UWEC Kicks Off Virtual Singing Competition & Fundraiser, Rock United
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) has kicked off Rock United – presented by Gulf Power Company, a virtual singing competition for local bands and musicians. Rock United celebrates and recognizes the great musical talent in Okaloosa and Walton counties while helping our community by supporting the efforts of United Way Emerald Coast.
Rock United is organized in a single-elimination bracket tournament. The winner of each match-up is based on the number of votes in the United Way Rock United fundraiser. Every $1 raised equals one vote. Money raised during tournament voting will benefit United Way Emerald Coast’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every member of our community.
16 artists who live, work, or perform along the Emerald Coast are competing in Rock United this year including Autumn Poultry, Jason Balbuena, Bangarang Peter, Emily Bass, BoDean and the Poachers, Reese Branton, Jared Herzog, Jody Lucas, Chapman Martin, Donnie Morgan, Nick 2, SheAndTheIts, Skunk Lip, ThatGuySlimm, Phil Tittle, and Wild Charge.
The Grand Prize winner will be awarded $2,500, perform at the Sound Waves Music Series featuring Cole Swindell on November 6, 2021, at the Gulf on Okaloosa Island, and receive a robust media package including a photoshoot with Blacksuit FM Photography, a billboard feature from TierOne Media, a full-page article in VIP 30A Magazine, custom t-shirts from Fresh Prints of South Walton, and studio recording time with Immanuel Music Project.
View artist videos and vote for your favorite at united-way.org/rockunited. To stay updated with Rock United throughout the contest, follow the Rock United Facebook page @RockUnitedUWEC.
Eggs On the Beach Cooking Competition Returns to Seascape Resort on Oct. 16
Registration open for Cook Teams, Tasters and Sponsors
The Emerald Coast’s official Big Green Egg EggFest cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach, is returning to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Oct. 16, 2021. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the family-friendly event celebrates the delicious results of cooking on the Big Green Egg while benefitting two local charities—the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought.
“We’re excited to see this event evolve,” said Bay Breeze Patio co-owner and event co-founder Wayne Paul. “Bigger is not always better. After canceling the 2020 event, we’re redesigning the event in a new location at Seascape that will allow us to separate team tents and provide space to spread out. We’re looking forward to welcoming first-time participants as well as welcoming back some of our veteran cook teams to the 2021 competition.”
Registration is now open for cook teams of all types. Backyard grilling enthusiasts, non-profit organizations, restaurants and businesses are all invited to show off their skills at the grill for a chance to win prizes and be recognized as the best. With several ways to win, including People’s Choice Awards, Judges Awards, Knob Creek Awards, and Best Booth Display Award, there are many opportunities to be rewarded. Cook teams of up to six are provided a large or extra-large Big Green Egg, lump charcoal, fire starter, plate setter, table, tent, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins and toothpicks. Teams are responsible for bringing their favorite recipe, ingredients and booth décor.
Consider registering to be a taster. Tasters nibble on tasty bites ranging from meats and seafood to veggies and desserts that have been cooked on the Big Green Egg then vote on their favorites. The “People’s Choice” votes will help one lucky team win bragging rights and a brand new large Big Green Egg.
This year’s 2021 cooking competition has a new location behind the Seascape Towne Center overlooking the pond and fountain. The new location will allow each cook team to have their own 10×10 tent, allowing for more prep space and social distancing. In addition, the tiki bar, public restrooms and access to Seascape Towne Center businesses will provide added convenience and enjoyment for cook teams and tasters.
The best part is that Eggs on the Beach will once again support two incredible local non-profits that are serving needs in our community among students and active and retired military. For those who have thought of owning a Big Green Egg, Demo Eggs, which are used during the competition, are available for pre-sale at a discounted price.
Eggs on the Beach will take place from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021. To learn more, register a cook team or purchase taster tickets, visit www.EggsontheBeach.com.
It’s Almost Time for the Patriot Boat Parade! Sept. 5!
Load up your boats, make history and join Boaters for America 1st as it hosts a Patriot Boat Parade on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in an attempt to break the world record for largest boat parade. Powered by Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN), staging will begin from 9:15-9:45 at the west side of Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach and end at the Destin Bridge. An electronic counter will be positioned under Brooks Bridge to count each boat registered. The American Spirit and other boats will lead the way and thousands are expected to join.
“We’re an independent event,” says co-organizer of the event Anne Ziegenhorn, “and we’ve hired a professional audit team to verify and certify our parade.”
Initiated by Chandra and David Rich (same as last year) and co-organized by Anne Ziegenhorn, an admin of ‘I’m a Florida Trump Girl’ and The American Spirit Party Boat, the Patriots United Trump Flotilla World Record attempt costs only $22 per vessel to register. Once registration, accountants and other incidentals are paid for, funds raised will benefit the TITS Committee 501c3: The Implant Truth Survivors non-profit charity.
Gas MONKEY Propane, Right Side Broadcasting and I’m a Florida Trump Girl are primary sponsors and hosts. Additional sponsors include the American Spirit Party Boat, About Face: A Therapeutic Skin Care Center, Dock & Deck Techs, James O’Donoghue of Nautilus Civil Technologies, Fubar, Chem-Dry by the Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee, Waterside Landscape, Life Media and The Island Hotel by RL.
