Month: September 2008

Oktoberfest at Hofbrau Beer Garden

Kicking off Bike Week and celebrating the fall season, Oktoberfest has come to Panama City Beach at Pier Park’s Hofbrau Beer Garden.

The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany in the year 1810 in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese.  The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th.  This was the first time that the public was ever invited to celebrate a royal wedding.

The people of Bavaria had such a good time that the King repeated the festival annually and extended the length of the festival.  Today Munich Oktoberfest stretches from the last two weeks of September through the first weekend of October and draws 6.5 million visitors.

Specials include:

Spanferkel (Pig Roast) – with Sauerkraut, Potato Salad & Rye Bread – $10.95

Grill Hendl (Roast) Chicken – with Sauerkraut, Potato Salad & Rye Bread – $9.95

Sauerbraten – Spatzle, Red Cabbage & Rye Bread – $8.95

Brat Platter – A pile of Bavarian Dongs, Red Cabbage & Rye Bread – $8.95

All specials served all day, every day September 19th through October 19th.

Join Hofbrau Garden in Pier Park for Oktoberfest this year.  See below for a full schedule of events.

Friday, September 19th

6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
6pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Saturday, September 20th

2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
7pm til 1am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Sunday, September 21st

10am til 3pm Sunday Brunch Specials – Join us in the beer hall for our delicious Sunday brunch specials
2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
2:30pm til 8:30pm Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Thursday September 25th

3pm til 6pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
6pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Friday September 26th

3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
7pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Saturday September 27th

2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
7pm til 1am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Sunday September 28th

10am til 3pm Sunday Brunch Specials – Join us in the beer hall for our delicious Sunday brunch specials
12pm til 2:30pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
2:30pm til 8:30pm Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Thursday October 2nd

3pm til 6pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
6pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Friday October 3rd

3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
7pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Saturday October 4th

2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
7pm til 1am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Sunday October 5th

10am til 3pm Sunday Brunch Specials – Join us in the beer hall for our delicious Sunday brunch specials
12pm til 2:30pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
2:30pm til 8:30pm Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Thursday October 9th

3pm til 6pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
6pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Friday October 10th

3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
7pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Saturday October 11th

2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
7pm til 1am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Sunday October 12th

10am til 3pm Sunday Brunch Specials – Join us in the beer hall for our delicious Sunday brunch specials
12pm til 2:30pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
2:30pm til 8:30pm Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Thursday October 16th

3pm til 6pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
6pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Friday October 17th

3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
6pm Oktoberfest Opening Keg Tapping – Join us as we tap the wooden keg in the Beer Garden.  Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
7pm til 12am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Saturday October 18th

2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
3pm til 7pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
7pm til 1am Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Sunday October 19th

10am til 3pm Sunday Brunch Specials – Join us in the beer hall for our delicious Sunday brunch specials
12pm til 2:30pm Beatrice and Derrol – Straight from Bavaria.  Enjoy traditional German music and singing.
2pm Oktoberfest Keg Tapping -Join us as we tap the wooden keg.  Celebrate Oktoberfest with FREE BEER while it lasts.
2:30pm til 8:30pm Hochsteirer – Direct from Europe.  experience this traditional musical and culture show.

Pier Park is Biker Friendly

I’ve been asked by my friends at Pier Park to stress that Pier Park is indeed Biker Friendly this weekend!  The last bike week in May of this year, there was some confusion and no one, including bikers were permitted to travel down the main boardwalk seciton of Pier Park.  This weekend, that is totally not the case.

Pier Park, a 1 million square feet retail shopping adventure on Panama City Beach will play host to several special events this weekend catering to bikers, including a bike show.  Many retailers and restaurants will have specials and all welcome bikers.

I everyone has an awesome time, and ride safe!

Don’t forget to sign up on our Twitter page for live updates on everything that is going to happen this week.

TDC Agenda – Funding Sports Opportunities, Bed Tax Increase

On Wednesday September 24, the newly renamed Revenue Enhancement Committee will be meeting to discuss cooperative marketing opportunties, how to possibly fund sporting events privately and publicly, and possible Tourist Development Tax Increases.  The Revenue Enhancement Committee was formaly known as the Bed Tax Committee.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 24 at 1pm in the Board Room at the Visitor Information Center.

