5 Weekend Alternatives to the PCB Seafood Wine and Music Festival

It goes without saying that the Panama City Beach Seafood Wine and Music Festival is going to be great fun for everyone across the beach. But, although, there will be great fun to be had, some of you will want to avoid the crowds and seek fun elsewhere. Here are 5 weekend alternative options that will have you and the family out of the house and having a great time.

1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

Continue reading “5 Weekend Alternatives to the PCB Seafood Wine and Music Festival” →

18 Free Tickets to the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival

This weekend the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival is rocking the town with awesome bands such as Styx and Grand Funk Railroad bringing hits like Mr. Roboto and We’re an American Band. This is the second year the event has been run by a few local business men striving to make this the greatest event in Panama City Beach.

This year’s event brings the same great organization as last year, but tons more value.

Continue reading “18 Free Tickets to the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival” →

Around The Bend: Washington County Upcoming Fall Events

If you’re looking to get as much out of the fall season as possible, look no further than Panama City Beach neighbor, Washington County who will host several festive events and welcome Panama City Beach residents to enjoy what is to be a fantastic fall.

October 2009

Legends & Lore in the Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, October 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Description: (850) 638-6130 LEGENDS IN THE FALL –Historic Interpretation of Falling Waters and Area– CHIPLEY – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Falling Waters State Park along with The Friends of Falling Waters, Inc. will be sponsoring The Washington County Historical Society “Legends in the Fall” event, a return to the original format of the program Legends & Lore that is presented annually. In its inception, Legends was a forum for sharing local stories about early industries, pioneer families, Native American ways of life in this region and sharing folklore from the area. Park entrance fees waived to participants. Donations will be appreciated.

Pulling for Education – October 10th

This event features antique tractor pulls, garden tractor pulls, as well as pedal tractor pulls for the children. A completely restored, operational 1912 Case Steam Traction Engine, is also featured. Just think back, if you are a little older than most, bus still young at heart, about how it would be entertaining to watch a grist mill grind corn, a blacksmith at work, cane syrup being made, or even seeing a sawmill run by a stationary engine. You can eat cornbread that was shelled in a hand-cranked sheller, then ground in a grist mill and cooked on a wood cook stove in a cast iron skillet.

The Trust is a 501(c)3 organization so all proceeds from the event go to scholarships for students who participate in this program from the Chipley and Vernon high schools. Come have a great day out with the family, reminisce or just create new memories of “how things used to be”.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve’s “Howl-O-Ween” – October 23-25th

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Free admission at front gate. Activities include: wolf encounter tours, activity table for kids, hay rides, bonfire with story-telling, Dog-O-Ween Costume Contest, and more. The Oaks Farm is at 3449 Bonnett Pond Road. Call 277-0489 or visit seacrestwolfpreserve.org

Downtown Chipley’s Downtown Trick or Treat’ – October 31st

Dress up, have fun and eat candy. Downtown Chipley’s opens its doors for a safe environment for kids to enjoy the Halloween festivities.

For more information on these and other events, please go to http://washingtoncountytdc.com

8 Great Ways to SAVE MONEY at the The PCB Seafood, Wine & Music Festival

If you aren’t already bursting with excitement over the upcoming PCB Seafood Wine and Music Festival, here are 8 reasons why you should be. Here’s how to save money and still have a blast during Panama City Beach’s signature event.

====> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

1. The best priced tickets are online in advance at PanamaCityBeachFest.com – and use promo code PCBDAILY to save $2 off each ticket

2. All Kids 12 and Under are FREE

3. The Beach Bouncers “Bouncer Village” now has 8 giant bouncers and they are all FREE

4. The FAMILY FUN DAYS (Sat & Sun 11a-3p) features a Meet & Greet with Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron, Hands on Art with Visual Arts Center & various local artists, Face Painting, Stilt Walking Balloon Artists, Kids Concerts with the Fish Clappers Island Band, shows by Gallagher’s Gymnastic’s and more are all FREE

5. Not interested in the big concerts each night? Get a daytime only ticket and save nearly 50%

6. Special daytime only “all you can ride” midway armbands will be just $10 – a 50% savings off the all day & night “all you can ride” armband ($20)

7. The Emerald Coast Cruizin Sneak Peek Car Show is FREE and included with all General Admission and VIP tickets

8. All Wine Tastings (4p-6p each day) are included with all General Admission and VIP tickets

====> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Some other cool stuff to know about the festival:

