Bomberos Academy March 19-24

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The Bomberos will be having their Annual Training Academy from March 19-24 at the firehouse on HWY 307 north of Constituyentes. Volunteer US fireman come down every year to help train Quintana Roo's firemen in what amounts to the most important training our local firefighters will receive all year. Some of you might not know that although our local firemen risk their lives regularly, they make a very small salary and rely on fundraisers to keep their equipment current and in good repair.

Chief Brian Borjesson says anyone's welcome to stop by at any time, but be sure to come by on Saturday, March 24 at 1 pm for the State Finals of the Combat Challenge FIREMAN'S IRONMAN COMPETITION. Past years have been exciting and hotly competitive; I wouldn't miss it for the world. Playa del Carmen has been the state champion for the last 4 years, but other fire teams are passionate about wresting the title away from us.

There are a series of fundraising events in town to support the Bomberos and the Academy:

Saturday, March 17 at 8 pm: Three Legged Bar Crawl Race. This will begin and end at Keith's bar on 10th avenue between 6th and 8th streets. Three Legged Teams (including Mayte and me!) will head out to participating bars to have either a shot or a beer. Generous sponsors are still needed for the brave Three Legged Teams (including Mayte and me!). Stops on the crawl include Manne's Biergarten, Casa Tucan, Bad Boys, Beer Bucket, Bar Ranita (La Rana Cansada), and DJ's Bar. Come out and watch our Three Legged Teams (including Mayte and me!) stagger for the finish line.

Sunday, March 18 at 5 pm: Live Music and a Potluck dinner at Bad Boys, on the beach between 2nd and 4th streets. Here we'll be feeding the 13 US firemen who sacrifice their vacation time to help their firefighting brothers in Mexico. Ladies, don't miss these hotties if you can help it. Bring a dish or throw some money into the kettle. (I don't know what I'm going to make yet, maybe sloppy joes. It depends how I feel after the three legged race)

Here is a personal note from Comandante Brian: I don't know what to say except thank you for your support. Playa.info, you guys are the best. All of you who came to the March 14 Cuisine Festival, thanks for your support. We have raised almost 20K pesos, and are pretty close to having enough to support the Academy. See you all at the Academy!