Be sure to attend this public meeting.  If you are unable to attend, be sure to subscribe to our Twitter page, as we’ll be providing live updates as to the decisions made.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, September 24, 2008                 1:00 p.m.        Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman

V.    REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VI.    DISCUSSION OF KEY ELEMENTS OF PLAN REQUIRING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

VII.    DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OR INCREASE REVENUES

A.    Cooperative Marketing Opportunities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing
B.    Discussion of Collection Efforts, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist
C.    Discussion of Public/Private Funding Opportunities for Sporting Events/Venues, Mr. Richard Sanders, Director of Sports Marketing
D.    Discussion of Tourist Development Tax Increases, Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel

VIII.    DISCUSS NEXT STEPS

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

Download the agenda.

Bike Week on Panama City Beach

Get your ears ready, because this weekend is going to be a loud one.  Starting today, we’ll begin to see bikers from around the country roar in on a variety of types of motorcycles, but mostly Harleys.  Some are quite, but most are very loud.  At one point, I couldn’t stand the noise, or all the bikers swarming our little town, but having joined the ranks as a “rider”, it is a little easier for me to cope with.  Of course, the huge impact it has on our tourism is a huge plus too!

I won’t mention the big name that is behind the event this weekend as they are threatening a lawsuit to everyone that uses their name without permission (if you know Kelly and The Healers, just ask Kelly), but I’m sure you will have no problem finding information about their venues as they’ve actually done a pretty good job circulating information and have a good web site.

I will say that I’m a part of a group that is running a promotion of the Bike Week called Tropic Thunder Events.  We are working with venues and vendors that did not qualify to participate in the past with the other un-named promoter, and we are very proud to be part in this growing boost to our local tourism community.

There will be tons to do for locals and tourist, bikers and non-bikers alike.  It will be a fun week and as usual, you can find updates as to what is happening here at pcbdaily all week long.

Don’t forget to join our Twitter page to get live updates as they happen!

Pier Park Announces New Stores

The list continues to grow as the number of retailers increases at Pier Park on Panama City Beach.  With over 100 retailers currently open, Pier Park continues to WOW locals and visitors alike.

Retailers coming soon include Aqua Gallery, AT&T, Baja Cafe Beach Hut, Crocs Footwear, Famous Footwear, Guy Harvey’s Grill, Nike, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Runway Collection, and Polka Dots Toys & Gifts.

Baja will be next to Panera Bread and is getting close to opening with the other shortly after.

Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament

19th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament planned for Sept. 18, 19, 20 & 21st

Panama City Beach, FL –  Schooners, The Last Local Beach Club, will host the 19th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament again this year! The event, which has grown to be the biggest 4 day Lobster Festival in Florida will be held on September 18, 19, 20 & 21. The first tournament was held in the fall of 1989; today, it draws divers and enthusiasts all over the country!

Divers will have the opportunity to compete in a variety of categories including Spiny Lobster, Big 6 and Shovelnose, with cash prizes totaling $5000.00. Weigh-ins will be from 3-8pm on Saturday and Noon-3pm on Sunday.

The Lobster Feast will begin at Noon on Sunday and spectators will get a chance to taste the catch for themselves! Fresh local lobster will be served grilled, fried, steamed, and chilled.
The final awards ceremony and the Huge Auction will begin Sunday at 4pm.  Lobsters, incredible merchandise and unique packages donated by local businesses are up for bid.

Otherwise known as “Lobsterfest”, the Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament has experienced changes over the years.  Ten years ago, a family oriented Sand Sculpting Contest was added to the menu. This year, Sand sculptors Suzanne Altmare and Meredith Corson of Sanding Ovations return to WOW the crowds with their spectacular sculptures. Between the two of them, they have won or placed in every major competition in the country. Troy Syfrett and the Nashville Mafia, The Eric Heatherly Band and Stainless Steel will entertain the crowds with their own special brand of great dance music.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Florida Aquatic & Marine Institute (FAMI) and the Children’s Home Society of Florida

“This event will provide much needed help to the Children’s Home Society, a program that works to develop, restore and strengthen families. They help loving people become parents through their adoption and foster care programs. They enable families to stay together through their child abuse prevention programs. Along with helping FAMI who’s three main purposes are: Habitat development, fisheries research and environmental education for elementary education for elementary age children.”

Let Dogs on the Beach

Picking one area on the beach for our dogs to roam and play is ridiculous – not everyone lives near the City Pier.  Yes, it is better than before when they weren’t allowed at all and the penalty was a $200 fine, but designating them to just one area is still a problem and needs a better solution.  Recently they’ve been given freedom to roam the beach access across from Pier Park, but I want to see all of our 27+ miles of beach open to our four-legged friends.

