Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 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 local happenings and community announcements, plus some upcoming events that you won't want to miss.

Summer FUNdraiser Nets $39,700 pesos for Los Mangos Library

The Los Mangos Library Summer FUNdraiser, held at the beautiful Villa Mandarinas in Mismaloya on Sunday, August 24th was a splashing success, as over 200 people enjoyed a day of fun in the sun at one of the most spectacular oceanfront villas on Vallarta's Southern Shores. The event, an Open House/Pool Party that allowed guests to enjoy the villa's three swimming pools, kayaking and snorkeling, as well as live Brazilian music and a fashion show, raised a total of $39,700 pesos for Puerto Vallarta's Public Library, Biblioteca Los Mangos. These proceeds will help support the many programs available at Los Mangos, which is not "just a place for books," but a true community cultural center that offers a variety of activities and workshops, including music, dance and art. "Our goal was to raise $30,000 pesos," commented Villa Mandarinas proprietor, Gabriela García, who also serves as Vice-President on Los Mangos' Board of Trustees. "We are thrilled to announce that, between admission ticket sales and food and beverages sold during the event, we did much better than expected." The library belongs to this community, and depends solely on donations to keep it up and running, so this extraordinary day of fabulous food, friendship and fun in the sun was for a great cause.

International Festival Gourmet Vallarta, November 13th-23rd

The International Festival Gourmet Vallarta, a popular culinary event that takes place in area restaurants every November and hosts distinguished Master Chefs from all over the world, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year from November 13th-23rd. This year's Festival Gourmet International will showcase 29 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit & Tepic, each one offering a spicy blend of culinary talents, as local chefs invite guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels from around the world into their kitchens to experiment and exchange culinary secrets. Those who are familiar with Vallarta's annual Gourmet Festival can expect some of the same spectacular festivities you've come to know and love - like the Chef's Table and Winemaker Dinners, the fantastic Sunday Brunch and the spectacular Final Gala - and a few new events, such as Progressive Dining, a night of Jazz, Wine & Cheese, and the "Festival Gourmet Cup 2014" Polo Tournament. For more information, visit FestivalGourmet.com.

Copa Vallarta Soccer Tournament, November 13-17

From November 13-17, one of the most important amateur soccer events in Mexico, the Copa Vallarta Soccer tournament, will be celebrating its twelfth year of giving young athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills against the best national and international competitors while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. Both males and females from 6 to 16 years of age will be competing in teams using a Round Robin system with each team playing a minimum of three games. Considering the importance of this tournament, it will be a great source of national and international tourism for Vallarta. All competitions are free and open to the public, so make plans now to come out and support our young athletes. For more information, registration, and game schedules, visit CopaVallarta.com.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• 2014 World Tourism Day Celebrations in Vallarta

• Kaiser Maximilian Celebrates Las Fiestas Patrias

• ExPats in Vallarta September Happy Hour