Monday, March 24, 2014

Your March 28-30, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide


It’s finally Friday! We hope everyone had a very accomplished and enjoyable week. We know if you are anything like our crew, then you are more than ready for the weekend! Friday through Sunday there will be local events including a paint party, canoe tour, boxing event, poker run, brunches and more. The Weather Channel at weather.com reports the weather conditions to be in the mid-50s for the low, reaching into the low-70s for the high. The chance of precipitation is slight for Saturday and nonexistent for Sunday. You should have plenty of time to soak up the sun! However, PLEASE do remember to apply sunscreen around the clock to prevent burning.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a very safe and BEACHY weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, March 28, 2014:
De’France Antiques Paint Party
De’France Indoor Flea Market and Antiques
230 Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Emerald Cork Traveling Paint Party Studio is bringing the fun of painting to De’France for a night of creating your own masterpiece! No experience is necessary and all of the supplies will be provided. Only the first 25 reservations will be accepted. Please register at http://shop.theemeraldcork.com/DeFrance-BYOB-Painting-Party-Fri-Mar-28th-630pm-DeFranceLovingSoulsMar14.htm.

Purchase Tickets for NWF Ballet Presents Kevin the Bird from Lightwire: The Show
Destin Commons Center Court
Kevin the Bird is coming to the Emerald Coast to help spread the word about Lightwire: The Show. He will be traveling to Destin Commons from 6:30-8 p.m. on March 28 and 29. Stop by and say hello, take pictures and see firsthand the magic that makes Lightwire performance so special. Tickets can be purchased at Destin Commons on these nights for the April 5, 2014, performance at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. DestinCommons.com

Canoe Tour of Western Lake Channel and Outfall
Grayton Beach State park
357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach
Time: 9-11 a.m.
A Park Services Specialist will lead an exciting tour on Western Lake, discussing the importance and rarity of coastal dune lakes and what animals/birds call the lakes home. The event only has nine spots available and those interested must sign up in advance at the ranger station. The tour will last one to two hours. Please bring sunscreen and drinking water. Outdoor programs will be canceled during severe weather conditions.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Invites the Community to Experience the Magic Happening Behind the Blue Door
Destin Boys & Girls Club
Destin Elementary School
633 Kelly Street 
Destin
Time: 4-6:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Boys & Girls Club
The local Boys & Girls Club is joining Boys & Girls Clubs across the country for the annual celebration of National Boys & Girls Club Week, March 23-29, 2014. On March 28, the Destin club will open its doors to the community for visitors to learn how the club helps children to achieve great futures. Visitors can interact with the young club members and experience some of the ways the club promotes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Special Guest, County Commissioner Dave Parisot, will be present as well. For more information, contact Penny Alexander at 850.833.3132 or palexander@bgcec.com. 
Saturday, March 29, 2014:
Pet Appreciation and Adoption Day
Commando Village Dog Park
302 Blessinger Drive
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phone: 850.863.0082

Come on out and honor your pet at this furry friendly event. Some of the services that will be offered are discounted rabies shots, discounted micro chipping onsite, adoptable pets and free pet treats.

The March of Destiny Boxing Event
Linkside Conference Center
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin
Dates: March 27-29
Time: 7 p.m.

Flyer courtesy of March of Destiny.
Galaxxy Fire Promotions, in association with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Palms of Destin, have planned a weekend of professional boxing and entertainment at its best. Saturday night will include a night of professional boxing with a co-main event fight between Danny Santiago and Richard Hall, and a main event NBA title fight between former lightweight World Champion, Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell and Gilberto “Gordo” Venegas. Many of boxing’s living legends and celebrity guests will be in attendance such as Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Zab Judah, Chad Dawson and more. Reserve your tickets today at https://marchofdestiny.eventbrite.com.
Boxing Schedule:
Nate Campbell vs. Gilberto Venegas 
Issac Salter vs. Robert Hill
Daniel Mizel vs. Josh Ross 
Danny Calafel vs. Nestor Moran 
Curtis Harper vs. Robert Dunton
Derek Brent vs. Jonathan Thrasher
Kareem Brann vs. Yuwshua Zadok
Jamal Harris vs. Jacinto Quintana

