Every year thousands of students from Arizona and other western states flock to Rocky Point, Mexico, looking for spring break madness. But what is it that attracts so many people to this small fishing community every year?
In an effort to answer this question, I thought it would be best to dig through the history of Rocky Point before actually experiencing it for myself.
According to www.rockypointmexico.com, while Prohibition was happening in the United States, one smart businessman/gangster named Johnny Stone visited the ocean fishing town and realized its potential to attract wealthy Americans.
After building the area's first hotel, he invited some of his buddies, like Al Capone, to jump across the border to drink and gamble.
From this information, I concluded that Rocky Point has just been a quick getaway for people to drink and dodge American laws. Shocking, I know, but I had to test the theory myself.
So I traveled across the border, and while roaming the streets of the Point, I discovered the real reason people brave bad water and throngs of underage-drinkers. The mystique of the area was saddled into the spinning torso of a mechanical bull.
I felt the need to conquer the bull, which I discovered retails on eBay.com for just under $14,000 (arena mats included), and fulfill my dreams of becoming a bull-riding champion.
However, at three bucks a pop for a ride, I left the bull arena empty-pocketed, bruised and battered.
I realized on the walk home that the bull had taken my money and got the best of me every time.
Johnny Stone and Al Capone knew what they were doing. Being the brilliant businessmen they were, they understood that it would only take a lame parlor game to get me to give up my money - not to mention my dignity.
Rocky Point is an expensive getaway geared to suck in crazy kids, like me, looking to party. Despite my failures on the bucking bull, it's that type of wild entertainment that keeps spring breakers coming back every year.
Start saving now - rumor has it next year a mechanical kangaroo will be the featured attraction.
Reach the reporter at benjamin.honingford@asu.edu.
