What a success story we have to report.  Our U.S.A. stand at this, the 21st Mijas International Festival, was an all-round triumph.

In collaboration with the Soroptimist Club Costa del Sol,  the American Club Costa del Sol added its help and support to ensure the 2-day event was fun, ran smoothly and created an all American flavor and feel.

To the outstanding organizational skills of the Soroptomists, our club added stand decorations donated by the U.S. Embassy in Madrid as well as flags and posters from American Club members from FMB and Marbella - Cristina Silva, Troy Davis, and Gigi Castelle (did anyone manage to 'name' all the past US presidents?!).

Even though we didn't win the prize for best stand, it was 'highly commended' by the judges.  AND, although there was no prize for best food, the judges not only commented on our wonderful homebaked goodies but they kept coming back for more - and sent their friends and families to sample the apple pies, brownies and cookies in particular. The most enormous 'thank you' must go to Dalal Ridha (FMB) for making mountains of pies, brownies and cookies!  One American visitor arrived at our stand too late for Dalal's apple pie on Saturday but when she was told there would be more pie available on Sunday, she was there lining up to buy two slices at opening time!

Our hotdogs were Oscar Meyer served on buns specially made for us by a Spanish baker.  And hats off  to the Danish and Dutch Soroptimists who managed to prepare very tasty hamburgers the American way as well as baking yummy chocolate cakes.

We had American Club volunteers working in shifts alongside Soroptimists.  A huge thank you to those from Estepona, Marbella and FMB who gave up their Saturday and/or Sunday to lend a hand.  And a special thanks to Cristina and her husband, Diego, who not only helped with setting up the stand on Friday but also came back to help Saturday and Sunday.  Our many volunteers included David K, Patricia, Michael, Charles and David J from FMB, Pamela from Estepona, Ulla and Angret from Marbella PLUS all of you who came to visit our stand, who ate drank and were merry and generally added a lively and lovely atmosphere acting as great ambassadors for the U.S.A.

A big thank you, too, to Bobbye Aaron, our Consular Agent based in Fuengirola.
Not only was she supportive of the idea of our participation in this festival from the start, she also baked, helped out on both days, contributed red white and blue presents for our Bat the Rat game as well as treats for all the helpers, and was our spokesperson for at least three TV and radio interviews!

AND best of all - our U.S.A. stand made 2362 euro net profit which will go toward funding the Nursery and Kindergarten established to help local children and women who are victims of domestic violence.  What greater achievement for all the hard work we put in while still having a great deal of fun!

P.S.  Look out for Soroptimists attending future American Club events...it would appear that many new friendships have been made...

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE FESTIVAL, JUST CLICK HERE!