It’s a Country Music, Fishing, and Philanthropy Filled Weekend

This weekend Panama City Beach has a full line up and many options if you are looking for something to do.  Country music, fishing contests, eating for a cause, and rubber ducks are headlining in this weekend’s events.

Country Music Fest

Friday and Saturday September 23rd and 24th

Country music artists Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean will be coming to Panama City Beach’s Frank Brown Park in Pier Park this weekend.  Miranda Lambert was first introduced to the public through Nashville Star, while Jason Aldean was introduced through his self-titled album.  Tickets are available through lodging partners as well as Ticketmaster.

Gates will open at 6:30pm on Friday night for Justin Moore, The Randy Rogers Band, and Miranda Lambert.  Saturday gates will open earlier for Corey Smith, The Dirt Drifter’s, and Jason Aldean.

If you’re a fan of music, especially country music, there is no doubt that you’ll enjoy the Country Music Fest this weekend.  If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, visit Ticketmaster or book with local lodging partners!  See you out there!

Panama City Beach Sportfish Classic

Friday and Saturday September 23rd and 24th

Overnight fishing for Swordfish will begin on Friday, before anglers compete on Saturday for Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin.  Weigh-ins will be on Saturday for both events and spectators are welcome to attend!  The festival opens at 5pm on Saturday at the Lighthouse Marina and Boatyard Restaurant, with live music from 5pm-7pm, weigh-ins will be from 7pm-10pm, and the awards will be given out at 10:30pm or as soon as possible after the last fish is weighed in.

There will be a total of $100,000 given away in prizes this weekend, including $40,000 for the largest Blue Marlin catch.  Fishing will begin at 2pm on Friday after the kick-off lunch and captains meeting.  The event will be family friendly and a good time for everyone who wants to see some truly big fish!

Compassionate Chef’s For Kids benefitting Children’s Home Society of Florida

Saturday September 24th

From 6pm-9pm this Saturday at the Holley Academic Center on the Panama City campus of Florida State University, the Children’s Home Society of Florida will be hosting the Compassionate Chefs for Kids.  This is a “Cullinary Extravaganza” event, which will include food from twenty local chefs, live auction, silent auctions, as well as live entertainment.  For general admission the event is $35, while for VIP admission is $75.  VIP events will begin at 5pm.

This is the 8th Annual culinary fundraiser, which is the signature fundraiser for the organization.  The theme will be “Dine, Dance, Donate” this year.  Some of the live entertainment will include Fred Astaire Dancers, Mark Harris, Mojo Rising, child performances, and more.  The profits will go to the Children’s Home Society of Florida which serves abused children, adoptions, serves a local group home, and works with the Early Step’s program for mentally delayed children.

Beach Care Services Annual Duck Race and Cocktail Party

Tuesday September 27th

From 5:30pm to 8:00pm, poolside at the North Tower of the Grand Panama Beach Resort the Beach Care Services will be holding their annual duck race.  This isn’t your typicall duck race though!  This involves adults on the back of giant rubber duckies in a pool, raising money to provide emergency financial assistance to the residents of Panama City Beach.  The goal is to aid in the payment of household bills in order to prevent families becoming homeless.  Last year this event raised almost $13,000 and they have high hopes to meet or exceed this amount this year.

The event will include food and drinks, cash prizes, and live entertainment from the Kevin Jacobs Band.  Duck Race entries are $10 per person or five duck entries for $45.  Little rubber ducks are also available for those who cannot physically attend the event.  First prize is $500; second prize is $250, and third prize being $100.

 

Bay Point Invitational Tournament Schedule

Kicking off this week, the Bay Point Billfish Invitational Fishing Tournament is back and with it, the Weighed Blue Marlin category returns as the most popular category of the tournament for both anglers and spectators alike.  With more than 10,000 spectators expected, vendors everywhere and boats everywhere, this year will truly be a year to remember.

The tournament has already kicked off Wednesday with a special trip for two combat-wounded U.S. service members for the second annual Soldier Salute. According to a press release today:

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Deane Messex and Sergeant Philip Gonzales were joined by local Bay Point resident and retired Army officer Dean Resch for a day of fishing in the Gulf on the 74’ Viking Game On courtesy of Galati Yacht Sales and the Washington, DC based Freedom Alliance.