2009 is the 30th anniversary of this ever evolving premiere event on Panama City Beach

The festival benefits many charities through direct donations for volunteer work done at the festival to the newly announced “Promo Codes for Cash”, where non-profit groups can get a special PROMO CODE and whenever anyone uses that code when they purchase their advance discount tickets online the festival will donate $2 to the non profit group. If you represent a non profit group and you need a promo code to help you raise funds, call 850-230-6715

The 2009 official t-shirts have been designed by internationally acclaimed artist GUY HARVEY – and every shirt purchase benefits the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation

The current promoters of the festival (since 2008) are 3 local men who live here, own and operate businesses here, and are invested in the community and want to see this festival be the pride of PCB again

====> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

God's Thunder @ Mr. Surf's: Free Bikers Event by Tribe of Judah

For those looking to get in on the Bike Rally fun, but want to avoid all the craziness, Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop will host the “TRIBE of JUDAH” Motorcycle Ministry Organization Bike Rally on Sept. 24-27. This event IS NOT affiliated with THUNDER BEACH. There will be NO SALE or promotion of any alcohol on premises. And, for the record, Tribe of Judah nor Mr. Surf’s condemns the THUNDER BEACH Party, only wants to provide an additional venue for bikers who have a heart for God &/or are interested to see what’s it’s all about.

There will be live bands, raffles, door prizes, bike washes and more. Best of all, it’s totally free. Live band list includes, “Old to New, Floating Moses, Liah, Sunshine and Thunder and more to be announced.

Mr. Surf himself, Tony Johnson says, “The event is open for folks who want to fellowship & just hang out in a good’ol fashion way and share the love and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who for me and my life, is doing some awesome things! And, share that light with EVERYONE no matter who or what they are about that comes in to listen and learn about God’s Word through speakers & music.”

The event is located at Mr. Surfs on Thomas Drive. The party begins Friday 9/25, runs through Sunday 9/27 and it will be a blast. For more information visit www.mrsurfs.com

20th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament Sept 17-20

Schooners, The Last Local Beach Club, will host the 20th 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 17, 18, 19 & 20. 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 3-6pm on Saturday and Noon-3pm on Sunday.

Saturday, Schooners will attempt to beat the Guiness Book of World Record for the longest Lobster Roll. The record is 65 feet; Schooners will attempt 70 feet and then sell it by the slice to benefit the Florida Aquatic Marine Institute and the Toys for Kids Foundation.

The Lobster Feast will begin at Noon on Sunday, and spectators will get a chance to taste the catch for themselves! A special Schooners menu has been developed for all the fresh local lobster that will be harvested by the divers… take a look!
WHITE LOBSTER CHILI
LOBSTER GUMBO
LOBSTER BISQUE
LOBSTER CEVICHE WITH SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS
SMOKED LOBSTER CRAB AND CHEESE DIP
LOBSTER AND CORN HUSHPUPPIES
LOBSTER KABOBS WITH STEAK AND SAUSAGE
NEW ENGLAND STYLE LOBSTER ROLLS
LOADED LOBSTER LASAGNA
LOBSTER PAELLA WITH SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE
SAVORY LOBSTER POT PIE
LOBSTER-SHRIMP & GRITS WITH TASSO HAM

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. Eleven years ago, a family oriented Sand Sculpting Contest was added to the lineup. This year, professional sand sculptors Sanding Ovations return to WOW the crowds with their spectacular sculptures. They have won or placed in every major competition in the country.

Live entertainment starts with Troy Syfrett and the Nashville Mafia on Thursday night for the kick off party. Arizona Band takes the main stage Friday thru Sunday and an hometown favorites Nothing Short of Pure host the beach party on Saturday with a concert on the beach stage.

Proceeds from the event will benefit two very worthy local youth oriented charities; Florida Aquatic & Marine Institute (FAMI) and the Toys for Kids Foundation.

Pier Park's Fall/Winter Calendar of Events on Panama City Beach

What’s Coming at Pier Park

September

-Sept. 19th- Gulf Coast Community College Commodore Sun Run 5k, 10k & Fun Run

– Sept. 24th through 27th- Thunder Beach Fall Rally. Bike display and custom bike competition in the promo area.

October

– Oct. 3rd- Woodlawn Church Family Fall Festival. Rides, bounce houses, free food and drinks, contests and entertainment for the whole family. Held at Aaron Bessant Park. Open to the public.