Registration is open until Sept. 4. 2021. Please visit the website at www.patriotsunitedtrumpflotilla.com for registration, all the details and last-minute changes. Additional updates and race information can be found at Patriots United Trump Flotilla FB Group www.facebook.com/groups/patriotsunitedtrumpflotilla.
The Market Shops Sixth Annual Bloody Mary Festival Set for October 23, 2021
Proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity – Walton County
On Saturday, October 23, The Market Shops will host its Sixth Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. The annual event, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative Bloody Mary’s made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast.
For a $40 donation, guests are invited from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy up to 25 of South Walton’s most coveted Bloody Mary’s served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida and Frillseekers Gifts. A panel of select food critics and local celebrities will judge each Bloody Mary to select the winners for the most delicious and most creative. There will also be a highly coveted first-, second-, and third-place People’s Choice Award that is selected by each guest in attendance.
There will also be plenty of food from the various restaurants located directly in The Market Shops. Local craft brews will be served by Idyll Hounds Brewing Company along with champagne, provided by Hey Mama Wines, from the Bubbly Bar sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and the Hyatt Place by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard. Guests will be able to cool off with alcohol-infused popsicles provided by Swell Pops and a hydration station by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. A lounge area with additional seating and cornhole games provided by Vacayzen will be set up on the main lawn, along with SEC football streaming on the big screen courtesy of Insurance Zone.
Guests can enjoy a commemorative photo booth courtesy of Legendary Marine, music by DJ Dad, a cigar bar by Shore Thing Cigars, and exclusive shopping opportunities from The Market Shops merchants. Headlining the event will be a live performance from Dread Clampitt on the main stage brought to you by Carter & Company CPA, LLC.
Tickets are currently on sale through 850Tix for the pre-sale price of $40 or can be purchased the day of the event at the door for $60. Visit www.themarketshops.com.
Women in Science Conference Sept. 9th
The Emerald Coast Science Center’s Fifth Annual Women in Science Conference is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2021 at Northwest Florida State College. At the Women in Science Conference, the goal is to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, doctors, and more. Young women will have the opportunity to hear from women in professional STEM fields right here in Okaloosa County, as they enlighten our audience about their careers and deliver advice. Presented by Emerald Coast Science Center, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, and Twin Cities Hospital, the Conference is a celebration of women in all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professions. The evening will consist of inspirational presentations from professional women in STEM careers. All ages are welcome, especially middle school and high school students looking to discover careers in STEM. Guests will have a chance to mingle with the speakers and other guest professionals, and all speakers will be a part of an open panel Q&A session for audience members to ask questions. Light refreshments provided.
This year’s speakers include Katrina Benzrihem, Chemist at Plasmine Technology, Caroline Stewart, Chief Nursing Officer at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Jerri Coomes, Service Advisor at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Jennifer Galloway, Director of Sensor and Electronic Solutions at BAE Systems, Camryn Kruger, Emergency Operations Center intern and student at the University of Vermont, and Samara Potter, Electrical Engineering student at UWF.
For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/womeninscience2021. Students free, Adults: 10.00. Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Northwest Florida State College, Student Services Center, Bldg. 400, 100 E College Blvd., Niceville.
Mid-Bay Rotary’s 27th Annual Oktoberfest Service to the Community
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club will hold its 27th Annual Oktoberfest Friday (5-10 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) September 24 & 25. The Octoberfest will be held again at Merchants Walk in Bluewater Bay. The festivities will include the Joe Occhipinti German Band, Accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, Face Painter Maria, The Emerald Coast Community Band and Folk Musician Gary Schmitz. There will be over 35 vendor booths as well as a children’s giant slide, rock climb and bouncy house. Brats and Kraut, German Pretzels, Chicken, Hot Dogs will be served. Domestic and German beer, soda and water were also served. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend this outdoor event. Free admission.
GOP Lincoln Dinner Sept. 25
The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee (OCREC) will have its annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021, at the Island Hotel. Representative Anthony Sabatini will be the keynote speaker. He is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, serving the 32nd District since 2018. Representative Sabatini is a strong advocate for individual liberty and a constitutional freedom fighter for Florida. He has filed and sponsored legislation on a variety of issues, such as cracking down on Big-Tech censorship, mandating the use of E-Verify, making Florida a Second-Amendment Sanctuary, tightening elections laws, etc. He is the only member of the state legislature to receive a 100% rating by the American Conservative Union and the highest lifetime rating from the Club for Growth in Florida (95%). He received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Florida and also serves as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard. For more information on the Lincoln Dinner and to obtain tickets, visit the Okaloosagop.com website. You may also contact OCREC Chair Sandra Atkinson at (850) 543-8742 or OCREC Vice Chair Cheryl Stubbs at (850) 797-3605.
Hammock Bay Pickleball Club Hosts Fundraiser
The Hammock Bay Pickleball Club (HBPC) is hosting an all-day event, Sat., Oct. 9, 2021, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. to raise funds for Foye Belle, a local foundation that donates signature “Blue Bags” of comfort items to support women going through cancer treatment.
There will be raffles, food trucks, vendors and Foye Belle T-shirts for sale!
To participate, contact Event Director Courtney Blackerby at cblackerby@absolutecamservices.com. Visit Foyebelle.org for more info.
Hammock Bay Pickleball Courts are located at 1850 Hammock Great Bend, Freeport, FL 32439
