Little Black Dresses, Tigers, Clowns, and Jazz Music- Oh My!

Three events take the stage this weekend in Panama City Beach; the Little Black Dress party at The Boatyard, the Cole Brothers Circus, and the 11th Annual Jazz by the Bay Festival. No matter your interests one of these three events are sure to keep you entertained!

Little Black Dress

October 20th, The Boatyard

It’s the third Thursday of the month which means live entertainment, gift bags, appetizers, and for the ladies- free champagne! Chef Konrad will also be creating a new dinner special for the event. There will be live entertainment from 7pm till 10pm when DJ Vladi and DJ Beachhouse takeover till the party ends. Go to The Boatyard and have fun! Remember all profits go to the American Cancer Society and the fight against breast cancer!

Cole Brothers Circus

October 20th-23rd, Frank Brown Park

Coming to Panama City Beach and Frank Brown Park is the Cole Brothers Circus, known as “The World’s Largest Circus Under the Big Top.” This circus strives to provide family-friendly entertainment to their visitors in a clean, courteous, and safe environment. Shows are at 7:30pm on Thursday and Friday, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm on Saturday, and on Sunday at 1:30pm and 4:30pm. You can buy tickets at the Cole Brothers Circus website. General admission tickets are $14, with reserved tickets priced at $17 and VIP tickets being $20. You can also learn about the different acts and circus stars at the website. Enjoy the motorcycle stunts, tigers, clowns, aeriel ballerinas, and more!

11th Annual Jazz by the Bay Festival

October 21st-22nd, Oaks by the Bay Park

Bringing attention to jazz music, the Gulf Jazz Society is hosting the 11th Annual Jazz by the Bay Festival. In Historic St. Andrews, the two-day jazz music appreciation festival will be held by the water. Six bands are scheduled to play, including the all-star Dixieland and famous Bud Leeds Classic Jazz Band. You can read more about these bands here. The festival is free and open to the public, so bring a date or your family and listen to several different styles of jazz music.

Whether you want to meet new people and raise money for the American Cancer Society, take your friends or children to the circus, or relax and listen to some amazing Jazz music- be safe and have a great weekend!

Pink Beards for Breast Cancer

Taking “real men wear pink” a step further are the men who dye their beards pink! Pink Beards for Breast Cancer is an organization where men dye their beards pink to show support for breast cancer survivors, and hold events to raise money for research.

About the Event

Fighting back against breast cancer in three cities, the 2nd Annual Pink Beards for Breast Cancer Awareness will be held October 19.The event will be held in Springfield and Fairborn, OH and at the C-Level Bar and Grill here in Panama City,and is in memory of Eileen Meyers. Proceeds from the event will be donated to breast cancer research, including profits from T-shirt sales. The event will include live entertainment and charity auctions.

About Pink Beards

Founder, Michael Compton, dyed his beard for breast cancer in 2010 and it dawned on him that others might want to make the same statement. The first event was held on October 27, 2010 in both Panama City and Springfield, OH. Compton has goals to make this cause and the event nationwide.

You can learn more about Pink Beards for Breast Cancer at their website.

Sterling Resorts Receives Award for Innovative Marketing

Last summer, in response to the BP Oil Spill and the lull in tourism, Sterling Resorts began a “Happy Hour” promotional campaign. This campaign countered the increasing number of cancellations and led them to win the Flagler Award, which recognizes outstanding tourism marketing on behalf of the Florida Commission on Tourism.

About the Award

A competition for the Flagler award is held in conjunction with the Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism This award is based on the pillars of creativity, innovation, vision, and commitment. The standout entry in the Flagler Awards is also awarded The Henry Award, which Sterling Resorts received. They were awarded top scores by five judges in the Direct Marketing segment. Sterling Resorts was competing against top competitors in areas like The Keys/Key West and St. Pete/Clearwater. The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida.

The Happy Hour Sale

The campaign involved a weekly email sent on Friday afternoons to offer exclusive savings to regional subscribers with time-sensitive offers. These offers were available at select Sterling properties located in Panama City Beach, 30-A, and Destin. They also used weekly Gulf updates and offered a ‘100% Clean Beach’ guarantee. The promotion was aimed at reassuring travelers and combating cancellations, similarly; it produced more then 2,600 inquiries and 300 reservations. This campaign generated $212,000 in revenue and provided for many vacation relationships to be built. The Happy Hour Sale was brought back this summer by popular demand.

About Sterling Resorts

Sterling Resorts is one of the leading vacation rental companies in the Southeast, a division of Encore Enterprises. They have over 20 condominium resorts in Panama City Beach, Destin, and 30-A. In Panama City Beach, they manage Laketown Wharf, Calypso Resort and Towers, Celadon Beach Resort, Emerald Beach Resort, Emerald Isle, Grand Panama, Ocean Villa, Majestic Beach Towers, Ocean Ritz Resort, Splash, Southwind, Reflections at Bay Point, Sterling Beach, Sterling Breeze, Sterling Reef, Sunrise Beach, Tropic Winds, Tidewater Beach Resort, and Twin Palms Resort.