Annual Mystery Poker Run
American Legion Riders Post 75
898 Hwy. 90 East
Crestview
Times: 8-10 a.m. = breakfast, 10 a.m. = first bike out, 2 p.m. = last bike in, 2 p.m. = prize and drawing with auction to follow


The Annual Mystery Poker Run is held to benefit the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Inc. located at Eglin AFB. For $10 per hand, come take part in this event for a great cause. First place hand wins $100, second place $50, third place $25 and worst hand wins $25. For further information, please contact Ann O’Connor at 850.758.9939.

Spring Break 2014 Concert Series
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Time: 7-9 p.m.
March 29: Gypsy Riot
All guests and locals are invited to HarborWalk Village to enjoy a free Spring Break concert on the beautiful Destin Harbor. Concerts are free and open to the public.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Every Saturday night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and Top 40. Drink specials all night.

Sunday, March 30, 2014:
SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Crawfish Cruise
SunQuest Cruises
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway
Miramar Beach
Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Flyer courtesy of SunQuest Cruises.
Enjoy a unique Cruise & Blues, Bugs & Brews SunQuest Cruise on SOLARIS’s First Annual Crawfish Cruise. On the cruise, you will feast upon freshly boiled, perfectly seasoned crawfish while gazing out at the beautiful local waters and listening to live Blues music by Cadillac Willy. The cost is $42 per person, which includes food, live music and a three-hour cruise. Reservations are required online at SunQuestCruises.com or by calling 850.650.2519.

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $12 with the purchase of an entrée.

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s
Harry T’s Lighthouse
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy a spectacular Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruits, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless Champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Your March 21-23, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

Happy Friday! I’m sure we are not alone when we say “Let the weekend festivities commence!” Throughout this weekend there will be local events, including a concert series, a cobia tournament, a clothing drive fundraiser, brunches and more. The Weather Channel at weather.com reports the weather conditions to be in the mid-50s for the low, reaching into the upper-60s for the high. The chance of precipitation is less than 50 percent for both Saturday and Sunday, but, of course, sometimes the Florida weather can surprise you.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a very safe and BEACHY weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, March 21, 2014:
Harbor Docks Charities Hosts Cobia World Championships
Harbor Docks Restaurant
538 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Harbor Docks Restaurant kicks off its 30th Annual Cobia World Championships this weekend in Destin. The event is the area’s premier cobia fishing tournament and continues to grow and incorporate new aspects to remain unique in the world of competitive fishing. The 2014 Cobia World Championships will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21, with the Annual Captain’s Meeting and Kickoff Party on the downstairs deck at Harbor Docks. The first official day of fishing starts March 22 and the tournament ends May 4, 2014. For more information, please visit www.CobiaWorldChampionships.com, or contact Eddie Morgan at 850.837.2506 or EddieM84@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Harbor Docks.

Purses With a Purpose
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
10562 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin – In the space between Bose and The North Face
Time: Friday 6-8 p.m./Saturday 10 a.m. – 2p.m.
This fashionable auction event features a Friday night VIP party where new and lightly used designer handbags will be auctioned off, with all profits benefitting Shelter House. For a $5 donation, VIP party attendees will get first pick at handbags, sunglasses, scarves, food from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, drinks and a live purse fashion show beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday morning, March 22, enjoy muffins along with the discount sale of the remaining purses.

Sound of Music
Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium
107 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Stage Crafters Community Theatre Presents “The Sound of Music” March 21-23, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse. Words and Music by Richard Rodger & Oscar Hammerstein II. Directed by Nancy Kruzek & Pamela J. Strecker. Vocally directed by Shalyce Klimetz. The most popular musical of all time, and family entertainment at its very best. Tickets are available online at www.StageCrafters.com for $20 a person. Student tickets are $10 at the door. Stage Crafters is a non-profit organization.

