Tag: frank brown park

Women's Fastpitch Softball Tournament coming to Frank Brown Park

From March 5-8, Panama City Beach will host a women’s collegiate fastpitch softball tournament at Frank Brown Park.  The tournament will feature 16 teams from across the country to compete in a full weekend of tournament play.

What:              NFCA NAIA Leadoff Classic
Women’s Collegiate Fastpitch Softball Tournament

When:             Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8th

Where:            Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach

**Event is Open to the Public**

Admission Prices

Daily Passes
Adult    $8
Student  $6
Youth Groups (10 or More)  $5 ea.

Tournament Passes

Adult  $20
Student  $15

Who:               Teams Participating:
Montgomery Senators-Montgomery, Alabama
Bethel College Pilots-Mishawaka, Indiana
Biola Eagles-La Mirada, California
Faulkner University Eagles-Montgomery, Alabama
IUS (Indiana University Southeast)Grenadier-New Albany, Indiana
Lee University Lady Flames-Cleveland, Tennessee
LCU (Lubbock Christian University Lady “Chaps”-Lubbock, Texas
Milligan College Buffaloes-Milligan College, Tennessee
University of Mobile Lady Rams-Mobile, Alabama
Morningside College Mustangs-Sioux City, Iowa
Notre Dame College Falcons-South Euclid, Ohio
Olivet Nazarene University Tigers-Bourbonnais, Illinois
Shorter College Hawks-Rome, Georgia
Walsh University Cavaliers-North Canton, Ohio
William Carey Crusaders-Hattiesburg, Mississippi
William Penn Lady Statesman-Oskaloosa, Iowa

Frank Brown Park is the premier sporting facility in Panama City Beach offering more than 200 acres of recreation.

About NFCA:
The NFCA is the official organization for educating softball coaches and the public in the game of fastpitch softball, including coordinating the relationship between softball team membership and other educational endeavors through the development of softball in all its aspects as an amateur sport, including communication of new ideas and discussion of issues involving softball and education.

Panama City Beach Seafood, Music & Wine Festival Success

October’s Panama City Beach Seafood, Music & Wine Festival was in my opinion a huge success.  Now, some of my readers may think that I’m taking after many of the local media outlets in reporting things successful just because the TDC said it was, even though the numbers don’t support it.  *cough- Summer White Sale -cough*  But, I do believe it was a success because it was good for our area, and did something that was never before done with an event on Panama City Beach – provided good solid numbers that are irrefutable.

You see, some may scoff at the attendance of 9,526.  But I say, what do you have to compare it to?  Previous Indian Summer Music Festivals?  You mean the events where 30,000 attendees were estimated, but never substantiated?  You do know those numbers were pulled out of the air, don’t you.  What about the Thunder Beach numbers?  I was told by a reliable inside source that those numbers were also pulled out of the air.  60,000 attendees is VERY pie in the sky.  But of course, to their credit, how could they determine their rally attendance – they don’t charge for anything.  What has made it a success has also created limitations as to determining what it really is.

The single element that made the PCB Fest a success was that they came back to the table with real figures.  The end result is clear and concise.  Although the numbers aren’t what some had hoped, they are real none-the-less.

Jack Bishop said in the TDC meeting last week when he presented these numbers that they made some mistakes and learned a lot and to his credit, this is the first time he’s pulled anything like this off.  Of course, he had help, but still, I think this is the most promising event we have right now for our area.

I attended and talked to countless people – many of which came down from Alabama and Georgia just for this event.  In many instances the goal of this event, actually worked.  I know Lee Sullival was critical of this event, and you know I was in the beginning as well, but kudos to Jack, CJ, and their team for not only putting on a good show, but bringing back some solid numbers that are real and will help us build not only this event, but others in the future.

Please enjoy the stats below:

  • First festival in area to offer advance discount tickets online
  • First tickets sold online were to Troy, Missouri
  • Total attendance over the 3 days = 9526
  • Zip Codes of Pre Sale Tickets were 62% out of Bay County
  • Parking lot surveys taken during the evening hours of the festival reflect a 40% non Florida attendee!
  • The Largest supporting areas outside of Florida are Alabama & Georgia respectively
  • Percentage of all tickets sold were sold in advance online = 28.21%
  • Percentage of tickets sold that were 3-day = 15.3%
  • There were 17,566 unique visitors to the official festival website: http://www.panamacitybeachfest.com July-Oct 2008
  • In-Kind marketing partners provided an estimated $300,000+ in advertising of the event between July-Oct
  • Marketing efforts were focused on drive-to markets and included an emphasis on AL, GA, TN, MS, LA and Florida and included radio, television, outdoor, print, internet and over 2.25 million e-mail blasts between Sept 4-Oct 1
  • Local marketing included 9 radio stations, 4 television/cable outlets, 6 print media outlets, outdoor media, internet campaign
  • The organizers of the festival will be forming an advisory committee made up of hoteliers, food vendors, retail vendors, volunteers and others

Discount Tickets to Music Festival

The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival kicks off the weekend festivities Friday, October 10th at Frank Brown Park on Panama City Beach.

