50th Annual Independence Day Celebration in Costa Rica

July 05, 2010 | expatcostarica | Comments 0

The United States expatriate community was fortunate to enjoy the annual Independence Day picnic at the Cervercería de Costa Rica picnic grounds on Sunday.

This year was the 50th aniversity of the event hosted by the American Colony Committee for U.S. expats in Costa Rica and their guests.

The number in attendance was stated as more than 2,000 during the event, however post event reports say as many as 3,000 attended, including a group of 200 English language students invited by the United States embassy.

While the highlight of the event was a flag ceremony conducted by uniformed members of the United States Marine Corps assigned to the embassy security it’s no secret that the free beer and food attracts many. This year the $5 entrance fee came with all you can eat hot dogs, TCBY yogurt, cotton candy, popcorn, soft drinks, bottled water, and plenty of local beer. Complain all you want about expat life in Costa Rica, but few in the United States get the U.S. Marines to hoist their flag for the 4th of July while consuming all the free hot dogs and beer they can manage.

The big surprise this year was at the end of the event when it was discovered that the local transit police had setup a checkpoint near the entrance to the parking lot. The situation reminded me of Homer Simpson leaving the Duff brewery tour. Indeed reports are that more than one expat had to be picked up off the ground and put into a taxi when the party ended.

The event was organized by Susan Tessem, President of the American Colony Comimitte, and photos from previous years are posted on their official website. Jay Brodell was also in attendance and published some outstanding photos in the Monday edition of AM Costa Rica.