Congratulations to Sterling Resorts and all of those involved in the Happy Hour Sale!

PCB Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Panama City has already held several events that have benefited Breast Cancer Awareness including; Bras Over the Beach and the 7th Annual Tickled Pink. October isn’t quite over yet and there are still a few events that will benefit the fight against this disease.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k will be taking place Saturday, October 15th. Registration will be at Aaron Bessant Park in Pier Park at 7:00 a.m., or you can register your team online. The walk/run will begin at 8:00 a.m, and the celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. Each member to raise $100 will earn an event T-shirt and for each team that raises $250, the team captain will earn an event tote. So get ready to walk and fight back against breast cancer!

Little Black Dress at The Boatyard

Ladies, put on your favorite little black dress for a night full of fun, live entertainment, and free champagne! Little Black Dress is a monthly event held at Boatyard, on every third Thursday of the month where Chef Konrad features a delicious new dinner. (This week it is on the 20th.) If you are looking to turn a few heads then you will have a chance to be chosen as the next “LBD” model and receive a $50 dollar gift card to The Boatyard! Most importantly, all proceeds from LBD events go to the American Cancer Society, go out and enjoy the festivities!

Quick facts about Breast Cancer

More than 39,520 women die from cancer each year, making it the second highest cause of female deaths.
Both men and women can be diagnosed with breast cancer, however; it is more common in women.
Those who have relatives that have had breast cancer are at more risk to be diagnosed themselves.
The colors for men’s breast cancer are pink and blue.

Click here to learn more about breast cancer.

Treasure Ship to be Demolished

The iconic Treasure Ship which burned in April of 2010 was supposed to be torn down, but over a year later it still stands- reminding tourists that they can no longer visit the Treasure Ship Restaurant. The restaurant was a staple for visitors to Panama City Beach, and it’s burning broke many hearts.

A permit for demolition was signed June 2nd by the owner of the property, but the permit has now expired. This has caused the city to threaten demolishing the structure as early as next week. The city is hoping that the owner will renew her permit and demolish the remaining structure, because it is faster, easier, and less expensive than the city having to do it.

Many people would love to see the building fixed and running as it used to, however; it has been made clear that this won’t happen. The city would like to see it torn down before next years hurricane season hits, as it is an unsafe structure and could be made dangerous in the high winds.

Here is a link to the article written about the fire in 2010 and a link to the article about the decision not to rebuild.

Do you have any thoughts about the iconic building being demolished?

Two Theatrical Debuts

It’s show time again! Both Gulf Coast State College and the Kaleidoscope Theatre are getting ready to put on a new show!

Amadeus

Gulf Coast is already in the midst of their first production of the season. Amadeus, written by Peter Shaffer, is based on the life of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Some may recognize the 1984 movie based on this play, starring F. Murray Abraham. If you haven’t had a chance to see this amazing show you can still catch it this Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sunday the 16th at 2:30 p.m. This show is recommended for mature audiences.

I’ll Be Back Before Midnight

Kaleidoscope Theatre is also about to begin its production entitled, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, written by Peter Colley. This production is described as, “Wonderfully spooky and spine chilling.” Recovering from a nervous breakdown, Jan and her husband decide to rent a cabin, where disturbing things begin to take place. Will Jan make it out without losing her mind?

The dates of the performance will be: October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 at 7:30 p.m and again on October 16, 23, and 30 at 2:30 p.m., and is recommended for a mature audience.

Looking for something a little more family oriented? Gulf Coast will be putting on the production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in November. Keep checking back for an update on dates and times for the show.

**Photos provided by Rusty Garner**

7th Annual Barkin’ In the Park- This Weekend

October 15, from 11:30am till 5pm, go out to the Bay Point Marina for the 7th Annual Barkin’ in the Park from The Humane Society of Bay County! Kids get in for free, and adults are asked for a donation of $5-10 dollars for admission.

Raising money for The Humane Society, this event will involve:

The Famous Dock-Diving Competition
Frisbee Competition
Meet the Breeds
Dog Demos (in Agility, Flyball, Obedience, and Rally Obedience)
Dog Contests (Look-a-like, Best Trick, Halloween Costume Contest, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, and Simon Sez Obedience)
Adopt-a-thon involving multiple area missions and rescues
Pet Microchipping, Grooming, and Nail Clipping

There will also be plenty of food and drinks and a live band for entertainment!

Here are some pictures from last years event. It’s expected to be even bigger than last year!

A Weekend Full of Philanthropy, Arts, and Fun!

After last weekend and the High Seas Pirate Fest, this weekend might seem a little more tame. The Human Society holds the 7th Annual Barkin’ on the Bay, the POPS Orchestra opens their season, the Kaleidoscope Theater presents I’ll be Back Before Midnight, and Bay County fights back against breast cancer. Weither you support the arts or are more focused on philanthropy, you’ll have something to do this weekend!