The highlight of the fishing trip was when SSG Messex landed a 62.9-pound cobia! In the evening, the soldiers and their families enjoyed dining on their catch but the best part for the soldiers was knowing that their service and sacrifice is appreciated by grateful Americans.74-foot Viking Game One with veterans aboard.

Yachts have been arriving since yesterday for registration today with the official tournament kick-off to fire off tonight at 10 pm by the ceremonial Flare Gun start at the mouth of St. Andrews Pass.

You can keep an eye here for updates on the tournament, or you can mosey on over to www.baypointbillfish.com.

Tournament schedule below.  Cast away!

Thursday July 16

4:00pm Jet Flyover – Kicking Off the Opening of the 2009 Bay Point Invitational is a Jet Flyover from Tyndall Air Force Base!
5:30pm–8:00pm Tournament Team Optional Entry continues in the foyer of the Bay Point Marriott.
5:00pm–11:00pm Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
5:30pm–6:00pm PRIVATE – Mandatory Captain’s Meeting (Invitational & 40/40) located at the Bay Point Marriott on the Grand Lagoon Deck. Shuttles provided from Bay Point Marina.
6:00pm–8:15pm PRIVATE – Kick-Off Party in the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Bay Point Marriott, sponsored by Ample Energy. Live music, great food and drink, silent auction and door prizes. Shuttles provided from Bay Point Marina.
5:30pm–9:00pm Rock Lobster performs LIVE on the Clear Channel Entertainment Stage.
9:00pm–9:30pm Opening Ceremonies. Presenting of the Arms and Colors by the J.R. Arnold Navy ROTC Honor Guards and sSinging of the Star Spangle Banner by Neysa Wilkins.
9:30pm Traditional Firing of the Bay Point Cannon and our spectacular Boat Parade.
10:00pm Official Start of the Tournament signaled by a Flare Gun start at the mouth of St. Andrews Pass.
10pm–11:30pm Nashville’s Rising Star, Singer and Songwriter Joanna Smith performs LIVE on the Clear Channel Entertainment Stage.
11:30pm Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon!

Friday July 17th

11:30am–4:45pm Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience
4:45pm–5:45pm WEIGH-IN—KIDS Can’t Miss Weigh-Ins for the Al Hubbard Kids!
5:00pm Meet Miss Billfish, Jessie Lee!
5:00pm–11:00pm Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
6:00pm–11:00pm PRIVATE – VIP/Sponsor Area opens adjacent to the Weigh-In area sponsored by MTU and Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison.
6:00pm–10:00pm WEIGH-IN—40/40 Scales officially open and Weigh-Ins begin for the new 40/40 Shootout
6:00pm–11:00pm WEIGH-IN—INVITATIONAL Weigh-Ins for the Billfish Invitational … and the possible return of Big Blue!
11:00pm–Closing Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon!

Saturday July 18th

5:00pm Meet Miss Billfish, Jessie Lee!
5:00pm–11:00pm Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
6:00pm–11:00pm PRIVATE – VIP/Sponsor Area opens adjacent to the Weigh-In area sponsored by MTU and Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison.
6:00pm–10:00pm THE BIG SHOW! Weigh-Ins begin for the Bay Point Invitational. Release Videos and instant results posted on the Big Screen
7:00pm–10:00pm LIVE Telecast of the Weigh-Ins on WJHG MY 7 and LIVE Webcast on WJHG.com.
11:00pm–Closing Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon.

Grand Lagoon National Suffers Changes from Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical Storm Fay is already reaching its sea fingers up our way to effect our newest fishing tournament on Panama City Beach. So far the effects only encompass a few delays.

In addition, Tropical Storm Fay has inspired a new Champion Award, the Miz Fay Grand Champion Award. This award will pay $10,000 to the angler who “comes closest to, or breaks by, the largest amount, the Florida State Record of any eligible tournament fish.”

Continue reading “Grand Lagoon National Suffers Changes from Tropical Storm Fay”