The festival will feature musical entertainment from .38 Special, Blues Traveler, and Craig Morgan with tons of stuff to do with the kids in between.

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY: 4pm-11pm – 38 Special @ 9pm

Gates Open – 4pm – Marketplace, Bouncer Village, Food & Amusements all open
Sand Sculpture Ribbon Cutting – 4:45pm – Sponsored by Pineapple Willy’s
Jones & Company Band – 4pm-7pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Grand Wine Tastings in Wine Garden – 4p-6p
Chef Exhibition in Chef Tent – 5pm (Chef John from Hammerhead Fred’s)
VIP Tent Open – 5p-11p (VIP passes required)
Panhandle Star Competition (Top 10 finalists) – 7p – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
King Cotton Band – 8p – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
38 Special – 9pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)

**Unlimited amusements & bouncers arm bands are available for one price through Saturday – see amusements ticket booth and/or bouncers ticket booth for details

SATURDAY: 11a-11pm – Blues Traveler @ 9pm

Gates Open – 11a – Marketplace, food, Family Fun Days activities, amusements, all open
Family Fun Days 11a-3p – Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters, Bouncer Village, Sand Sculpting, Hands on Art by Visual Arts Center, live kids concerts, Gallaghers Gymnastics presentations, and more
Lunch With Sponge Bob – 11:30am-12:30pm – Coca Cola Tent (dining tent) $5 per child up to 12 years old, $8 per person 13+ (includes Pizza & Coca-Cola)
Steve’s Kazoo Krew Band – 11a-12:30pm – Coca Cola Stage (dining tent)
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience Band – 12:30p-1:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Half Price Temp Tattoos @ Tat Shack – 12:30p-1:30pm – KIDS VILLAGE
Sand Sculpting for Kids with master Sand Sculptor Mark Flynn – 1:30-2:30p – KIDS VILLAGE
On-Call Jazz Band – 1:30pm-4pm – Coca-Cola Stage (dining tent)
Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team performance – 2:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Chef Exhibition – Chef of Reggae J’s – 3pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Grand Wine Tastings – 4p-6p – Wine Garden @ Chef & Wine Tent
De Lions of Jah Reggae Band – 4p-6:30pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Chef Exhibtion – Chef Conrad of Boatyard – 4pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Chef Exhibition – Chef Paul of Firefly – 5pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Panhandle Star Competition Top 5 finalists – 6:30pm-7:30pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience – 7:30p-8:45pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Blues Traveler – 9pm-11pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)

SUNDAY: 11a-9:30pm – Craig Morgan @ 8pm

Gates Open – 11a – Marketplace, food, Family Fun Days activities, amusements, all open
Family Fun Days – Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters, Bouncer Village, Sand Sculpting, Hands on Art by Visual Arts Center, live kids concerts, Gallaghers Gymnastics presentations, and more
Lunch With Sponge Bob – 11:30am-12:30pm – Coca Cola Tent (dining tent) $5 per child up to 12 years old, $8 per person 13+ (includes Pizza & Coca-Cola)
Steve’s Kazoo Krew Band – 11a-12:30pm – Coca Cola Stage (dining tent)
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience Band – 12:30p-1:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Half Price Temp Tattoos @ Tat Shack – 12:30p-1:30pm – KIDS VILLAGE
Sand Sculpting for Kids with master Sand Sculptor Mark Flynn – 1:30-2:15p – KIDS VILLAGE
Timeless Band – 1:30p-3:30pm – Coca-Cola Stage (dining tent)
Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team performance – 2:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Chef Exhibition – Chef of The Back Porch – 3pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Chef Exhibition – Chef Debbie of Breakers – 4pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Grand Wine Tastings – 4p-6p – Wine Garden @ Chef & Wine Tent
Todd Allan Herendeen Band – 3:30p-5:30pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Chef Exhibition – Chef of Saltwater Grill – 5pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Panhandle Star Competition Top 2 finalists perform – 5:30pm-6pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Southern Satisfaction Band – 6:15p-7:45pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Craig Morgan – 8pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Festival officially over after Craig Morgan show – estimated time 9:30pm

*schedule subject to change without notice

Tickets can still be bought today (10/9/2008) at the advance ticket discount price.  Save up to 35% and buy your tickets now!  Click here to buy tickets.