7^th Annual Barkin’ on the Bay

October 15^th, 2011 For the 7^th year, The Humane Society of Bay County will be holding the Barkin’ on the Bay on October 15^th, 2011 from 11:30am to 5:00pm at Bay Point Marina. The rain date is set for October 16^th, from noon to 5pm. Children get in free, but tickets are available for adults with a suggested donation of $5 -10. Barkin’ on the Bay will include the famous dock diving competition, a frisbee competition, flyball-agility-obedience-and rally obedience dog demos, meet the breeds programs, and several contests. Contests will include look-a-like, best trick, Halloween costume, largest dog, smallest dog, and Simon Sez Obedience.

Opening Night for the Panama City POPS Orchestra

October 15^th, 2011 Opening their 7^th season is the Panama City POPS Orchestra, beginning their first season at the Marina Civic Center. The POPS Orchestra will be focusing on Symphony No.9 from Dvorak in the first section of the show, with the second section being more upbeat and fun. An in-depth look at Dvorak’s No.9 and the Panama City POPS Orchestra can be found here.

I’ll be Back Before Midnight

October 14th-16th, 2011 Opening October 14th, I’ll be Back Before Midnight will be showing at the Kaleidoscope Theater. Shows will be the 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, and 30th with shows at 7:00pm Friday and Saturday and 2:30pm on Sunday. Opening night, there will also be a gala with wine and cheese, where you can meet the cast.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

October 15th, 2011 Registration begins at 7:00am, and the walk/run begins at 8:00am at Aaron Bessant Park to show your support against Breast Cancer. Heritage, a pop/reggae band from Okaloosa, will be playing form 10:00am till 12:00pm. This year, Mayor Gayle Oberst, will be the honorary chair for this years Making Strides event. She recently lost her husband to cancer and has supported the American Cancer Society diligently in the past. Put your pink on, bring an extra bra to donate, and help raise awareness and fight back against this disease!

Are you going to any of these events this weekend? Supporting the arts or supporting a philanthropic cause?

Dvorak from the PCB POPS Orchestra

Saturday October 15 at 7:30pm, the Panama City POPS Orchestra will be playing, in its entirety, the No.9 Symphony in E Minor from Dvorak. This concert will open the POPS Orchestra’s 16th season, and the first at its new home – the Marina Civic Center.

About The POPS Orchestra

The concert dates for this season are October 15, January 20, March 17, and May 5. All concerts will be at 7:30pm at the Marina Civic Center. Tickets are $29.50 for adults, $20.00 for seniors, and $10.00 for children and are available at 850-763-4696 or www.marinaciviccenter.com from the Marina Civic Center Box office. Tickets for active military are $20.00.

The second act of the October 15th, 2011 show will be centered on fun. Songs will include the theme from Jurassic Park, “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Mis, Morton Gould’s “Andalucia,” and more!

About the Dvorak No. 9 Symphony

The No. 9 Symphony was composed in 1893 during a visit to the United States. It is also referenced as “From the New World,” and was mentioned as No. 5 in earlier recordings and mentions. There are four movements in this piece, and was debuted at Carnegie Hall. Dvorak was a Czech composer of late romantic music; sometimes his style is referred to as romantic-classical fusion. The No.9 Symphony is one of his best known works.

Make sure that you’re able to get out to one if not all of the Panama City POPS Orchestral concerts this season, you won’t be disappointed by the night out!

Forever 21, Charming Charlie, and More to Pier Park

Pier Park has recently lost Borders, Guy Harvey’s, and opened up a few other vacancies – however they are soon to be filled! Pier Park will be home to Dick’s Last Resort, Marshalls, Forever 21, Charming Charlie, and Francesa’s Collection.

Dick’s Last Resort

Moving in where Guy Harvey’s Island Grill was located is Dick’s Last Resort, a restaurant and bar known for an intentionally obnoxious staff. Dick’s is expected to open sometime this winter. You can learn more about Dick’s Last Resort and view their menu online.

Marshalls

Marshalls will be located between The Dollar Tree and Red Robin on the North Side of Pier Park. Marshall’s offers brand name items at reasonable prices, including clothing, accessories, shoes, and household items for the entire family. Visit Marshall’s online for more information about their products. It is expected to open November 5.

Forever 21

Forever 21, a womens clothing store, will be opening in Spring 2012 where Border’s was formerly located. The Panama City Location will be 23,205 sq feet of clothing, shoes, accessories, and intimate apparel. If you’d like to see what to expect at the Forever 21 in Pier Park, visit their website.

Charming Charlie

A newer accessories business, Charming Charlie, is also coming to Pier Park. Charming Charlie was founded in Texas and has been expanding to new locations as fast as possible since its birth and instant popularity. Visit Charming Charlie online to see why they are such a popular store.

Francesca’s Collection

A unique store for women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts is Francesca’s. These stores are also becoming more popular and expanding to many new locations. You can visit the website to learn more about the products available at Francesca’s Collection.

Where you do plan to visit first or most frequent?