Aliens to Invade Panama City Beach

If you’ve ever dreamed being a member of the Vulcan race or currently own a Komo Val model Klingon battleship or just love Science Fiction in all its shape-shifting forms, The Wrath of Con : Science Fiction Convention and Film Festival is your ticket to “boldy” having a blast. The Panama City Beach event will be held at the Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and will be littered with celebrity appearances with a guest list that includes “Hercules” and “Andromeda” star Kevin Sorbo, “True Blood” cast member John Billingsley, J.G. Hertzler from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and loads more.

This event won’t be all about the Klingons and Vulcans though. You’ll enjoy awesome amateur films from talented film students, big time table top and video gaming and all sorts of entertainment and collectibles. You can expect appearances by Ghost Hunters, authors, artists, filmmakers and more throughout the weekend!

Individual day passes from the event are $15.00 for Friday, $30.00 for Saturday and $15.00 for Sunday. The event begins May 29 – 31st. For more information on the event please click here.

One Beach, Two Extreme Events

This past weekend Panama City Beach enjoyed two very unique and extreme events; the Gulf Coast Triathlon and the Paragliders Beach Blast. Competitors and tourists from countries all over the world came down for the events hosted on the “World’s Most Beautiful Beach.”

For the fourth consecutive time, Mike Neill, hailing from British Columbia, Canada, won the Gulf Coast Triathlon, on this occasion enduring 85 degree heat to turn in a time of 4:06:33. Fellow Canadian, Ben Cotter, finished second 7 minutes off pace with a time of 4:13:58. The first local male to cross the finish line was David Shearon with a time of 4:37:17, a time good enough to land him 12^th overall. Caroline Smith of Mandeville, LA won for the women with a time of 4:43:29 followed not far behind by Gabriela Loskotova from the Czech Republic with a time of 4:47:48. The first local female to cross the finish line was Helen Libby from Lynn Haven, who, like her fellow local top finisher, finished 12^th with a time of 5:08:24.

If you were out cheering on the racers you might’ve noticed the perfect blue sky dotted with colorful gliding chutes. Edgewater Beach Resort hosted the Beach Blast, a showcase of the world’s most talented Paragliders. For those who don’t know, Paragliding is a recreational and competitive flying sport where a Paraglider, in a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft, sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing and takes to the air using air pressure and a motorized fan to pilot. Nearly a hundred of these Paragliding pilots from all over the world owned the Panama City Beach skies. It was quite a site to see. Even beach-lovers, amazed by the flying chutes, got a chance to fly as the pilots gave tandem rides to onlookers, strapping them in and flying them over the beach and shoreline.

In one weekend we saw running, swimming, biking and flying. I guess that just about covers all the bases and summer hasn’t even started yet.

More Beach Blast Pictures

Free Kid's Fishing Clinic: June 6th 2009

On June 6, 2009 pack up the kids and head down to the Panama City Marina for the Panama City Kids Fishing Clinic.The Kid’s Fishing Clinic is a one day free educational event established by the Outreach and Education Section of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

This free event teaches children fishing ethics, angling skills and safety while providing a positive fishing experience. Kids can have fun fishing and learning about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems as well as fundamental saltwater fishing knowledge. For attending, each child receives a free rod & reel, tackle and lunch. So mark your calendars.

This event is still in need of sponsors and volunteers. To become a sponsor or volunteer please contact Ellen at (850) 234-2621 or Ellen@halfhitch.com

Thunder Beach Still Has Some Lightning

The weeks leading up to Thunder Beach weekend I listened to and was inadvertently absorbed into spirited debates about the chromed-out 3 day event. Some people love it, waxed their bikes, strapped on the chaps and venue-hopped all weekend. Others loathed it, cursed it from their cars as group rides roared by them and spent the weekend avoiding the outdoors. It is, like Spring Break, a very polarizing event to say the least.

But as I attended a venue at Frank Brown Park, the air smelling of BBQ pork and exhaust pipe, chrome glinting in the sun, I found myself siding with the bikers and the pro-Thunder Beach gang. Yes, the event brings money to Panama City Beach and economically covers a seasonal dip in our tourism, but none of those things swayed me. There were a few things I noticed at Frank Brown. First, I noticed some of the most hardcore bikers, men that looked like they ate meat raw, as giddy as teenagers. Leather clad folks walked the Frank Brown Park grounds in high-spirits; no screaming and no fighting, just bike lovers enjoying bikes. I also noticed an atypical sense of camaraderie. Strangers sat together to discuss engine types, drifters perused vendor stations asking questions and buying merchandise. None of this seemed remotely “spring-break-ish” to me.

