Akumal’s Best of the Best: The Background

So, what’s the real scoop on Akumal’s Best of the Best?  This monthly event is held on the first Friday and is for locals and visitors alike.  A committee of usually three people select winners in three categories: who is wearing the best shirt, the best sandals, and the best clever tee for a particular month.  So, who is this committee, and what’s the origin of it all?  Well, it started 12 years ago…a local, Robin Goble–originally from Kentucky, always wore colorful shirts to Hora Feliz at LolHa Beach Bar, and he would compliment others in what he thought were similarly outstanding shirts with the phrase, “You’ve outshirted me tonight!”

Robin passed away in 2007, and friends Bob and Diane Mather wanted to keep his spirit for wearing colorful shirts alive.  They devised the trophy: a shirt-shaped ceramic container whose brass read “Robin’s Out-Shirted Award” and a new Akumal tradition was born.  Central to this tradition were Robin’s sister, Mary Henderson, and Steve Clouther.  Mary chose two others to help determine who was wearing the Best Shirt, as this night became known.  ,Steve, an Akumal Sur, resident photographed  everyone and published these and the winner in the online monthly publication, The Akumalian.  (Note: A bit of Trivia–Robin is one of only two people to have his name inscribed on LolHa’s Beach Bar–Many thanks, Laura!).

This tradition continues into the present time with a few changes: meeting place is now La Buena Vida Restaurant and the meeting time is 5:00 pm.  Respective winners in the categories receive a free drink from Turtle Bay Bakery and Café,  Lunita, and La Buena Vida.  Additionally, there is a random drawing for special prizes from Turtle Bay and La Buena Vida for all those attending.  Mary still selects the committee of judges, and ace photographer is David Zucker.  Results are published in the online publication, AkumalNow.

Akumal’s Best of the Best Award  is vacation-bound for October 2019, and the next meeting event is November  1st.  Please don your favorite shirt, sandals, and/or clever tee and join us for a fun-filled few hours as you catch-up with friends and meet new ones.  See you there!!!  Incidentally, if you enjoy reading about this event in AkumalNow, please leave us a comment.