By May Q. Wong

(Ed note: After 43 years, Las Canoas trailer park was sold to a developer and will close its doors on April 30th) Las Canoas RV Park is a vi- brant community with people from all stratum of society. Shared activities turn acquaintances into friendships. Chuck Bell and Von Eisinger, both of whom have been coming to Mazatlán since 1971, are the veteran leaders of the early morning biking group. With a core of about half a dozen, the ride ranges from 8-20 miles. These road warriors, armed with helmets and mirrors, are as familiar with the elegantly lined streets of El Cid as the dirt roads of local Colonias. “Years ago…” Von would say, and another story would start. It could be about how his and Darryl Steen’s bikes were stolen at gunpoint while travelling by themselves on a back road (they bought new bikes the next day). The rides are about discovery; the stories build a shared history. “Beer and Beans” is a decades old Wednesday ritual. Up to 40 men from various RV parks meet from 11:00 – 2:00 for news about who’s who and what’s up in Mazatlán at two downtown cantinas. The beer is cheap and the bean soup is free. Former RVers who live in houses or condominiums attend faithfully. “Shop till you drop and spend to the end” is Rosemary Barson’s motto. A Park resident since 1998, she tests that every Monday when the ladies head to a designated restaurant for lunch and an afternoon of shopping. Rosemary prefers to save her pesos for the annual Tonalá trek with Friends of Mexico, but newer residents indulge. Many happy and productive mornings have been spent at the “secret” fishing hole at Piedra Negra. Regulars Jay Gannaway, Dick Barson, and Paul Cruickshank and their catch of 28 corvinas were recorded for posterity in 2001 by John Hadley. Dick recalled his seven fish alone weighed sixty-five pounds. “All that fish, fixed up every which way, fed the whole park!” People have found love there. Lil Fisher and Darryl Steen joined the Park with their respective spouses in mid-1980 and all became close friends. Lil and Darryl came on their own after their spouses died. Then they started coming together. Health problems prevent them from travelling to Mexico, but Darryl writes, “I met the lady of my life there and we are enjoying the golden years together.” Tragically, people have also lost their loved ones there. Phyllis and Ernie Stieler, visitors to Mazatlán for almost 30 years, joined the Park in 2006. When Ernie was hospitalized after a stroke and died, the community took turns chauffeuring Phyllis to various officials, included her at meals, even packing and selling their rig. “I’ll be back,” Phyllis said. “I feel at home here, among friends.” As in any community, social barriers can build. At one period, street row residents wouldn’t mix with beach ones – until Rae and Gerry Harn joined. Rae, a recreation specialist, helped create a tightly knit community during their eight-year stay. The first Park-wide event was a surprise party for the O’Bannon’s renewal of their wedding vows. People still rave about Rae’s Chinese New Year celebrations. “For the Year of the Rat,” said Jay Gannaway, chuckling at the memory, “we held ‘Rat Races’ on the beach, riding decorated broomsticks! With a local Banda band, the party lasted from noon till dark.” The races were held in the years of the Tiger and Horse too. Current and former residents celebrated the unique community at a “Final Fling” on March 1st. Individuals flew in from afar to attend. Special guests included Leon Sanchez’s daughter, Lourdes Almada, husband Tom David and long time workers. President Don Wiessinger presented Felipe Perez and Carlos Perez with plaques for dedicated service. It was a time to remember the countless volunteers who donated their expertise to maintain the park’s infrastructure and community spirit, to recount the antics of the Park’s characters, to party, and to shed a tear of final farewell. Becoming Part of the Community of Mazatlán An abbreviated list of the