But what I found the most astonishing was the cleanliness. There was little trash anywhere; the place was virtually spotless. On our beach this weekend we endured thousands of bikers, hundreds of thousands of cases of beer and water bottles but I challenge you to show me a parking lot that looked anything like the post-Lil Wayne concert landfill. I scratched my head and wondered, other than the noise, what’s makes some Panama City Beach residents loathe thunder beach? The answer didn’t come to me until I ventured over to Pier Park to watch the Harley Davidson Drill Team.

Pier Park was packed with people all over the place; the venue really seemed to have a lot going on. After the drill team’s awesome bike safety show, I walked over to the bike showcase to get a sense of the crowd, which, different than the Frank Brown park crowd, consisted mostly of families. By the dozens, babies in strollers gawked at bikes along with their parents, fathers, with proud arms draped around their sons, used the venue to teach their boys about the artistry behind bike design.

Watching the crowds, I thought, this is what Thunder Beach is supposed to be. But then, while I snapped shots of antique roadsters, a woman walked up wearing a bikini that covered the bare minimum of her triple X parts. Mind you, this all happened 5 steps from a carousel filled with children. Families pulled their kids away and the mood, which had been a mellow excitement, mutated into something far less wholesome. At that moment I realized what all the fuss was about.

Thunder Beach has two very distinct personalities. For the majority of the Thunder Beach crowd it’s all about good clean fun. But for every 25 fun-loving bikers, there’s 1 who will make all the others look bad–real bad. Throughout the week I saw things like the Kevin Kight memorial parade where 1,000 riders paid tribute to one of our city’s fallen heroes. I followed the Thunder Beach tweets which boasted updates about the real fun being had all over the beach. At the same time, I listened to stories from residents whose babies were thrown out of sleep by a bike tearing through a residential street and a mother in a kid-stuffed mini-van being berated with profanities for a simple merging mistake (Sorry Ash). If you don’t believe me you should read some of the comments on my last Thunder Beach post. Both sides have valid arguments, but what’s the solution?

Truly, there is no solution, but perhaps there is a middle ground. Frankly, I thought this year was one of the best the city has experienced. Droves of people and business hit Panama City Beach during a seasonal tourism drought. Most venues were classy, exciting and people really had an awesome time. I wouldn’t change anything about how well Thunder Beach Productions and other private organizers handled a very successful event. Not everyone’s experience with the event was as good as mine and for the people of our city to welcome bikers, compromises have to be made. Here are a few ideas I thought up.

1. Tighten up the venues. There was so much going on so many different places all over the beach that can cause an inconvenience. Acknowledging how important it is to involve business as well as provide bikers a chance to “ride” from place to place, one less venue could mean even better organization.

2. Restrict residential streets. I don’t want to go all “Myrtle” on the bikers because they are welcomed here, but certain residential roads shouldn’t have to endure bikers at 2am. I don’t know how or if this is even possible, but it should be considered.

3.Post safety and warning signs. Sometimes people just don’t know what you stand for or don’t condone if you don’t tell them. Post signs during the weekend to ask bikers to be have fun, be safe and show courtesy. “Be Nice…I’m Local” should do the trick.

In the end, I have to say kudos to everyone involved in a great event. The stunt bikes at Frank Brown Park were amazing and the bands, oh the bands, tore stages up all over the beach. Although, I believe the bickering between residents and Thunder Beach is ongoing, one thing is for sure, whether you love it or hate it, they put on one heck of a show. Huge shout out to Corky over at Thunder Beach Productions, great job and thanks for everything.

I’m curious to hear what ideas other people have come up with. What are your Thunder Beach experiences and would you change anything about it? Post your comments here.

Be sure to check out our Thunder Beach Videos at YouTube.com/pcbdaily

Athletes Cometh: 27th Annual Gulf Coast Triathlon

It’s that time of year again when trained athletes hit Panama City Beach for the 27^th annual Gulf Coast Triathlon, a grueling event that pushes its participants to the limits of endurance. On May 9th, 2009 thousands of competitors from 40 states and 17 countries will come to Panama City Beach to confront the course of flat roads and rugged but warm water. On the Panama City Beach course competitors have a chance to set their best personal times. Last year, Mike Neill from British Columbia, Canada, won his third straight Gulf Coast Triathlon in 4:06:38. But just because Panama City Beach is ideal for time doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult to the point of insanity.

