PANAMA CITY BEACH ANNOUNCES 2012 EVENTS
From Mardi Gras to Classic Cars the REAL.FUN.BEACH has it all
Tweet it! – Check out the 2012 events happening in @PCBeach – from Mardi Gras to Classic Cars the REAL.FUN.BEACH has it all!
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., January 30, 2012 – Panama City Beach has announced a line-up of events taking place in 2012 perfect for showcasing the area’s stunning sugar-white sand beaches, coastal charm and incredible cuisine. Truly a year-round destination, Panama City Beach will host events throughout the year appealing to visitors of all ages – to be enjoyed on land, sand and sea. Below is a preview of what can be expected in Panama City Beach in 2012:
Fourth Annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, February 17-18
This family-friendly festival presented by The Krewe of Dominique Youx is a terrific alternative for travelers hoping to experience the culture and celebration of Mardi Gras, while enjoying a seaside vacation. The renowned festivities of Bourbon Street come to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes, a signature parade and street party, Cajun food and fireworks. For more information go to www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
14th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 18-22
A full lineup of award-winning artists take the stage for a jazzy, all-star weekend featuring the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz. The event attracts more than 20,000 fans from all over the world and offers three days of continuous jazz, a themed dinner cruise and much more. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com
6th Annual Rock By the Sea Charity Music Festival, April 26-29
This three-day music festival – which raises awareness and money for the fight against cancer – will feature 20 bands, including NEEDTOBREATHE as a headliner. For more information, visit www.rockbythesea.org.
Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May 2-6 / October 10-14
Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and mid-October. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
SuperCup of Watercross, May 19-20
This fast-paced race of personal watercraft will feature big-air jumps and stunts performed by world-class athletes, all taking place behind Boardwalk Beach Resort. The multiple lap, closed course race will span a half-mile and challenge the riders’ technical and creative skills. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
2012 Grand Slam World Series of Baseball, June 25-30, July 2-5, July 23-28
Celebrating its eighth consecutive year in Panama City Beach, this annual tournament will offer sessions of American, National and Select Divisional youth play at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit www.grandslamtournaments.com.
Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4
Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children’s activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
United States Fastpitch Association (USFA) World Series, July 8-21
Since 1998, the USFA has grown to be the largest girls-only fastpitch organization in the U.S. Each year, the pinnacle event is the World Series taking place in Panama City Beach. The series is limited to the top 400 qualifying teams, who compete for two weeks in a high-spirited atmosphere. For more information, visit www.usfastpitch.com.
Aquapalooza Shell Island, July 23
Known as “The World’s Largest Boating Event,” Aquapalooza is a series of on-water celebrations held during the last two weekends in July at more than 100 locations around the world. The Shell Island celebration is open to all boaters and non-boaters, and will feature live music and grilling as well as challenging trivia and games. For more information, visit www.aquapalooza.com.
Lobster Festival and Tournament, September 13-16
Schooners will host the 23rd Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament, known as “The Largest Lobster Festival in Florida.” The Lobster Tournament divers will be competing in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin Saturday and end Sunday, when the grand prizes will be awarded and spectators enjoy a Lobster Feast. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest is now in its 14th year taking place on the beach behind Schooners on Saturday. For more information, visit www.schooners.com.
Pirates of the High Seas Festival, October 5-6
Columbus Day weekend will bring a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a dueling fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
UNwineD, October
During this two-day culinary and cultural celebration visitors can stroll through Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s charming outdoor entertainment district, and savor the flavors of 60 fine craft beers, 120 award-winning wines and cuisine prepared by the area’s celebrated chefs. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
Ironman Florida, November 3
What
began as a challenge between groups of Navy Seals has become one of the most
recognized endurance events in the world. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile
swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, with the Florida edition of the
challenge serving as one of the most popular races on the circuit. For more
information, visit http://ironmanflorida.com.
Emerald Coast Cruizin, November 5-10
Known as the South’s best “Blast from the Past” family fun event, Emerald Coast Cruizin will be held at Frank Brown Park and features thousands of classic cars and hot rods, more than 125 top automotive vendors, jewelry and crafts, adventure rides and games for kids as well as live entertainment. For more information, call (662) 587-9572 or visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.
Panama City Beach’s Fifth Annual Beach Ball Drop, December 31
The 5th Annual Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park will feature a countdown celebration geared towards families where an 800-pound glowing beach ball descends at the stroke of midnight to signify the New Year. The family portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family ball drop, consisting of 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropped from the sky. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
For
more information on additional 2012 events or to book a stay in Panama City
Beach, please visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
About Panama City Beach:
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers. These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. Panama City Beach recently opened the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. You can now follow us on Twitter @PCBeach to receive up the minute news and details on special offers and deals.
Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for latest press releases and images. Follow on Twitter @LouHammondPR or find us on Facebook.
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Media Contacts
Susan Estler
Panama City Beach CVB
850-233-5070
sestler@visitpanamacitybeach.com
Gina Stouffer / Heidi Barfels
Lou Hammond & Associates
561-655-3836
ginag@lhammond.com / heidib@lhammond.com
