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, some community announcements, and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Eva Longoria Expected to Tie the Knot in Riviera Nayarit

Actress Eva Longoria and fiance José "Pepe" Bastón, who is the President of Content and Television for Grupo Televisa, have reportedly chosen the Riviera Nayarit for their upcoming nuptials in February. The news was first reported in Life&Style magazine and by "La Taquilla" tele-journalist René Franco. The couple's wedding venue is expected to be Casa Aramara in Punta Mita. Owned by Joe Frances of Girls Gone Wild fame, Casa Aramara is known to be a vacation getaway for several well-known names, including socialite Kim Kardashian. The Desperate Housewives star (Eva) is already familiar with the Riviera Nayarit; in fact, she was there when her friend Mario López got married in 2012, which is when she fell in love with Mexico's Pacific Treasure. Several domestic and international media sources have picked up on and run with the rumor, even though the couple has been mum on the subject. Whether it happens or not, the rumors are giving the Riviera Nayarit a lot of media exposure.

Vallarta Botanical Garden Entry Fee to Increase

The Vallarta Botanical Garden is committed to providing a world-class botanical visitor experience while advancing its initiatives in conservation, research, and environmental education. We also continue to offer access at an affordable cost to the local public and provide complimentary visits to school children (over 2,000 in 2013). Amazingly this is all done without any direct government support. We rely on the generous patronage and contributions or visitors, members and donors to make this all happen. As inflation and costs of doing business increase, we must in turn assess our pricing structure and occasionally modify it accordingly. This past month the Garden’s Board of Directors approved an entry fee increase for the first time in four years from $60 pesos per person to $80 pesos per person beginning on December 14th. While infants will still be admitted without charge, an entry fee of $20 pesos per child age 4-12 will also be introduced. We are working hard to ensure that our labor in horticulture, plant display, landscaping, interpretation, and guest service more than warrants the modest increase in entry fees.

Paso Ancho 'River of Art 2014' at El Rio BBQ Bar

The Paso Ancho Art Association recently announced their third annual "El Río del Arte' art expo, to benefit the Colina Spray & Neuter clinic will take place on Sunday, December 7, from 12-6 pm, at El Río BBQ Bar. Fancy the chance to unwind, buy some excellent art AND support a fantastic local charity? Well, this is the event for you! Produced by the Paso Ancho Art Association and its founders, internationally-renowned Puerto Vallarta artists Ada Colorina, Carolina and Karen Lahm, the event promises to be a not-to-be-missed family fiesta in a remarkable setting overlooking the river. Art sales and art works donated for raffle prizes benefit Vallarta's Colina Free Spay-Neuter Clinic. El Rio Bar and Grill is conveniently located alongside the beautiful Cuale River in Paso Ancho. (See map) If coming from the south or El Centro, turn right off the Libramiento just past the bridge and before the new large tunnel. If coming from the north, turn left at the river road past the large tunnel and before the bridge. Parking is limited, but Bus #4 from Old Town will take you right to the restaurant's front gate, and taxis Olas Altas or El Centro cost around $50 pesos.

An Alternative to Cutting Down Trees for Christmas

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's just a matter of days before every large supermarket in Puerto Vallarta has live Christmas trees lined up and ready for purchase. One local entrepreneur has found a sensible alternative. Instead of purchasing a Christmas tree that has been sacrificed for the occasion, rent a living one so it can be returned to a suitable environment as part of a responsible reforestation program. At Vive Pino's facility on Los Tules Av. near Costco, you can select the perfect Christmas tree for your home or office. Because these are living trees, with roots and soil included in a large pot, occasional watering and spraying are required. Vive Pino will begin delivering trees for you to enjoy during the holiday season on November 30th and pick them up after the holidays. Prices for renting a Vive Pino Christmas tree start at $1,400 pesos, which includes home delivery and pick-up. For more information call (322) 224-7938 or visit Vive Pino on Facebook.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Puerto Vallarta Mariachi Festival, November 20-22

• International Gourmet Festival Celebrates 20 Years

• El Arrayán's Mexican Cooking Classes