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

Democrats Abroad-Costa Banderas Chapter Annual Meeting

The Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico will be holding their Annual Meeting and Fiesta from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Nacho Daddy Mexico Restaurant & Sports Bar, Basilio Badillo #287 on the South side of Puerto Vallarta. All members and friends are invited to join them for this Light-hearted event, which includes hors d'oeuvres, 1 Bebida (cerveza, well drink, or soda) and Happy Hour prices for additional beverages from 5-7 pm. During the meeting portion of the evening, Democrats Abroad representatives will present: a recap of 2014-2015, a discussion of the 2016 Presidential Race, the election and introduction of officers for 2015/16, and the new Chairperson will speak on 2015/16. A donation of $65 pesos per person is suggested. If you plan to attend, RSVP to wjkirkpatrick(at)msn.com.

PEACE Punta Mita's Campeones Program Successfully Launched

Campeones, PEACE Punta Mita's (PPM) after school program for high achievers, was launched successfully in February 2015, with 17 students, 10 from Emiliano Zapata/Corral del Risco and 7 from Higuera Blanca. Participants were first identified to PPM by their teachers and principals with selection criteria such as: grades, reliability, self-motivation and discipline. PPM then interviewed the candidates one by one on their English ability and interest on academic achievement. Following that, PPM held a joint meeting with the student candidates and their parents to describe the program and to emphasize the importance of parental involvement and commitment. The parents were as enthusiastic as the students and showed pride that their kids had been chosen for Campeones. Campeones classes are held at PPM's Centro Comunitario from Monday to Friday from 4 to 5:30 pm. The program's aim is to increase the students' level of English, computer skills and critical thinking through a project base curriculum. The goal is for the students to improve their academic standing in order to qualify to attend a high school with higher entrance requirements and ultimately on to tertiary level education. Please contact Ceci Paredes, Executive Director, for additional information: Office: 329-291-5157, cell phone: 322-135-0952, email: ceci(at)peacepuntademita.org.

5th Annual Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic

For the fifth consecutive year, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, along with DINE, master developer of Punta Mita Resort, and the Riviera Nayarit Conventions and Visitors Bureau will welcome a talented group of international and Mexico-based chefs and culinary experts for The V American Express Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic, taking place April 30–May 3, 2015. Spanning four days, The V American Express Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic is sure to be an elegant celebration that marries the best in food and wine, catering to even the most discerning palates. The revered gastronomic and golf experience will include world renowned chefs, Epicurean experts, wine specialists, tequila masters and thrilling golf competition on Punta Mita’s two prestigious Jack Nicklaus signature courses. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, located within Mexico’s most exclusive beach community along the shores of Riviera Nayarit, encourage guests to reserve their space early for the unparalleled event. For more information, please visit PuntaMitaGourmetGolf.com or on Facebook.

Puerto Vallarta Hotels 85% Booked for Semana Santa

According to Tourism Secretary Enrique Flores, 85% of the rooms in Puerto Vallarta hotels are already booked for the Semana Santa holidays. Flores states that hotels are expecting 100% occupancy for the holiday, which this year begins on March 29 with Palm Sunday and continues through April 5 with Eater Sunday. During this two-week period, the town of Puerto Vallarta transforms from a charming town to a sea of traffic and humanity. Employers throughout the country typically will close their offices from Thursday to Sunday for Semana Santa and many employees will take the additional time at the beginning of the week to have an extra vacation period. This provides the coastal communities with a huge influx of beachcombers from the interior of Mexico. And Puerto Vallarta seems to be increasing in popularity amongst some farther off destinations such as Guanajuato, Monterrey, and even Mexico City. While national tourists typically make up the majority of Puerto Vallarta vacationers for Easter Week, this year Flores also expects a rise in the number of international tourists, who represented 14% of PV's Semana Santa visitors in 2014.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• US Softball Teams in Vallarta College Challenge

• 2015 Becas Vallarta Ball at Club Regina

• San Pancho Music Festival 15th Anniversary