The event breaks down like this; in waves, competitors have to endure a looping open-water 1.2 mile swim. The swim is followed by an astonishing 56 mile bike course that travels through residential and commercial areas of Panama City and Panama City Beach. The icing on this indigestible cake is a 13.1 mile half marathon.

If you’re not a competitor, the event is definitely worth seeing. It’s an extreme event and competitors really stretch themselves to the limit.

Boardwalk Beach Resort will host this year’s Triathlon, and in November will also host the Ironman Triathlon, one of the full distance qualifiers for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii.

The Gulf Coast Triathlon benefits charities like Panama City Marine Institute, Panama City Beach Cops and Kids and others.

Below is the event schedule

Date & Time
Saturday, May 09, 2009 @ 6:15 AM

Location
Boardwalk Beach Resort
9450 S. Thomas Drive

Event Schedule

Day 1
-Thursday, May 7th

12:00pm – 6:00pm
-Sports Exposition
-Registration / Packet Pick-up at the Boardwalk Beach Resort Conference Center

Day 2
–Friday, May 8^th 9:00am – 9:00pm
-Sports Exposition

12:00pm – 9:00pm
-Registration / Packet Pick-up at the Boardwalk Beach Resort Conference Center

3:30 – 9:30pm Bike Check-In

5:30 Pre-Race Dinner & Athlete Meeting
-Dinner will be beachside at The Boardwalk Beach Resort.
-Your choice of Pasta
– Guest Ticket: $10

Day 3
-Saturday, May 9th6:15am Race Start
-Post Race Party

6:00pm Party and dinner Spinnaker
Guest Ticket: $20.00
-Awards Ceremony

The Thunder Rolls: Thunder Beach Schedule

Thunder beach weekend has arrived on Panama City Beach. Already the streets are lined with amazing bikes, the venues packed with vendors and leather-clad customers and all over the beach the excitement is palpable. This is the weekend to get out and enjoy the scene. On stages at seven different venues artists are performing live music, free bike demos are available and X-game-style bike stunts are blowing people away. Thunder Beach Productions has put together a weekend that should keep the thunder rolling. Here is a list of the weekend’s events.

Boardwalk Beach Resort
9400 South Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, Florida 32407
Thursday September 30, 2008

Friday : May 1, 2009 Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort
Time:
9am ? until	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
1pm	“Sizzle” ? Lingerie Show
1pm	Full Throttle Magazine’s Freaky at The Tiki Party
4pm	“Show Me Your Tat?s” ? Tattoo Contest
6pm	Miss Thunder Beach Pageant Finale
6pm to 9pm	Live Entertainment GRIP

Saturday May 2, 2009 Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort
Time:
9am ? until	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
1pm	“Sizzle” ? Lingerie Show
1pm-5pm	Live Entertainment Drew Tilman Acoustic
1pm	Butt?s And Bellies – Male Fashion Show
4pm	“Show Me Your Tat?s” ? Tattoo Contest
6pm to 9pm	Live Entertainment Kathy Jo & The Bluzification Band

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort
Time:
9am ? until	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business

The Shoppes at Edgewater
513 Beckrich Road
Panama City Beach, FL

Saturday May 2, 2009 Location: The Shoppes at Edgewater
Time:
9am ? til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-2pm	Live music with Holdcell
3pm-6pm	Live music with Rebel Syndicate
7pm-11pm	Live music with The Drew Tilman Band

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: The Shoppes at Edgewater
Time:
9am ? til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business

Club La Vela
8813 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, Florida
32408

Thursday : April 30, 2009 Location: Club La Vela
Time:
9am-til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-2pm	Live music with TBA
2pm -5pm	Live music with Rebel Syndicate
5pm-8pm	Live music with ODIS

Friday : May 1, 2009 Location: Club La Vela
Time:
9am-til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-2pm	Live music with Kelly Hundly & The Healers
2pm -5pm	Live music with Rebel Syndicate
5pm-8pm	Live music with Holdcell

Saturday : May 2, 2009 Location: Club La Vela
Time:
9am-til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-2pm	Live music with Newfangled Theory
2pm -5pm	Live music with ODIS
5pm-8pm	Live music with King Cotton

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: Club La Vela
Time:
9am ? til	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant & Bar
15201 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida 32413

Wednesday: April 29,2009 Location: Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Time:
6pm ? 8pm	$2.50 Drinks & Drafts All Brands
8pm – 1am	Kickass Karaoke