TDC Agenda – Funding Sports Opportunities, Bed Tax Increase

On Wednesday September 24, the newly renamed Revenue Enhancement Committee will be meeting to discuss cooperative marketing opportunties, how to possibly fund sporting events privately and publicly, and possible Tourist Development Tax Increases.  The Revenue Enhancement Committee was formaly known as the Bed Tax Committee.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 24 at 1pm in the Board Room at the Visitor Information Center.

Be sure to attend this public meeting.  If you are unable to attend, be sure to subscribe to our Twitter page, as we’ll be providing live updates as to the decisions made.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, September 24, 2008                 1:00 p.m.        Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman

V.    REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VI.    DISCUSSION OF KEY ELEMENTS OF PLAN REQUIRING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

VII.    DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OR INCREASE REVENUES

A.    Cooperative Marketing Opportunities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing
B.    Discussion of Collection Efforts, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist
C.    Discussion of Public/Private Funding Opportunities for Sporting Events/Venues, Mr. Richard Sanders, Director of Sports Marketing
D.    Discussion of Tourist Development Tax Increases, Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel

VIII.    DISCUSS NEXT STEPS

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

Download the agenda.

Blues Traveler to Rock the PCB Seafood, Wine & Music Festival

The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival in cooperation with Neste Marketing Nashville, proudly announces BLUES TRAVELER will perform at the event Saturday October 11, 2008.

David Letterman named them his “favorite band”, BLUES TRAVELER effectively launched the jam-rock revolution of the 1990’s. Their massive musical imprint includes over eight albums — six of them gold or platinum — and they’ve sold more than 10 million discs overall. Continue reading “Blues Traveler to Rock the PCB Seafood, Wine & Music Festival” →

SAVE THE CIRCUS!!

Well, I had heard that it wasn’t doing that great, but I didn’t know that it was possibly being shut down. What are they doing to be sure the local tourists know about this? Is our local TDC helping? Has the circus asked for help? I see their signs in all the windows, but are they providing enough information to draw people over to the circus? Are the show times even on the flyers?

If something isn’t doing good, it either isn’t being accepted or whoever is marketing it is not doing their job. I’m sorry to be critical at this sensitive time, but we’ve all been yelling for more stuff to do here and now one of the things we got is threatening to leave. Is everything being done to ensure its success?

Below is the press release put out by the Beaches Chamber:

Panama City Beach, July 7, 2008 – Last Thursday night I took my young son to the FSU Flying High Circus at Frank Brown Park. The show was incredible and we had a great time, but as I drove home a déjà-vu sensation hit me, and I remembered the last evening of the Miracle Strip Amusement Park – in late summer 2004. That was an enchanted evening, full of rides, laughter, people…but it was also sad. There was the sense of the passing of time…. nostalgic, sweet but heartrending. After that night it would close down forever. My own family, who has lived in PCB for-almost ever, was with me and introduced me to Buddy Wilkes that night. I couldn’t have known what he must have been feeling. I had only just moved here weeks earlier and had not yet acclimated to the culture, the community, or the multitude of childhood memories existing within the walls of that amusement park.

Continue reading “SAVE THE CIRCUS!!” →

Circus is running full steam ahead

Almost three weeks into running, FSU’s Circus by the Sea at Frank Brown Park on Panama City Beach is running smoothly and having success.

I was out there today and they were heavy into circus camp with over 20 kids. Nate Stapp, Associate Director of the Flying Circus said that they have a capacity of around 60 kids.

They changed the ticket prices around a little. I was told that locals can get tickets for $15-adults and $10-kids and that it was spelled out on the website, but I couldn’t find anything that said that. On the website, it says that there is an online discount, $18-adults and $10-kids. Close enough.

Continue reading “Circus is running full steam ahead” →

FSU's Flying High Circus is open to the public – video

Last night was the opening show, I wish I was there. I’ll be there tonight paying full price with my family.

Showtimes are at 7 Monday through Saturday until August 2nd. General admission is $24 for adults and $16 for kids 4 and up.

Click after the break for a video.

Continue reading “FSU's Flying High Circus is open to the public – video” →

The FSU Flying Circus is almost ready to go – video!

The FSU Flying High Circus has come to Panama City Beach. They’ve got a ten-year contract with the city to be at Frank Brown Park. They put the tent up a couple of weeks ago and started rehearsal this week. The show will start next Friday.

All of the performers are students, some full time, some not, but all totally dedicated. Nate Stapp said the FSU Flying Circus has been performing for 62 years, the whole time in Callaway Gardens in Georgia.

In the next couple of weeks, it will turn into a “little city” with RV’s all around, concession stands, and a fence. The performers are staying at Seahaven and will be here all summer.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading “The FSU Flying Circus is almost ready to go – video!” →