Experience international flavor both literally and figuratively at "South of the Border Down Tulancingo Way," the annual barbecue sponsored by the Pleasanton/Tulancingo Sister City Association. The event will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Area "A," on Friday, August 13.

The food of Chef Tony Macchiano will be the featured attraction, but there are plenty of other interesting activities planned. Music from "BJ the DJ" and strolling mariachis will add to the fiesta atmosphere.

The Sister City Association celebrates the relationship between Pleasanton and Tulancingo, Mexico, a town about 70 minutes from Mexico City.

According to Cathy Zupan, the Association's finance director, Tulancingo has a number of things in common with its northern neighbor.

"It's very similar to Pleasanton in terms of population, demographics, and geography," she says.

Among the Association's programs is the sponsorship of a student exchange program in which five students from each city travel to their sister city for a month of learning and adventure.

Also, for the 16th year, a delegation of adults from Tulancingo is scheduled to visit Pleasanton this September.

Their Sole Fundraiser

The barbecue is the Sister City Association's only fundraiser and benefits the Pleasanton/Tulancingo student exchange program and the adult delegation visit as well as selected charities in Tulancingo.

Both live and silent auctions will take place at the event. Lots include a spa package, a suite hotel package, and a weekend for four at a Kirkwood Meadows cabin, among others.

Perhaps the most unusual feature of the event is the return of Cow Bingo, which offers the opportunity to win $1,000.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Cow Bingo are $20 per square, with a cash prize of $1,000 at stake. For more information or Cow Bingo tickets, call Frank Brandes at (925) 846-9275.

Tickets for the barbecue are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door, with children from 6 to 12 years $10. To purchase tickets, donate an item to the auction, or for more information, call Zupan at (925) 847-2301.

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• Dynegy to Expand in $7.5 Billion Merger
• Foglight's RAPS is Network Insurance
• Business Bits
• Executive Profile - Joanne Mik, Hacienda Child Development Center
• RHI Introduces New Benefits Package with Foothill Fanfare
• Hacienda Offers Easy Access to Historic Livermore Valley Wineries, VIneyards
• ProBusiness Expands to New Facility
• BART Offers New Incentives for Hacienda Commuters
• Sister City Association Sponsors Barbecue
• Hacienda Index