Thursday : April 30, 2009 Location: Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-til	Food & Bar ? Burgers, BBQ & $2 Beer
12pm-6pm	Bikini Bike Wash Sexy Suds & Shine
4pm-6pm	Hawg Happy Hour
8pm – 12am	Live Entertainement with TBA
12am	Bodacious Biker Babe Contest

Friday : May 1, 2009 Location: Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-til	Food & Bar ? Burgers, BBQ & $2 Beer
12pm-6pm	Bikini Bike Wash Sexy Suds & Shine
4pm-6pm	Hawg Happy Hour
8pm – 12am	Live Entertainement with TBA
12am	Bodacious Biker Babe Contest

Saturday May 2, 2009 Location: Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
11am-til	Food & Bar ? Burgers, BBQ & $2 Beer
12pm-6pm	Bikini Bike Wash Sexy Suds & Shine
4pm-6pm	Hawg Happy Hour
8pm – 12am	Live Entertainement with TBA
12am	Bodacious Biker Babe Contest

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Schedule Coming Soon!

Pier Park
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Thursday : April 30, 2009 Location: Pier Park
Time:
10am-til	Demo Rides with Yamaha, Boss Hoss & CF Moto

Friday : May 1, 2009 Location: Pier Park
Time:
10am-til	Demo Rides with Yamaha, Boss Hoss & CF Moto

Saturday May 2, 2009 Location: Pier Park
Time:
10am-til	Demo Rides with Yamaha, Boss Hoss & CF Moto
11am-til	USRider News Best of The Beach Custom Bike Show

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: Pier Park
Time:

Frank Brown Park
16200 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

***Demos and X-Game Stunts
Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
17403 Front Beach Rd,
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Monday April 27, 2009 Location:Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
8pm ? til	Live music with GENEVA

Tuesday April 28, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
8pm	Live music with MUSTANG SALLY

Wednesday: April 29, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
7pm	Thunder Beach Kick Off Party
7pm	Free Body Painting in the Tiki Bar
8pm	Live music with MUSTANG SALLY
9pm	Beachside Fireworks Display

Thursday : April 30, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
7pm-til	Free Body Painting in the Tiki Bar
8 pm	Live music with MUSTANG SALLY

Friday : May 1, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
3pmam	Live music with GENEVA
7pm-til	Free Body Painting in the Tiki Bar
8 pm	Live music with ELI

Saturday May 2, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
3pmam	Live music with GENEVA
7pm-til	Free Body Painting in the Tiki Bar
8 pm	Live music with ELI

Sunday : May 3, 2009 Location: Sandpiper Beacon & The World Famous Tiki Bar
Time:
11am	Vendors & Exhibitors Open for Business
2pm	TO BE ANNOUNCED

Rock’it Lanes
Shoppes at Edgewater
513 Beckrich Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

***Vendors and Music

A Thunder Beach Alternative

May 1 – Downtown Festival Of the Arts & Friday Fest

If you want to avoid the Thunder on Panama City Beach, but still want to get out over the weekend and have a good time, head to downtown Panama City and enjoy the Downtown Festival of the Arts. This historic arts event, hosted by the Visual Arts Center and the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board, gathers artists from all over the southeast for a fine arts juried exhibition and sale.

Supporting artists and arts education, for 40 years this event has been hosts to artists the first weekend of May. Proceeds from this event will help support the various education programs the Visual Arts Center offers to the region.

The first Spring Festival of the Arts was held on March 29, 1968 at McKenzie Park for one day only and raised $450. The original focus of the festival was to introduce art to the children in our community. It has now grown into a 3-day event and raised over $23,000 in the year 2006.

Spring Festival is held the first weekend of May each year. An early shopping opportunity is held Friday night and includes a silent auction. Then Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm there is shopping, entertainment, and free art activities for children. P.C. Juniors host more than 100 artists as well as numerous food vendors. P.C. Juniors will also host the Children’s Art Experience with FREE art projects for children to make, enjoy and take home. The Children’s Art Market, full of art donated by the artists, will have items priced at $5 or less and P.C. Juniors donates all proceeds from the Festival of the Arts to local charities and community projects.

The event will be held starting May 1st through May 3rd at McKenzie Park on Harrison Avenue. For more information on the event please call (850) 769-4451.

Recap: Gulf Coast Horse Show

This weekend’s 11th annual Gulf Coast Horse Show & Music Festival at Frank Brown Park on Panama City Beach proved again, even with fewer in attendance than recent years, to be a successful and classy event. Lots of people came out to enjoy the beautiful horses, talented riders and exciting carnival-style fun.

