Secretary of Tourism Hosts Dinner for Canadians in Mazatlán

by Maureen Dietrich on 7 Dec 13 in
mazmessenger.com

250 Canadians attended the dinner.

Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism, Francisco Córdova Celaya, hosted a dinner and recognition ceremony for 250 Canadians last night on the roof of the tourism office on the Malecón under a clear night sky.

Accompanying the Secretary at the event were Mazatlán’s Canadian Consul Wendy Hardouin, the Canadian Consul General from Mexico City Rita Rudaitis and Gilberto Avilés representing the Asociación de Hoteles y Empresas Turísticas de Mazatlán.

Jan Macdonald holds her Tourist Ambassador certificate.

The relaxed evening began with wine service and short welcoming speeches from the Secretary, the Consul General and Mazatlán Consul in English, French and Spanish. As the meal service began, Consul Wendy Hardouin surprised the Canadians by mentioning the paella on their plates was made by Secretary Córdova and the dessert of rice pudding by the Secretary’s wife.

Dorothy Drew and Connie Anderson were recognized for their volunteer work for Hearts for Hospice dance.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Tourist Ambassador designations to ten Canadians for their volunteer work in the Mazatlán community. Presented with framed certificates were Ken Albanese, Jack and Valerie Moreau, Oli and Betty Cajanek, Gordon Wainwright, Carol Kirkwood, Susan Reinada, and Jan Macdonald. An honorary mention was awarded to Dorothy Drew and Connie Anderson for their dedication in organizing the annual “Hearts for Hospice” dinner/dance.

David Hardouin (2nd from right) was presented with the Golden Deer Award.

Gilberto Avilés of the hotel association presented the association’s highest recognition of the “Golden Deer” award to David Hardouin for his 40 years of work bringing tourists to Mazatlán.

Brenster presents the Secretary with an authentic Canadian cowboy hat.

With the ceremonies concluded, Canadian country singers Brenster and Carrum took the stage. But before the music began, Brenster presented the tourism Secretary with a black cowboy hat made in Alberta.

The convivial evening continued with Brenster and Carrum performing on stage and invitees dancing wherever there was room between the tables.

(from Secretary of Tourism press release)