Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Just as some critics predicted, Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez will only be available if you have $100, or if you buy a table for eight for $800 from the Mr. Amigo Association.
Those prices apply only if you want to attend the Friday, Feb. 28 Mr. Amigo Association President's Costume Ball at the Brownsville Events Center. This does not guarantee you that you will be able to rub elbows (or throw blows) with the boxer. Rather, it lets you sit in your chair and see him at a distance.
Apparently, that's only if you have at least $2,500 to $5,000 to get one. It’s only for top sponsors and board members and a few elected officials
The only other public venue where people will be able to see Chavez will be at SombreroFest in Washington Park and only if you pay the $15 entry fee.
Why SombreroFest? Because that's the night that Los Tigres del Norte, the legendary conjunto which recently released their "Live at Folsom Prison" album will appear before – we're sure – a packed house.
Chavez, who arrives in Brownsville that Thursday, will not attend any of the Charro Days parades as most other Mr. Amigos have done in the past.
The last Mr. Amigo Arturo Elias Ayub, went to the parade in Matamoros, skipped the 82nd Annual Charro Days International Parade Saturday, then boarded his private jet and flew off back to Mexico and stood up the parade-goers.
SombreroFest revelers will get to see Chavez on the main stage screen as they await Los Tigres.
Chavez will also cross the river, attend the parade in Matamoros, and then board a commercial airline at the airport, and head back to Sonora.
So if you want to rub elbows with Chavez, it's going to cost you a pretty peso. The venues, security and facilities will be paid by the city. But then again, that's us, too, isn't it?