Tennessee Walkers and perfect weather had fans cheering on their favorites horses and riders. Delicious food, varying from freshly-fried seafood to corn-on-the-cob filled the air with festive scents while “Legends of The Beach” gave everyone a taste of “Carolina Beach Music.” But, truly, the people at Frank Brown Park came out to see the horses. Personally, I’d never experienced a horse show, but after spending Friday and Saturday at Frank Brown came out a fan.

The show was complete with stunt riders,Tennessee walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters. Riders were scored on all sorts of criteria involving things like the body movements of rider and tempo of the rider’s mounts. It was difficult for me to imagine scoring when all the horses and riders looked perfect. Scoring or not, it was a spectacular show that raised money for charitable causes, particularly, Anchorage Children’s Home, Hospice of The Emerald Coast, Gulf Coast Community College, & Habitat for Humanity. The next six years of the event have already been scheduled. So, if you didn’t attend this year, we expect you next year, April 21-24, 2010.

A few of notable Thursday blue ribbons were Ginger Simpson, from Alabama, won the western light shod specialty and Sister Milligan, a Panama City Beach resident, won the ride for amateur stallions, 15.2 hands and under, specialty. Below is a list of Friday and Saturday results.

————————————————————————

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Country Pleasure:

1) A Thrill a Minute, Kim Lewis, Jim Leek

2) Masq Mayhem, Laurie Hudspeth, Laurie Hudspeth

3) Uptown Bandit, Connie McAdams, Preston & Kate Kelley

4) Soliderity’s Gold, Presley Janes, Fount & Lydia Darnell

5) Scratch My Back, Laurale Lowery, Charla Hurley & Libby Bond

6) Dangerous Gold Threat, Mardi Balloch, Balloch Mardi

Model Class:

1) Trigger Treat, Jeff Givens, JoAnn Dowell

2) Perfect Cut Jewel, Amanda Winters, Holly Thrasher

3) Arm’s Scarlett O’Hara, Robert Nelms, Jeff Laughlin

All in the Family (Pro or Am)