First Note Concert Series Presented by Seascape Resort
Seascape Resort & Conference Center
556 Seascape Dr.
Miramar Beach
March 21-March 22
Gates open: 6 p.m.
Show start: 7 p.m.
Ticket prices vary according to location. Artists that will be present at the concert series are Brian McComas, 10stepsback, Shelly Fairchild and Ray Scott. For tickets and more information, please e-mail info@firstnoteentertainment.com.


Saturday, March 22, 2014:
CHS Clothing Drive Fundraiser
Choctawhatchee High School
110 Racetrack Road
Fort Walton Beach
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Help support the Choctawhatchee Style Marchers and Goodwill Easter Seals. Donations will be collected at the event or you can drop off your donations at CHS. For more information, visit http://StyleMarchers.org/fundraising.

Spring Break 2014 Concert Series
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Saturdays, March 22 and 29
All guests and locals are invited to HarborWalk Village to enjoy a free Spring Break concert on these listed Saturday nights on the Destin Harbor. Concerts are free and open to the public.

March 22: Gypsy Riot
Time: 7-9 p.m.

March 29: Gypsy Riot
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Every Saturday night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and Top 40. Drink specials all night.

Sunday, March 23, 2014:
Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $12 with the purchase of an entrée.

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s
Harry T’s Lighthouse
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy a spectacular Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruits, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless Champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Your March 14-16, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

It’s Friday and that means time for back-to-back days of entertainment on the Emerald Coast! Throughout his weekend there will be celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day up and down the coast, as well as events including a concert series, a charity golf tournament, a car show, brunches and more. The Weather Channel at www.weather.com reports the Destin weather conditions to be in the mid-50s for the low and the mid-to-high-60s for the high. The chance of precipitation is slight for Saturday and about 70 percent for Sunday.

Wishing you a BEACHY weekend!

Friday, March 14, 2014:
8th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club’s Pine Course
1955 Lewis Turner Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 11 a.m.
Come enjoy a wonderful day of golf for a great cause. Lunch will be provided at 11 a.m., followed by skill games and a shotgun start for the four-man, best ball scramble at noon. Golfers are invited to then bid of silent auction items while enjoying hors d’oeuvres at the award ceremony. Prizes to be awarded for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. One lucky golfer will have the chance to shoot for $1 million! This truly great event will benefit Children in Crisis.
http://www.childrenincrisis.org

Emerald Coast Boat Show
Emerald Coast Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
March 14-16
Head over to the convention center on Okaloosa Island this weekend for a fun event, showcasing hundreds of new 2014 boat models from the region's top dealerships, along with lots of family-friendly activities!

First Note Concert Series Presented by Seascape Resort
Seascape Resort & Conference Center
556 Seascape Dr.
Miramar Beach
Gates open: 6 p.m.
Show start: 7 p.m.
Ticket prices vary according to location. Artists that will be present at the concert series are Brian McComas, 10stepsback, Shelly Fairchild and Ray Scott. For tickets and more information, please e-mail info@firstnoteentertainment.com.


Faith & Fishtales at the Heritage Museum
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
115 Westview Ave.
Valparaiso
Lunchtime Lecture by Ronald Gibson, author of “Faith & Fishtales,” will talk about the cultures and history of Destin, the hardworking families, events and one family’s immigration from Canada to Northwest Florida in 1924. Bring a sandwich and take your lunch break at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida for History Sandwiched-In, an informal lunchtime education program. This lecture is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Please call 850.678.2615 to reserve a seat.

Saturday, March 15, 2014:
6th Annual Irish Street Fest and Grogg March
HarborWalk Village at the Emerald Grande
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Time: noon
Wee ones can enjoy Irish music, dance and games all day. After dark, “Sham-Rock” to each venue for live music and games. Get your Pub Passport stamped at all of the participating venues throughout the Harbor and you’ll be entered for a grande giveaway.

