Basilio Badillo or by contacting David Zude at compassionforthefamily(at)yahoo.com.mx, or 044-322-103-2451. Scheduled to be completed this year, the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is working with Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family Inc. and Mexican Social Services to provide an immediate, temporary and safe living environment for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence; to prepare them to be financially independent through jobs, education, English second language education, non interest small business loans; and to assist them in living a life free of violence through professional counseling. Please join us in supporting this worthy cause.

Greenpeace 'Rainbow Warrior' Visits Vallarta

As reported ealrlier this week, the Rainbow Warrior, flagship of the environmental organization Greenpeace, is touring Mexico over the next couple of months to show the public alternatives for building a more sustainable future. She will be in the Puerto Vallarta marina from Saturday, January 11th through Monday, January 13th and will be open to the public for tours and photographs. The schedule of events is as follows:

Saturday, January 11
12:00 until 8:00 pm - Boat is open to the public with on-board tours and photo exhibition.
7:00 pm - Screening of the documentary "Un Salto de Vida" ("A Leap of Life")

Sunday, January 12
10:00 am until 8:00 pm - Boat is open to the public with on-board tours and photo exhibition.

Monday, January 13
10:00 am until 7:00 pm - Boat is open to the public with on-board tours and photo exhibition.
7:00 - Screening of the documentary "Un Salto de Vida"

Adriana Lopez, volunteer coordinator, said that the tour aims to teach the interested public alternatives that will help to protect our natural resources while showing the potential of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
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• 1st 'Ballenarte' Whale Festival in Puerto Vallarta

• Puerto Vallarta South Side Shuffle January 10th

• Festival Sayulita, January 16-18th

• 3rd Annual Taste of La Cruz, January 18th

From February 4th through December 31st, thousands of BanderasNews.com readers voted for the city’s greatest tastes in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, the first edition of an annual poll that encourages our readers to vote for their favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants. To ensure that the results reflect the unbiased opinions of Vallarta residents and visitors, the votes are now being counted by a team of independent judges, and the winner of each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Keep watching BanderasNews for details.