1) She’s Armed with Poison, Erica Derickson & Thomas Derickson, Thomas Derickson

2) Pushin Dollars & Cents, Tam Brodgon & Channing Combs, Ben & Lynda Brodgon

Amateur 4 Yr Old Stallion, Specialty

1) 9 Yard Blitz, Laura Cochran, Tim & Laura Cochran

2) I’m Joe Friday, Ed Breedlove, Keith Breedlove

3) Smokin Hot Charge, Fancee Spence, Mark Taylor Family

Mares or Geldings, 15.2 & Under, 5 Yr Old & Over, Canter

1) Mama’s Almight Dollar, Mickey McCormick, Katie Esters

2) I’m Dangerous with Cash, Justin Harris, Richard & Gail Greere

Speed Racking Open

1) Greased Lighting, Maghan Snow, Eddie Snow

2) Gaitway, Amy Rothe, Ralph Wood

3) Stomper, Eddie Snow, Eddie Snow

Ladies Amateur, Specialty

1) Bold Venegance, Heather Beard, Judy McDonald

2) C-Me Push, Sister Milligan, Sister Milligan

3) Jose’s Emblem, Whitney Breedlove, Barry Breedlove

4) Miss Professor’s Generator, Lydia Darnell, Dave King

5) Lucky Sadie, Frieda Widner, Scotty & Freida Widner

Amateur Owned & Trained, Specialty

1) Jazz Eclipse, Justin Harney, Harney Construction LLC

2) Your Wish Is My Command, LaRue McWaters, LaRue & Ann McWaters

3 Yr Old Stallions

1) On Maximum Security, Charlie Green, Walkabout Farm

2) Doing Life, Justin Harris, Walker Walking Horses

WHOA Youth Challenge

1) Showboat’s Silk, Alex Way, Showboat Production LLC

Amateur Show Pleasure, Specialty

1) Godfather By Ultra Copy, Alie Napier, Dr. Morna Conway

2) Sundrops Legion, LaRue McWaters, LaRue & Ann McWaters

3) Super Willy, Belinda Garzarek, Blenda Garzarek & Lisa Hall

3) Jose’s Sweet Pepper, Ashley Adcock, The Stables at Alphaplace

Lite Shod, Championship, Canter

1) Prime Fashion, Ginger Simpson, Tumbleweed Ranch Kim & George Lewis /Simpson

Amateur 5 Yr. Old & Over, Canter

1) Jose Grande, Gail Walling, Judy McDonald

2) Watch for Glory, Erica Derickson, Erica & Maria Derickson

3) Ebony’s Threat Prince, Tristan Wagner, Tristan Wagner

4) Let Go and Push, Scotty Widner, Scotty & Freida Widner

Amateur Specialty, Riders 50 Yrs & Over

1) Perfect Pattern, Mona Vice, Mona Vice

2) The Dangerous Commander, Sister Milligan, Tommy & Sister Milligan

Trail Pleasure 2 Gaits, Trail Walk, Eng. or West Attire

1) I’m Benny Too, Tim Brooks, Tim & Terry Brooks

2) Digging 4 Dollars, Allison Oliver, Oliver & Simpson

3) Aesop, Kristi Payne, Kristi Payne

4) Beams Generator Rye Whiskey, Connie McAdams, Preston & Kate Kelley

5) Fine As Wine, Svanah Martin, Joyce Patterson & Svanah Martin

Amateur 2 Yr. Old Mares or Geldings

1) We’re Ebony & Ivory, Dr. Lynda Brodgon, Ben & Lynda Brodgon

2) Beam Me Up Jose, Ginger Williams, Ginger Williams

Amateur 2 Yr. Old Stallions

1) Man of Stone, Ed Breedlove, Alan & Lorie Riddley

2) A Supreme Justice, Alex Way, Double B Farms

3) Designed by a Specialist, Alie Napier, Jimmy Reece

Groom’s Class

1) She’s Out on Parole, Anton Bowen, James Carlew

——————————————————————————

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 (Final Results)

