Remember the scene where Baby in Dirty Dancing carried the watermelon to the staff’s hut late at night? Wow, it was fun to see how they interacted after hours, to see how close they were with each other… to see their raw selves.

I was lucky enough to see such a delight recently. .. not in a movie scene, but rather, the real deal.

The Looney Beans family and their staff, along with a group of compassionate folks here in Mazatlán recently threw their second annual event for a small village of families. This year it was a fiesta, a night neither I nor the kids and their families will forget.

A few years ago, the Vineyard Church in Mazatlán built a community center structure in this district. It became the sight for this year’s grand fiesta.

The annual event is designed to give moments, memories to these folks… to build relationships with families who are full of love, folks that live a day to day struggle just to keep alive. Moreover, each year the Looney Beans family identifies people with dire needs during the party, and begin projects to help soften their pain.

Last year, a home was built for a widow and her four kids… a mother’s anemic baby was treated with special formula, saving the life of the child. I can’t wait to see what this year’s projects will be.

Yes, this event has evolved. Thoughts are now floating in the air to have a monthly movie night for the village.

Ah... I find myself smiling at the memory of both the parents and the precious children’s faces during the fiesta this year. I think back, back (fade to a few weeks ago)…

Volunteers had begun the decorating early that afternoon… tables were set up with cotton table cloths; the buffet for the extravagant hamburger bbq became a desirable, luscious setting. I arrived later in the afternoon to a chaotic scene of happy sounds. Music was playing. A bull was hauled onto the site. I laughed when another movie scene entered my mind; I believe it was Urban Cowboy. The kids stood in line for their turn on this electric animal that twirled them around, bucking like a real bull. They were amazing to watch. Soon, smells from the grills made my senses spin with happiness. 
Finally, dinner was announced. Hundreds of people lined up and patiently waited until they reached the food. After dinner, the ice cream was passed out. Nothing was missed, and the smiles on their young and old faces said it all.

I began to think it was time to clean up and say good night when the most miraculous thing happened. Tables were removed... the band began their music, and the kids gathered for games. 

This was the point where I felt like Baby finding the worker’s hut late at night. 

The young Looney Beans staff became the leaders for these games… they participated with the little guys as they danced and squealed with delight, enticing the kids to partake with vigor.  The music roared on, I could see the joy coming from all. Life was good. The kids had no chance of being disappointed.

Finally, the end did come. Hugs and kisses from the parents and children who displayed their gratitude, their love for these wonderful folks became the last scene.

I left contented, the ride taking me back to a different world, the one I live in. My insides felt warm, I knew I had witnessed something special that night. It had been a live movie and the set had introduced me to generous and loving folks, to endearing children, and to their appreciative parents. Yes, it was movie material, a memory I will hold dear. And just like the children, I look forward to next year’s bash. Boy, I sure hope the bull returns.

Cuutttt! It’s a wrap!
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Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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