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.

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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

TDC: Spring Break Recommendations – No More MTV

TDC/CVB had a combined meeting this week to pass Spring Break recommendations presented by Dan Rowe, CEO of the Tourist Development Council. After long weeks of deliberations, meetings and one vigorous community forum, a recommendation on Spring Break was reached that will decidedly cut Spring Break advertising ergo, cutting ties with MTV.

Bullet point recommendations at the meeting were as follows:

TDC Actions:
- Limit Paid Advertising to “Spring Break Responsibly” campaigns
- Engage in Proactive Spring Break Public Relations activities
- Develop a Spring Break Section of VisitPanamaCityBeach.com with Spring Break Responsibly messages, “Rules of the Road,” Spring Break Friendly Lodging.
Requested City of Panama City Beach Actions
- Conduct workshops for businesses engaged in Spring Break to discuss ways of better managing Spring Break business owners’ roles in the enforcement of state and local laws and other avenues to control potential problems related to Spring Break.
- Conduct workshops with the public and lodging establishments not directly engaged in Spring Break on strategies to control and limit impacts from Spring Break, as well as define various roles, responsibilities, and what action public safety officials can legally and practically take.
- Hire auxiliary police during peak weeks to augment PCB PD to increase police presence along Front Beach Road.
- Provide additional foot, canine and ATV patrols in areas of high Spring Break activity, including on the sandy beach to enforce littering, glass and other laws.
- Fully implement the Special Events Ordinance to insure gatherings of college students at outdoor concerts and other assemblies have appropriate management and public safety plans in place.
- Encourage FRLA to take and active role in getting the association’s members to proactively manage Spring Break activities at their locations.

This breaks down to better overall management of the 2 month-long event coupled with a more strategic advertising aimed at positive Spring Break messaging. No additional monies will be allocated to marketing or advertising Spring Break (only towards advertising “Spring Break Responsibly” which should fall somewhere between $12-$15,000 in total). Basically, no MTV, no bucketloads of money to the event and much stronger police presence throughout the beach. The question remains as to whether or not this will satisfy everyone, but it is, incontestably, a very good start.

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

Huge Changes Ahead in the Marketing of Panama City Beach

Friday two contracts were presented and accepted by the tourist development council that will help transform the image of panama city beach in the coming years. Fahlgren and Lou Hammond were chosen for creative and PR respectively; contracts were already negotiated with the agencies prior to presentation to be board.

The Fahlgren contract is for $22,500 per month and includes all creative and promotions. The YPartnership contract was $12,500 per month but did not include creative. Last year alone they spent over $150k in creative and that number could have gone higher. Also, travel expenses for the agencies is built into the contracts as well.

Lou Hammond’s contract for public relations is for $17,500 per month and actually includes a New York media reception at their main office, 2 publicity stunts in New York and 2 group media trips to be hosted in destination (Panama City Beach).

Each contract is for 2 years with the option to renew and each will play a huge role in our area’s future growth.

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.

Panama City Beach’s New Era Starts With Fahlgren & Lou Hammond

The era of Y-Partnership is over. Y-Partnership’s replacement as the ad agency to represent Panama City Beach is Fahlgren, a sharp group based out of Ohio with ties to VisitFlorida and Southwest Airlines. The agency chosen by the board to handle Public Relations for PCB will be the Lou Hammond agency out of New York, strong in crisis management with international ties.

Both agencies presented to the board alongside 3 other agencies, LKM, Beber Silverstein, Hayworth Creative, all talented and thorough in their respective disciplines, competing to carry Panama City Beach into its very bright future.

Fahlgren, represented by Neil Mortine, impressed the board with ties to Southwest as well as a strong belief in the need to develop co-operatives locally and regionally. Fahlgren proved to have a broad enough knowledge of the area’s diversity, great social media marketing understanding and were balanced with creativity and the range of contacts capable of pulling off what Y-Partnership could not; make Panama City Beach a top destination. Representing 45 companies like McDonald’s, Cooper Tires and others, Panama City Beach will be one of Fahlgren’s top 10 clients and should receive a great deal of attention from an award winning agency.

The Lou Hammond Agency, an award winning agency in its own right, with offices in New York, Charleston and Miami, wowed the board to a hands-down decision. Lou Hammond herself, the agency’s president and owner, conducted the presentation and the board loved every second of her outgoing attitude and creative ideas. LH, won the board over with an impressive resume, long line of contacts and previous work in crisis management and airport related Public Relations.

The benefit of having separate agencies in both disciplines, unlike previous years where a single group handled both creative advertising and public relations, can be summed up in one word: synergy. What Panama City Beach can expect are totally fresh ideas, new and far-reaching campaigns cooked up by a talented group of individuals. Lou Hammond will bring big-time contacts and a great understanding of fly markets while Fahlgren will invigorate Panama City Beach with ultra-creative ideas and new ways of implementation.

The timing couldn’t possibly be better and both agencies acknowledged how the new airport makes Panama City Beach a prime expansion city in America as the economy picks up. These two agencies will be presented contracts in the future and if negotiations can not be reached, the board will move to the companies that landed second in the rankings which were LKM and Hayworth.

In related news, we here, at PCBDaily are giddy just thinking about Panama City Beach’s future sans Y-Partnership.

AGENDA CVB Meeting: Presentations for Y Partnership Replacement

As you no doubt learned last week, Y Partnership is out as the TDC and CVB’s marketing and public relations agency. This Thursday presentations will be given by the top three candidates from each discipline to take over in Y-Partnership’s vacated position. If you’re not excited, check your pulse.

AGENDA

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, INC.
Panama City Beach
Thursday, September 10, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Council Room, PCB City Hall

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

A. Invocation
B. Pledge of Allegiance

III. PRESENTATION FROM ADVERTISING AGENCIES, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

A. Beber Silverstein Group
B. Fahlgren
C. LKM

IV. PRESENTATIONS FROM PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

A. Fahlgren
B. Hayworth Creative
C. Lou Hammond and Associates

V. BOARD DISCUSSION AND FINAL RANKING

VI. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII. ADJOURNMENT

To download this agenda please click HERE

All Play, No Work at Laketown Wharf Labor Day Weekend

Laketown Wharf is the place to play this Labor Day weekend with a full schedule of family fun events including a special dancing fountain light show, reptile show with John “The Snakeman” Moravek, live music and more. Bring a chair or blanket and catch a Saturday lineup of entertainment! Plus, a holiday discount takes some work off the wallet. Labor Day weekend guests save 20% off of fall vacation rates on 1, 2 or 3-bedroom condos.
Labor Day Events – Saturday, September 5 – All events open to the public

Reptile show with The Snakeman, John Moravek from 4pm – 6pm
Concert on the Green with Emerald County Live from 7pm – 9pm
Extended Dancing Fountain Light Show after the concert – 9pm
Extended hours for Laketown Wharf shops (Nola Blue, CHIC Culture, GOLF the World)
Weekend getaway giveaway for Laketown Wharf
Weekend children’s activities

Guests who want to extend their stay may take advantage of Laketown Wharf tours and save even more.

Vacation rental condo tour and receive a 15% discount on your next vacation 5pm – 8pm

Laketown Wharf Open House for long term rental units 4pm – 6pm

For more information please go to www.laketownwharf.com