– Oct. 9th, 10th & 11th- Seafood Wine & Music Festival. Held at Frank Brown Park. Gates open at 4pm to 11pm on Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday & 11am to 6pm on Sunday. For more info. please visit http://www.panamacitybeachfest.com or call 1.800.PCBEACH

– Oct. 10th- Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Pink ribbons will be hung in the promo area in remembrance of Cancer victims and in support of Cancer survivors. Ribbons may be purchased at Unique Boutique by Irene & Co. After the ribbon hanging ceremony, there will be pink cookies, cupcakes and pink lemonade served at Unique Boutique.

– Oct. 15th- Treasa Foundation Walk. Charity walk to benefit research of still-born babies. Walk begins at 4 pm

– Oct. 16th- Heart Walk- 2.75 mile route will go through Pier Park. Registration begins at 5:30 pm. Walk begins at 6:30.

-Oct. 17th- Girls Inc. Half Marathon. Join Girls Inc. for our Inaugural Half Marathon & Relay at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The run begins at 8:00 am. For more information contact Girls Inc. at (850) 769-6703 or girlsinc@girlsincofbaycounty.org. To register go to http://www.active.com

– Oct. 24th- Boo at the Beach. Bring the kids out to the promo/green grass area to enjoy a hay bale maze, pumpkin carving, spooky stories, arts & crafts and a pet costume contest. 11 am to 2 pm.

-Oct. 24th- Rescues & Runways. Hosted by Maurice’s this fashion show will benefit the local Humane Society.

– Oct. 31st- Malloween. Trick or Treating throughout the property, hay bale maze, and costume contests for the kids. 6 pm to 8 pm.

November

– Nov. 6th-Taste of the Beach. This venue will be an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Bay County restaurants. Proceeds from the tasting go to benefit various local charities dedicated to helping underprivileged children. 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

– Nov. 9th through 15th- Emerald Coast Cruizin. Classic car show to be held at Frank Brown Park.

– Nov. 11th- 4pm. Emerald Coast Cruizin Parade. Parade of classic cars down the Pier Park boardwalk.

-Nov. 20th-22nd- Modonarro. Italian street painting fair featuring 3-D sidewalk chalk art. Presented by the Visual Arts Center of Bay County.

-Nov. 21st- St. Jude 5K Run

– Nov. 27th- Black Friday- The busiest shopping day of the year featuring lots of special sales and door busters.

– Nov. 27th- Santa’s Arrival and Breakfast. Santa will arrive on property at 10am for cookies and hot chocolate with all the naughty and nice boys and girls. He will then be available for pictures at the Santa House located on the boardwalk.

– Nov. 27th-2nd Annual Mayors Tree Lighting. The PCB Mayor will light the 20ft. Christmas tree located in Town Center at 6 pm. Holiday carolers will also perform to help ring in the holiday season.

– Nov. 28th- Rescue Mission Festival of Trees. Christmas trees that have been decorated by local businesses will be on display and auctioned off in the promo area. All proceeds go to benefit the Rescue Mission.

December

– Dec. 5th & 12th- 5pm to 7pm. Pet Photos with Santa. Bring your furry friends out to have their picture made with Santa at the Santa house on the boardwalk.

– Dec. 5th & 6th- Run for Redfish Half-Marathon

– Dec. 12th- 4pm. Panama City Beach Christmas Parade. Parade will begin in Town Center and travel throughout Pier Park down the Boardwalk to Front Beach Road.

EVP Pro Volley Ball Tour on Panama City Beach

Spike It! EVP Pro Volleyball Tour

On September 5th and 6th, the Boardwalk Beach Resort on Panama City Beach will host. The 2009 EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is coming to Panama City Beach. The top players from across the nation will bump, set, and spike their way through this years Labor Day Weekend tournament, and compete for $6,000 in prize money. There is also a juniors division tournament with Under 21 College, Under 18, Under 16, and Under 14 divisions.

Sponsored Event: Boardwalk Beach Resort at Royal American Beach Getaways has teamed up with the EVP Tour to host a televised beach volleyball event September 5th – 6th, 2009.

For more information on the event, please go to www.evptour.com

Wear Your Best Hat: March of Dimes, A Night Through The Looking Glass

Wear your best hat, because this is an event that you and your guests will be talking about for a long time.