Stick Horse Class – Best Stick – Best Costume

Black Diamond Ritz, Bryleigh Gray, Ralph Wood

Bocephus, Cheyenne Vickers, Ralph Wood

Gator, Madison Vickers, Ralph Wood

John Deere, Will Neeley, Will Neeley

Pink-a-lecious, Drew Hampson, Drew Hampson

Purp-a-Lecious, Tyler Hampson, Tyler Hampson

Sally, Riley Greggory, Riley Greggory

Sparkly, Elaina Fisher, Elaina Fisher

General, Katy Marie Fisher, Katy Marie Fisher

Yearlings Studs

1) Out for Parole, Keith Reed, Allen Curtis

2) Connie Mack, Rollie Beard, Hurley & Akridge

3) Five Star Gunn, Robert Nelms, Dr. Morna Conway

4) A Yardstick, Roger Richards, Bobby & Freda Jones

5) My Final Decision, Mandie McFay, Chad & Mandie McFay

Yearlings Filly’s

1) My Cowgirl Dale Evans, Roger Richards Jr., Roger Richards

2) Raw Silk, Robert Nelms, Carol Hargett

Weanlings Open

1) America’s Major Debit, Robert Nelms, Vicki Penick

WHTA Amateur Mares or Geldings, Specialty, Riders 12-17

1) Mama’s Almight Dollar, Katie Esters, Katie Esters

2) Showboat’s Silk, Alex Way, Showboat Production LLC

3) Pushin Dollars & Cents, Channing Combs, Ben & Lynda Brodgon

4) Ebony’s Threat Prince, Tristan Wagner, Tristan Wagner

Park Pleasure – Open

1) Cashing in at the Ritz, Betty Laughlin, Betty Laughlin

2) Jazzin Papa, Grandy Tuck Sr., Rufus Dale

3) Sunfires Pheonix, Ginger Simpson, Dr. Morna Conway

Mares or Geldings, 15.2 & Over, 5 Yrs. Old & Over, Canter

1) Ms. Jose Walks, Charlie Green, Sister Milligan

Open Pleasure

1) Digging 4 Dollars, Allison Oliver, Oliver & Simpson

2) Showboat’s Duramax, Jeff King, Jeff King

3) Jest Tuff E Nuff, Tori Blankenship, Tori Blankenship

4) Prairie Goldust, Betty Tricarico, Betty Tricarico

5) TrixieTrax, Cathy Warren, Cathy Warren

6) Winchester’s Iron Man, Tori Tanner, Tori Tanner

7) PS Just a Jester’s Jewel, Linda Paschal, Linda & Terry Paschal

7) Tradition’s Golden, John Brandreth, John Brandreth

WHTA Amateur Mare or Geldings, Specialty, Riders 11 Yrs & Under

1) She’s Armed with Poison, Thomas Derickson, Thomas Derickson

2) Moonstruck Dollar, Reilly Miller, Brenda Little

2 Yr Old Championship

1) Chrome Dollar, Charlie Green, Ben & Lynda Brodgon

2) He’s Ritz N Cash, Sammy Day, Suzie Harmon

Open Spotted Saddle Horse Specialty

1) Battle’s Top Gun, Ginger Williams, Ginger Williams

2) Seminole’s Gusty Wind, Laurie Hudspeth, Laurie Hudspeth

Missouri Fox Trotters, Mares 3 Yrs. Old & Over, No Canter

1) Blackberry Brandy, Jane Goble, Jane Goble

2) PS Just a Jester’s Jewel, Linda Paschal, Linda & Terry Paschal

3) Prairie Goldust, Betty Tricarico, Betty Tricarico

4) TrixieTrax, Cathy Warren, Cathy Warren

5) Tradition’s Golden, John Brandreth, John Brandreth

6) Sundust’s Princess, Tori Blankenship, Tori Blankenship

7) Jester’s Princess, Helen King, Helen King

8) Redrock’s Amber Rose, Ira Rashkin, Ira Rashkin

Amateur Show Pleasure, Specialty, Championship

1) Godfather By Ultra Copy, Ginger Simpson, Dr. Morna Conway

Open, Specialty

1) Ice Hot, Sister Milligan, Sister Milligan

Amateur Ponies, 60″ & Under, Specialty, Rider 17 Yrs & Under (W.H.T.A.; Youth Council, Appl. Avail)

1) Silver Design, Alex Way, S.D. Partners

2) Watch for Glory, Thomas Derickson, Erica & Maria Derickson

MO. Fox Trotters, 3 Yrs Old & Over, No Canter (Studs & Geldings)

1) Lady’s Prince, Gary Shapiro, Gary Shapiro

2) Amtrax, Bud Blankenship, Nancy Atkinson

3) Jest Tuff E Nuff, Tori Blankenship, Tori Blankenship

4) The Kanses Kowboy, Dr. John Brandreth, John Brandreth

5) Ace’s Wild Card, Leslie Emery, Leslie Emery

6) Winchester’s Iron Man, Tori Tanner, Tori Tanner

6) Pride’s Blaze of Glory, Suzette Rashkin, Suzette Rashkin

Speed Racking Flat Shod Class

1) Gaitway, Amy Rothe, Ralph Wood

2) Greased Lighting, Maghan Snow, Eddie Snow

3) Stomper, Eddie Snow, Eddie Snow

Amateur 3 Yr. Old Championship

1) Crush, Whitney Breedlove, Blake Breedlove

2) A Moving Violation, Ginger Williams, Ginger Williams

Field Trial Tack & Attire

1) Masq Mayhem, Angie Bell, Laurie Hudspeth

2) Pushin True Colors, Belinda Garzarek, Belinda & Roy Garzarek

3) Soliderity’s Gold, Presley Janes, Fount & Lydia Darnell

4) Striker’s Firey Match, Laurie Hudspeth, Laurie Hudspeth

5) 88, Alex Way, Sister Milligan

6) Linebacker, Winston Way, Sister Milligan

Pro-Am Specialty (Am 1st Way, Pro 2nd Way)

1) Jose Grande, Gail Walling & Buddy Dick, Judy McDonald

2) I’m Joe Friday, Ed Breedlove & Brad Beard, Keith Breedlove

3) 9 Yard of Major Trouble, Nora Alexander & Mickey McCormick, Harbert & Nora Alexander