“Showcase of Style” Choctaw’s 3rd Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Choctawhatchee High School
11 Racetrack Road
Fort Walton Beach
Spectators enjoy the event for FREE. Door prizes, vendor booths and food will be available. Vehicle registration will be 7:30 -10 a.m. Award voting ends at noon. Winners will be announced 1-1:30 p.m. Show vehicle entry fee is $20/pre-registration online, $25 day-of registration. All proceeds benefit the CHS Style Marchers Band Program. For more information, please e-mail David Mobley at www.StyleMarchersCarShow@gmail.com. Event will proceed, rain or shine.

City of Destin’s 14th Annual Run with the Dogs 5K
Destin City Hall Annex
4100 Indian Bayou Trail
Destin
Day-of registration: 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Race begins: 9 a.m.
The City of Destin Parks & Recreation will host the 14th Annual Run with the Dogs 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 15. The run is open to individual runners/walkers. A “stroller division” has been added this year. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their dog, big or small, to run or walk the race. Pre-registration cost is $25 from March 2-14. Day-of registration is $30 and will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. next to the Destin City Hall Annex. Participants can also register online at www.RunSignUp.com until March 14. T-shirts and prizes will be awarded for winners in each category. Dogs are required to wear their current rabies tag and must be on a short leash. Registration forms can be picked up at the Destin Community Center, City Hall and downloaded online at www.CityOfDestin.com. For more information, please call 850.650.1241 or e-mail Nick Coleman at ncoleman@cityofdestin.com.

7th Annual Emerald Coast Cattle Barons Ball
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Destin
Guests donned in casual Western wear will “Lasso A Cure at the ACS Ranch” at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort during the 7th Annual Emerald Coast Cattle Barons Ball at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. This high-energy event will feature live entertainment by The Modern Eldorados, live and silent auctions, including a 2014 BCS Championship FSU football autographed by Jameis Winston and Coach Jimbo Fisher, gaming, complimentary drinks, and fancy vittles from the area’s leading restaurants and caterers. The Cattle Barons Ball will benefit the American Cancer Society by raising funds for cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services. A limited number of Baron and Rancher table sponsorships (for 10) are available and individual tickets are $175. For further information, please contact Kay Phelan at 850.376.1551, or e-mail inquiries to kayphelan@earthlink.net.

Spring Break 2014 Concert Series
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Saturdays, March 15, 22 and 29
All guests and locals are invited to HarborWalk Village to enjoy a free Spring Break concert on the listed Saturday nights on the Destin Harbor. Concerts are free and open to the public.

March 15: Continuum
Time: TBD
Part of 6th Annual Irish Street Festival

March 22: Gypsy Riot
Time: 7-9 p.m.

March 29: Gypsy Riot
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
 2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Every Saturday night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and Top 40. Drink specials all night.

Sunday, March 16, 2014:
PAWS on the Throttle Poker Run
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society
752 Lovejoy Road
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 9 a.m.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the last bike out at 11 a.m. and last bike in at 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per hand. Prizes for hands will be based on points. There will also be prizes for the best and worst hands. All proceeds will go directly to providing for thousands of homeless animals that PAWS cares for each year. If you don’t own a bike, join the party at the Edge Café!
For more information, call 850.243.1525 or 850.244.0196.
2nd Annual Raisin’ of the Green
Magnolia Grill
157 Brooks Street
Fort Walton Beach
Magnolia Grill will host an early St. Patrick’s Day event, benefitting Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida and the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. This fundraiser will feature the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. The event will also include lively Irish music and a 50/50 “Irish-American Sweepstakes” donation drawing. The cost is $8 per person in advance, and $10 at the door. Sweepstakes tickets may be purchased in advance or at the event, and you need not be present to win. This event sold out last year, so advance purchase is recommended. For more information, contact Kelly at 850.737.0864, or Evelyn at Catholic Charities at 850.244.2825, or Kim at Fisher House at 850.259.4956.

ARTwalk on the Harbor
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This event features local and regional artists and vendors along the Destin Boardwalk at the Emerald Grande in HarborWalk Village.

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $12 with the purchase of an entrée.

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s
Harry T’s Lighthouse
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy a spectacular Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruits, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless Champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.