Category: Event News

Huckabee – Romney's a Big Fat Spender

As droves of people waiting in weaving lines around the interior of Borders Books and Music in Pier Park, Mike Huckabee slowly made his way through “torrential” rain in his tour bus on Highway 98.  Adorned with a huge image of himself, Huck’s bus sported his colors of blue and yellow. Team Huck is promoting his new book, Do the Right Thing.

I haven’t actually read the book, but a review I read described that it was more of what not to do, specifically using Mitt Romney’s expensive campaign to non-nomination.

All that perceived profligacy and ineptitude appears to delight Huckabee to no end and few pages in the book pass without a mention of ‘ol Mitt’s mistakes. In fact, Romney appears more in “Do the Right Thing” than any person except Huckabee himself, according to the book’s own index, and about 99.9 percent of Romney’s appearances ain’t pretty, of course. – Jason George

Many came with their already-owned books, many others purchased the book that night.  Some were supporters, others still were just there to see a previous (and possible future) presidential candidate.

The buzz was great and the energy high with representatives from all the major local news stations.

Mike was accompanied by two others wearing Team Huck colared shirts that resembled the uniform of a race team.

The book is out, I probably won’t read it, but you can.  Do the Right Thing is available at Borders Books and Music.

Enjoy the pictures of the event!

Huge Hole in Sidewalk at Pier Park

With 24 peices of art and over 15 artists, the Emerald Coast Street Painting Festival (aka Madonnaro 2008) held at Pier Park in Panama city Beach this weekend was a huge success.  There were artists from as far as California, but most were local to our area.

Signature artist, Tracy Stum returned this year to share her interactive talent with the crowds that often surrounded her performance.  I say performance, because all weekend, the artists could be viewed creating their work.  I have to say, it was one of the coolest events I’ve been to all year.  The energy of being outside, with beautiful weather all weekend, with all the people was amazing.

This was her second year to come to Bay County for this event.  Last year she did a painting of the Dalai Lama that actually looked like she was sitting next to him.  This year, she did a Alice in Wonderland piece where it actually looked like there was a huge hole in the ground with colorful cartoon mushrooms planted in the bottom.  The caps looked as though they were level with the pavement, it was amazing.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2267878&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

Madonnaro 2008 – Street Painting Festival in Panama City Beach from Jason Koertge on Vimeo.

Jeanie Burns did a painting of a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk.  The detail was amazing, regardless of the rough and pitted surface.  The colors were vivid and the effect was amazing.

Ellen Killough, from the Visual Arts Center, painted a recreation of Lord Frederic Leighton’s Fisherman and the Siren.  The detail was amazing, the colors perfect, and the size was actually quite enormous.

Other paintings included an excavation site, beautiful parrots with an azalea, a portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, and the logo from the Panama City Beach Seafood Wine and Music Festival just to name a few.

My day at Pier Park – Madonnaro Street Painting Festival

I believe this is the first time I’ve spent almost all afternoon at Pier Park.  The weather was perfect, people were everywhere, kids were laughing, it was a great time.

Today and tomorrow is the Madonnaro Street Painting Festival, hosted by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City.  Local artists and a few from out of town gathered on Panama City Beach to create art that will inevitably wash away, only to be preserved in pictures and video.

The day started out cool and overcast, but around noon, I watched the clouds be pushed away by crystal clear blue sky.  The air warmed to nearly 80 degrees.  Artists shed layers as they crouched on their knees smoothing and blending fresh chalk with their hands.

Lunch time brought an original Viking Hot Dog.  Stuffed in a fresh baget with a hole in the middle the all natural dog had a crunchy skin, and perfect inside.  The flavor was exceptional, but the price for how it filled my belly was twice too much at $5. The cart was from Seaside, out here for the weekend.

As the day wore on, the artists knees and backs grew sore, but the paintings grew more vivid and elaborate.

Tracy Stums flew in from California to share her talent with The Beach.  Last year, she created an interactive piece of the Dali Lama that, when looked at from a specific angle, appeared to be sitting next to her.  This year, she is painting an Alice in Wonderland scene.  Other paintings include Jack and the Bean Stalk, Iron Man, and a dinosaur excavation site to name just a few.

The street painting festival brings out an interesting culture, something I was very glad to be a part of.  Who knows, maybe next year, I’ll paint something.

Last night rain washed away most of what was created yesterday, but tonight, all that threatens is cold, expected to get in the high 30’s tonight.  All afternoon, we could feel the temperature dropping, most likely a 25 degree change from this afternoon to 5 this evening.

Tomorrow, the artists will all return to finish off their paintings.  Provided we don’t get any rain, many will last for a couple weeks.

Madonnaro has begun!

This weekend’s street painting festival at Pier Park in Panama City Beach began yesterday with artists from around the county and around the country.  High school students started their paintings yesterday, despite the threat of rain, and the two signature artists are beginning their paintings as I write this.

As they cordoned off their square many of the artists spoke their concern of rain, as it threatened the entire festival this weekend.  Today is overcast with a chance of rain.  The temperature is a almost perfect, but a little chilly 65.

The artists will be out all day, painting in various spots around the main boardwalk area of Pier Park, and bring the kids, as there will be a special kids painting section.

The Modannaro Street Painting Festival is put on by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City.

Tracy Stum to Paint the Streets of Pier Park

This weekend, at the Madonnaro Street Painting Festival in Pier Park will feature returning artist Tracy Stum.  Tracy painted the portrait of the Dalai Lama that when looked at from a specific angle, it appears as though he is actually sitting next to Tracy.

