It’s a Country Music, Fishing, and Philanthropy Filled Weekend

This weekend Panama City Beach has a full line up and many options if you are looking for something to do.  Country music, fishing contests, eating for a cause, and rubber ducks are headlining in this weekend’s events.

Country Music Fest

Friday and Saturday September 23^rd and 24^th

Country music artists Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean will be coming to Panama City Beach’s Frank Brown Park in Pier Park this weekend.  Miranda Lambert was first introduced to the public through Nashville Star, while Jason Aldean was introduced through his self-titled album.  Tickets are available through lodging partners as well as Ticketmaster.

Gates will open at 6:30pm on Friday night for Justin Moore, The Randy Rogers Band, and Miranda Lambert.  Saturday gates will open earlier for Corey Smith, The Dirt Drifter’s, and Jason Aldean.

If you’re a fan of music, especially country music, there is no doubt that you’ll enjoy the Country Music Fest this weekend.  If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, visit Ticketmaster or book with local lodging partners!  See you out there!

Panama City Beach Sportfish Classic

Friday and Saturday September 23^rd and 24^th

Overnight fishing for Swordfish will begin on Friday, before anglers compete on Saturday for Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin.  Weigh-ins will be on Saturday for both events and spectators are welcome to attend!  The festival opens at 5pm on Saturday at the Lighthouse Marina and Boatyard Restaurant, with live music from 5pm-7pm, weigh-ins will be from 7pm-10pm, and the awards will be given out at 10:30pm or as soon as possible after the last fish is weighed in.

There will be a total of $100,000 given away in prizes this weekend, including $40,000 for the largest Blue Marlin catch.  Fishing will begin at 2pm on Friday after the kick-off lunch and captains meeting.  The event will be family friendly and a good time for everyone who wants to see some truly big fish!

Compassionate Chef’s For Kids benefitting Children’s Home Society of Florida

Saturday September 24^th

From 6pm-9pm this Saturday at the Holley Academic Center on the Panama City campus of Florida State University, the Children’s Home Society of Florida will be hosting the Compassionate Chefs for Kids.  This is a “Cullinary Extravaganza” event, which will include food from twenty local chefs, live auction, silent auctions, as well as live entertainment.  For general admission the event is $35, while for VIP admission is $75.  VIP events will begin at 5pm.

This is the 8^th Annual culinary fundraiser, which is the signature fundraiser for the organization.  The theme will be “Dine, Dance, Donate” this year.  Some of the live entertainment will include Fred Astaire Dancers, Mark Harris, Mojo Rising, child performances, and more.  The profits will go to the Children’s Home Society of Florida which serves abused children, adoptions, serves a local group home, and works with the Early Step’s program for mentally delayed children.

Beach Care Services Annual Duck Race and Cocktail Party

Tuesday September 27^th

From 5:30pm to 8:00pm, poolside at the North Tower of the Grand Panama Beach Resort the Beach Care Services will be holding their annual duck race.  This isn’t your typicall duck race though!  This involves adults on the back of giant rubber duckies in a pool, raising money to provide emergency financial assistance to the residents of Panama City Beach.  The goal is to aid in the payment of household bills in order to prevent families becoming homeless.  Last year this event raised almost $13,000 and they have high hopes to meet or exceed this amount this year.

The event will include food and drinks, cash prizes, and live entertainment from the Kevin Jacobs Band.  Duck Race entries are $10 per person or five duck entries for $45.  Little rubber ducks are also available for those who cannot physically attend the event.  First prize is $500; second prize is $250, and third prize being $100.