One argument may be that letting dogs on the beach will create a number of problems – from dog poop on the beach that’s not thrown away, to frightened or allergic beach-goers that may find the dogs to be a nuisance.  These are all petty excuses for not inviting all kinds to a public place.  For the dog poop issue, I’d argue that it is not hardly as hazardous as walking over all the the litter left behind or nearly as disgusting as a forgotten dirty diaper.  Dog owners aren’t the only ones slacking in the “get some cooth” department.  If this were the reason for keeping dogs off the beach, it is certainly a lame one.  We certainly couldn’t fine those bringing their babies to the beach or anything else that would cause litter.  There are trash cans for these problems and we can only leave it to the people to decide how clean its kept.

If our dogs are being kept off the beach due to protecting the few who might be afraid, then they should think about two things.  Remember the beach is long and wide – move away just as you would if you didn’t like crowds of people at the beach.  Or wait until the dog passes you – sure enough the dog is there to roam and play, not to stay in one spot, sunbathing on a towel.  Knowing a few dogs myself, they don’t usually stay too long and tend not to go the beach during the prime hours most others do.  I’ve found they like early morning or after sundown due to the heat.

So if your opposed to the idea of having our four fury-pawed friends put their paw prints in the sand, I suggest you change your mind or come up with a real reason they should remain off.

I’m grateful for the little beach access given, but I won’t be satisfied until they’re allowed the entire beach, until I don’t have to drive my dogs miles down to enjoy the beach side, or until I can use the beach access close to my house and walk my dogs over.

TDC Agenda – Marketing Committee Meeting

Well, this will be the first meeting for the new marketing committee, and it’s sure to be a fun one!  Looks like they’ll be talking about Responsibilities and Procedures, and The Sunshine Law.  Can’t wait.

We’ll also be going over the marketing plan and hear from the YPartnership team.  See ya there!

—————————————————————————

AGENDA

MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, September 23, 2008                 1:00 p.m.        Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME, Mr. Buddy Wilkes, Chairman

V.    EXPLANATION OF MARKETING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLITIES AND PROPER PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO THE SUNSHINE LAW, Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel, and Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VI.    INTRODUCTIONS, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing

VII.    OVERVIEW OF MARKETING PLAN, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing, Mr. Dan Rowe, President, and YPartnership Team

VIII.    PROMOTIONS/MIXED MEDIA/INTERACTIVE STRATEGIES, YPartnership Team

IX.    DEVELOP TACTICS FOR SPECIFIC CAMPAIGNS

X.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

XI.    ADJOURNMENT

Click here to download the agenda.

Airport to begin Paving Runway

Nearly a whopping 3 months ahead of schedule, the 10,000 foot primary runway is only weeks from seeing the first warm morsels of pavement.  Although the current contract is for 8,400 feet, the funding is in place for the full 10,000 feet.  Hopefully this decision will be solidified in the coming weeks.

“Next week, we’ll begin laying pavement test strips for the runway,” said the Senior Project Manager for KBR, Roy Willett.  With over 130 pieces of Caterpillar equipment on site, the project has moved over 4 million cubic yards of material.  “There’s been a great level of cooperation from a local, state, and federal level,” said Willett.  “We don’t feel like we’ve had to pull this project along, like we have others in the past.”  80% of all storm sewer systems have been installed.

The main loop is paved, all except in front of the terminal.  There are heavy utilities that will be in front of the terminal building that need to be installed before the the paving can take place.  The 11,000 foot, 4 lane entrance road from Highway 388 has been completed since June and is now completely replaced the usage of the temporary construction entrance.

Looking at the terminal footprint, I expressed concern about the future expansion of the terminal building the additional airport facilities.  Randy Curtis explained that the terminal building can be expanded to the north and south to accommodate demand and the concourse could V at the end to purvey supplemental gates.  Long term plans also include another runway parallel to the primary runway with room for a terminal similar in size to the main terminal and a “mid-field” terminal as well.

With all the “bad” soil filling the holes where the “good” soil was excavated, the entire construction site is “balanced” in that no dirt had to be taken out, nor brought in.

The 10,000 foot runway will accomodate everything short of an Antonov filled with pipes.

Click here to download the special ‘VIP’ flyer that we were given; includes aerials, layouts, etc.

For those that didn’t notice on the sidebar, I was providing up to the minute updates (where cell service permitted) on my tour of the airport.  If you want instant updates, subscribe to my twitter page and set up your mobile phone to receive text messages whenever I have updates.

Click here to sign up!