Year 2008
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Press Kit: Special Events
From peg-legged, patch-eyed pirate parties to scrumptious seaside seafood-fests, Destin * Fort Walton Beach * Okaloosa Island feature a continuous calendar of special events and festival fun. Whether it's tantalizing taste buds with deep-water delectables, taming the winds with a multi-colored medley of sails or reeling in the really big ones from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," beach town bashes are a Northern Gulf coast specialty.MARCH - MAY
Celebrate the spring with a collection of frivolous festivities for families, couples and beach-bound spring splashers.
MARCH - APRIL
As thousands of cobia from the Caribbean travel to upper Gulf waters to spawn, they come closest to shore in the shallow emerald waters. Over a two-month span, 15,000 fishing fanatics enjoy the best sport fishing in the country while spectators watch weigh-ins in amazement.
APRIL
Get “set” for one of the largest four-player beach volleyball tournaments in the United States -- more than 1,200 players bump and spike on the sugar white shores as sunglass-donned supporters scatter the beach for sun bronzing and big scores.
JUNE - AUGUST
A bounty of beach options for adventurers seeking a world of surf, sand and summer fun for kids of all ages.
June
Ruffian pirates aboard 300 flag-flying fleets invade the harbor to "capture" the Emerald Coast in honor of local pirate legend Billy Bowlegs. The week-long buccaneer bash features the largest fireworks display in Northwest Florida, Moonlit Ironman Triathlon, Sundown Kiddie Triathlon, coastal treasure hunts, torchlight parades and more!
July
From dusk to dawn, the day is full of patriotic activities starting with the annual 500-meter/5K biathlon. Fourth of July in the sun follows at Lincoln Park with lakeside picnics, children's games and a fireworks extravaganza over Boggy Bayou.
August
Sights are set on intense competition as game fish buffs gather in the "Billfish Capital of the World." Boatloads of big blues, white marlin and sailfish are reeled in daily.
August
Poker enthusiasts take part in the annual Poker Run, which takes participants through eleven stops including AJ's Club Bimini, Harbor Docks and Fudpuckers Beachside bar & Grill.
August
From taking part in the "World's Largest in the Water Boat Party" to ski shows and sailing regattas, party goers enjoy a week full of events and celebrations.
Sept.-Dec.
Land and sea lovers alike discover the special fall colors of the Emerald Coast, where tempting temperatures and gentle autumn breezes bring seashore solitude.
September
Smooth sailing as top-notch competitors set course for a head-to-head marathon around beautiful Okaloosa Island. More than 100 participants race a multitude of gloriously colored sailboats during the 21st annual event. Spectators gather in watchful suspense on local bridges and gulf side piers to view the 100-mile endurance event.
October
The 54-year tradition of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" attracts thousands of eager anglers around the world to comb inshore, offshore, bays and bayous for a month-long fishing frenzy. The tournament offers more than 450 awards and giant dock parties with thrills for first-time fishermen as well as seasoned "old salts."
October
To kick off the world-renowned Fishing Rodeo, more than 50,000 seafood aficionados savor every deep-water dish imaginable, from shark-kabobs and barbecued shrimp to fried alligator and crawfish cheese bread. Toe-tapping entertainment, crafts and curiosities fill the playful weekend.
December
Holiday cheer and celebration abound at the Gulf Breeze Zoo with merry visits from Santa Claus, a revelry of twinkling Christmas lights and a New Year's Eve winter wonderland with fantasy snow.
December
Starring the largest charter fleet in Florida, a sparkling procession of festively bedecked boats parade through Destin harbor as mesmerized celebrants observe merrily from beaches, harbors, bridges, decks and docks.
December
This event will introduce the holiday season by lighting up the Destin Harbor with a festive reflection of holiday lights surrounding the water. Boat cruises and other festivities will take place during the event.
Additional visitor information about these and other seaside special events is available by calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or by visiting us at www.destin-fwb.com.