4) I’m Street Legal, Laura Lester & Andy Simpson, Gary Lester Family

5) A. Seabiscuit, Stacy Terry & Joey Tackett, Danny Terry

Amateur 4 Yr Old Specialty Championship

1) Getting’ Out on Parole, Gail Walling, McDonald & Walling

2) 9 Yard Blitz, Laura Cochran, Tim & Laura Cochran

3) Head of the Line, Drake Reynolds, Drake Reynolds

Mo. Fox Trotters Stake, No Canter

1) Blackberry Brandy, Jane Goble, Jane Goble

2) Lady’s Prince, Gary Shapiro, Gary Shapiro

3) Amtrax, Bud Blankenship, Nancy Atkinson

4) TrixieTrax, Cathy Warren, Cathy Warren

5) Jest Tuff E Nuff, Tori Blankenship, Tori Blankenship

6) Prarie Goldust, Betty Tricarico, Betty Tricarico

7) Winchester’s Iron Man, Tori Tanner, Tori Tanner

8) PS Just a Jester’s Jewel, Linda Paschal, Linda & Terry Paschal

8) Jester’s Princess, Helen King, Helen King

8) Showboat’s Duramax, Jeff King, Jeff King

8) Ace’s Wild Card, Leslie Emery, Leslie Emery

8) The Kanses Kowboy, Dr. John Brandreth, John Brandreth

Young Trainers

1) An American Outlaw, Sam McLaughlin, Jan Wagaman

Amateur Specialty Championship

1) Don Julio, Alie Napier, Tim Napier Family

2) C – Me Push, Sister Milligan, Sister Milligan

3) The Willhamina, Mona Vice, Mona Vice

Walking Horse Championship, Open

1) Lined Walkin, Justin Harris, Joey Tidwell

2) Ms. Jose Walks, Charlie Green, Sister Milligan

3) Another RPM, Rob Brainard, Larry Grissom

4) Steal Justice, Jack Way, S.J. Parnters / Ellison & Beard

Youth Fishing and Free Hot Dogs

This Saturday, April 25th from 10 am until 1pm, the city of PCB Parks and Recreations department will host a youth fishing rodeo. Kids under 16 are invited to come out and enjoy the weather, the park and the fishing. There will be free hot dogs and giveaways. The Fish Florida Foundation will be providing free rods and tackle boxes to participants to help promote responsible fishing practices. This event is open and free to the public.

Frank Brown Park is located at 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy Panama City Bch, FL 32413

For more information call (850) 233-5045

Thunder Beach Will Be Huge. Thanks Myrtle Beach

If you’ve been aching to don that new leather vest and harness boots, ache no more. On April 30^th Panama City Beach shall rumble, heralding the return of the Thunder Beach Spring Rally. From end to end, families, riders, celebrities, artists and some of the most spectacular bikes in the world will cover the beach.

Regarded by many as the “most biker friendly free rally in the United States”, the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is always a big event. But this year’s event may be the best and biggest Panama City Beach has ever experienced and Myrtle Beach may have a lot to do with it.

As many of you know, Myrtle Beach is Panama City Beach’s largest competition when it comes to bikers and rallies. But by the looks of recent law changes, they might be getting out of the business. Recently, a 3 million dollar property tax increase was passed in Myrtle Beach to fund anti-rally efforts. That’s not the half of it. Myrtle Beach has also added new laws declaring unpermitted rallies and events to be public nuisances, created a midnight curfew, closed bars at 2 am, required all motorcyclists to wear helmets (not a requirement under state law), towing and impounding all motorcycles that do not meet noise standards, checkpoints where motorcycles will be monitored for noise, and traffic diversion such as barriers and closed streets. So what does all this mean? Basically, it means a bigger rally for Panama City Beach, and I’m sure the local businesses will take it.

“We’re definitely expecting huge turnout this year.” Says Corky McCollum, A Thunder Beach Productions coordinator. “We’ve got bigger events, more venues and the total numbers of vendors have increased considerably.”

The schedule for bike week is substantial and the venues cover the entire beach. The list of venues include, Shoppes at Edgewater, Club La Vela, Sandpiper Beacon, Boardwalk Beach Resort, Sharky’s, Pier Park, Rockit Lanes and Frank Brown Park.

And the events this year are family-friendly. There will be demos all over the beach particularly the Harley Davidson Drill Team at Pier Park. They’ll be teaching and doing all sorts of stunts. If that doesn’t make you want to jump into your chaps, at Club La Vela, Speed Channel’s Jay Barbieri, host of American Thunder, will be hosting a televised “Build Off” allowing two bikers to pick any parts from their accessory demo rig to amp-up their bikes. Suckerpunch Sally, an old-school bike manufacturer will be giving away one of its beautiful custom bikes during a VIP party at Ebro Greyhound Park. At Frank Brown Park X-game enthusiasts can witness firsthand the amazing jumps seen on television as stunt bikers hit ramps and the “Ball of Death”. Live bands will be playing at all the venues. Everyone is welcome to come out to enjoy the events and, if nothing else, gawk at some amazing bikes.

Without doubt, the Thunder Beach Spring Rally is expected to be a success. So I guess, if things go as planned, we should all head to Hallmark, get a nice big thank you card and send it to Myrtle Beach. I’ll be the first to sign it.