This August 29 enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment while benefiting the March of Dimes’ mission of preventing health defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The evening, presented by 5th Gear Creative Group and Magnum Property Management begins with a three-course meal and wine hosted by a participating restaurant.

“Enjoy a night filled with a three-course dinner from one of the area’s premier restaurants followed by an amazing party at Edgewater Beach Resort. The party will have dancing, food, drinks, entertainment and wonderful prizes. One lucky person will walk away as the winner of a 1-carat diamond donated by Coins and Bouillon Reserves. Join us for hedgehog golf, martini bar, music by Jim Lawson, and lots of other fun activities. Your table purchase allows you to choose the restaurant (first come-first choice) where your party of 10 will have a wonderful three-course meal and three bottles of wine. Then you move on to Edgewater where the fun really begins! You will walk through the looking glass and enter a fantasy world based on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland. Desserts, fun drinks, martini glasses filled with diamonds, Wii Golf, a hat contest, and other activities. But, the best part is you are helping to save babies by supporting the Bay County March of Dimes. Gather your friends, associates, or employees, put on your fanciest hat and enjoy the evening!”

Participating Restaurants include:

Schooner’s

Boatyard

Breaker’s

Angelina’s

Spinnaker Cantina

Triple J’s

Calypso’s

Carrabba’s

Ferrucci Ristorante

For more information please go to http://www.lookingglasspc.com. To purchase a table email Kim Tatum ktatum@marchofdimes.com or call 850-785-6460

5 Reasons to be Excited About the Fall Season

Along with many beach residents, I have spent the whole of summer’s slow decline anxiously anticipating the Fall Season. I love the cool weather, the colors and the ripples of pumpkin spice in the air. In my opinion, fall is Panama City Beach’s very best season, transforming our town from a hot, tourist-filled circus to a quiet and festive jewel of home for anyone who lives in this great city. There are a number of reasons to be excited about the season from something as simple as less traffic in the streets to traditions as beloved as Halloween and Thanksgiving. But, in Panama City Beach there are even more reasons to get excited about the season to come; here are 5 of them

Fall Art Show September 18 – 20 – Pier Park

If you like art and enjoy seeing totally unique creations, the Fall Art Show will be an exciting place for you this fall. Throughout Pier Park you’ll see artwork on display and being created various artists. While you’re there enjoy Pier Park’s great restaurants and shopping.

Thunder Beach Fall Rally – September 24 – 27

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly on Panama City Beach and the fall event may very well be the best of its kind during the season. Bikers, vendors and exhibitors from around the country descend on Panama City Beach, Florida for Panama City Beach Bike Week and locals get to ride into all the fun. They share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and to experience a scenic ride on The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches!

Taste of the Beach – November 6 – Pier Park

Wine enthusiasts and aficionados, gourmets and gourmands, philanthropists and successful friends will combine talents and passions to create an unparalleled 4 day gala at the “Taste of THE Beach-Wine.Dine.Donate”. This 4-day extravaganza will be held in the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, also referred to as THE Beach

This fabulous venue will hit Panama City Beach with an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Pier Park restaurants.

Oktoberfest – October 2 – 4 – Downtown Panama City

The Annual Oktoberfest transforms quaint downtown Panama City into a bustling German-style village. From accordion players to carnival rides and sausage eating contests, this Uber-Strassen-Fest has it all. Large food tents are concentrated near the bandstand.

Food enthusiasts will be serenaded by local musicians of a variety of styles, so practice your polka. Oktoberfest offers plenty to keep the little ones busy, while the adults savor a huge selection of beer. Carnival rides, face-painting, clowns and other family activities are part of the fun. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the event, from the ceremonial tapping of the kegs to the Oom-Pah-Pah band concerts.

Seafood Wine and Music Festival – October 9 -11 – Frank Brown Park

If this event doesn’t get you excited about the season, nothing will. Panama City Beach’s signature Festival will be held during Columbus Day weekend and could be the most fun you will have all year.

Enjoy fantastic entertainment including performances by country singer and Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough, the legendary Styx, plus John Anderson and Grand Funk Railroad. Sample delicious culinary treats and fine wines from around the world, and take part in fun activities for the whole family.

Honorable Mentions: EVP Pro Tour Labor Day Festival – September 5 – 6, Jazz by the Bay – October 16 -17, Holly Fair – November 12 – 15, Iron Man Triathlon – November 7, Emerald Coast Cruzin Car Show – November 9 – 14