You guys should all come out to Pier Park this weekend to see all the awesome art. Tracy will begin her painting, along with Jeanie Burns, on Friday, and everyone else begins painting on Saturday at 9 am.

Here is some of her other work.

Painting Streets of Pier Park

For the first time, Madonnaro 2008, Emerald Coast’s Street Painting Festival will be held at Pier Park on Panama City Beach.  Painting will be November 14 – 16 and is sponsored by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City.

Street painting has been popular all throughout Europe since the 16th century.  Street painters in Italy were known as madonnari because they often created pictures representing The Madonna, one of the central icons of Christianity.

Madonnari were nomad artists who traveled from town to town, festivity to festivity to cover the streets with their art.  Historically, using bits of broken roof tiles, charcoal and chalk, the artists would paint images, sometimes larger than life that would wash away at the first rain.  When the festivities were over, the artists and paintings would vanish.

Today, “street-artists” use varying shades of chalk to depict their creations and several forms of media, including digital photography, video and blogs to share their work with the world.

Be sure to support this unique form of art at Pier Park in this weekend.

Taste of the Beach at Pier Park

Pier Park played host to The Beach’s Taste of The Beach Friday evening.  With hundreds of wines to taste and 8 restaurants participating, a broad range of flavors wafted through the air.

“We expect 600 to 700 people here tonight,” said Paul Wohlford, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Resort Collection of Panama City Beach.

I’ve never been a good estimator of quantity, but I’d say if they hadn’t hit that mark, they sure were close.

Pier Park closed off the main boardwalk section between Hofbrau Beer Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings to place two tasting tents with a wide assortment of wine, cheeses, food and deserts.  Sponsors came from all of northwest Florida to participate, in addition to local Pier Park restaurants.

The restaurants that had a food sampling were Baja Grille, Margaritaville, Back Porch, Reggae J’s, Hofbrau Beer Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn Steak House, and Firefly.  All of the food was great, and many offered discount cards to dine at their restaurant during the off-season.

As people tasted, reggae music floated through the air.  The mood was pleasant and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

The schedule for the rest of the weekend:

  • Telluride Mountain Film Festival
    • Friday and Saturday night, November 7 & 8th, 2008
    • Mountain Film Festival celebrates the best in independent thinking – where adventure is celebrated, history is important, and people are passionate about what they believe.  It attracts an audience seeking a culturally rich, conversation-inspiring experience in which to discuss films, share ideas and be inspired, all under a dramatic canopy of stars.  Showtimes are 7 to 10 pm and gates open at 6 pm.  Tickets are $25 per person for one night, or $40 per person for two nights; kids 5 to 12 are 50% off, and free to children under 5.
  • Seeing Red Wine Festival
    • Saturday, November 8th, 2008, 1 – 5 pm
    • Join us for an intimate afternoon of wine, food and music in the tranquil beauty of Seaside, Florida.  As you explore, sample and expand your knowledge of the latest in trends in wine from aficionados who are willing to meet and educate you.  $100 per ticket.
  • Winemaker & Shaker’s Dinners
    • Saturday, November 8th, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
    • “Winemaker & Shaker’s” Dinners will be held in the area’s finest restaurants along the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.  Celebrity vintners will be paired with a spectacular chef at each of these locations to create an unforgettable evening.  $150 per ticket.
  • Rosemary Jazz Brunch
    • Sunday, November 9th, 2008, 10 am – 1 pm
    • The Rosemary Jazz Brunch blends premium wines, gourmet food and Gulf Coast culture into a sophisticated, educational and entertaining event.  Brunch with champagne, light wines and the Green Hit Band on a tranquil day as you take in the sights of beautiful Rosemary Beach.  $50 per ticket.
  • Taste of The Beach & Charity Auction
    • Sunday, November 9th, 2008, 3 – 6 pm
    • Taste of The Beach & Charity Auction at the luxurious Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.  Guests will be treated to distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, the area’s top restaurants.  While wining and dining attendees will enjoy live music and the excitement of a silent auction.  The night will culminate with a high-energy and entertaining live auction that will include rare and distinctive wines, themed get-a-ways and other spectacular, one-of-a-kind items.  $150 per ticket.

Cruizin Hot Rods Roaring Through Panama City Beach

The monster motors are loud, very loud.  The 25 inch slicks on the back barely grip the pavement under the strain of 500 horses of power under some of the hoods of Panama City Beach’s visitors this weekend.

Robert “Rakes” Parish said that we’ll see over 3000 cars at the Emerald Coast Cruizin Classic Car Show tomorrow.  “You won’t be able to move, there will be cars lined up with only five feet apart filling up this entire field,” said Tommy with TCG Productions, the sound and light manager on site this weekend.

“We have people from all over, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Illinois, everywhere to come to this show,” said Parish, “people come from all over to show off their hot rods.”

The hot rods are everywhere, and their owners, typically middle aged consumers with good incomes are filling up our condos, hotels and restaurants.  They are driving money into our economy during one of the slowest weekends of the year, and notably one of the most beautiful.

Many of these cars have 10’s of thousands of dollars invested in them with everything from custom engines, custom body work, to fully restored classics.

“Last year was a huge success with over 50 cars that sold at auction,” said Rap Peavy, owner of Big Boys Toys on Thomas Drive, across from the Navy Base, “this year, as of right now, we have over 80 cars registered.  We expect more to show up tomorrow.”

Show activities around the beach have been going on all week with tomorrow to be the huge show.  The gates open early in the morning and the action will be taking place all day.

I’ll be out there, be sure to say high if you see me.  This is a great event, and great for our area.  Local businesses, be sure to support this event, we need stuff like this to make it through our shoulder seasons.

See ya at the show!