1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

2. Playhouse Disney Live: Mickey, Pooh, Handy Mandy and the Little Einstiens – 3-6PM – Marina Civic Center

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals in “Playhouse Disney LIVE!”. In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party – with the help of Rocket, of course! Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

3. Scarecrow Festival

Pack up the entire family and head down to Historic St. Andrews Waterfont and design your own scarecrow.

The scarecrow festival starts Friday, October 9th with scarecrows displayed in Beck Avenue storefronts and public spaces. Stroll through our beautiful downtown and view the whimsical scarecrows that businesses, organization and individuals have created. Then, on October 24th, be sure to join us for the judging of the scarecrows and the many activities planned throughout our waterfront district from 11am – 6:30 pm.

4. Ghost Walk and History Tour – Saturday Oct 10

Camp Helen State Park and the Friends of Camp Helen invite everyone to the Fourth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk and History Tour. Camp Helen has a long and varied history, stories and spooky lore that will be shared with visitors while touring the newly restored park buildings.

Ghosts, Indians, Pirates and members of the Hicks and Comer families will be brought to life through story and song. Parking will be located at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 1 mile east of the park at the junction of US 98 and Alt US 98. Free shuttle buses will run all evening during the event. Parking within the park will be limited to handicapped visitors only. Please be aware that the ground is rough in some places. Flashlights are recommended and children are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Spooky treats of Shipwreck Cookies and Witch’s Cauldron Punch will be served to all who attend!

5.Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar Blues Concerts

Performing live this weekend at Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar, two amazing blues bands, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Nouveaux Honkies.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band crosses the barriers between indie rock/punk rock kids, scenesters, and traditional blues fans. At a BDB show, one is likely to get a taste of a myriad of genres fraternizing under one immensely eclectic umbrella. Frequent touring has allowed the Reverend’s band to perfect their bluesy show, giving showgoers a full-on experience they’ll be talking about for years.

The Nouveaux Honkies is not your typical blues band. They are musical mayhem concealed by a smooth delivery. They are tattoos under an evening dress. They are a bandwagoned sound what will leave you cheering and speechless at the same time.

For more information and show times, check out www.willyspierbar.com

1. BAY COUNTY FAIR ART EXHIBIT – October 5-10 – BAY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Calling artists of all ages to submit art for the Bay County Fair Art Exhibit, October 5-10, 2009. 2 youth categories, several adult categories. 2 works per artist. Contact Panama City Artists 850-769-0608, info@panamacityartists.net, www.panamacityartists.net

2. CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION – October 8 – MARINA CIVIC CENTER
Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

3. DESIGN YOUR SCARECROW – SCARECROW FESTIVAL – October 9th through October 24th
From October 9th through October 24th is the scarecrow festival in St. Andrews! Design and enter your own scarecrow. There is no cost associated with this event! ~ Deadline to enter in scarecrow is 09/15.

Great family fun event and is open in individuals and business to design a scarecrow as well. For more information or to obtain an entry form visit: www.historicstandrews.com

4. ABSTRACT PAINTING EXHIBIT W/ JANE SEGREST – October 9th – GCCC
Don’t miss Jane Segrest’s works of art on display, October 9th, at the Amelia Tapper Center main gallery at Gulf Coast Community College. Opening reception is from 6 to 8pm and the exhibit runs through November 6th.

Jane Segrest’s water-based mediums and oils appear in private and corporate collections. Through the use of arbitrary shapes and luminous colors, ordinary subjects find new definition. Segrest’s larger-than-life treatments explore form and detail. In her hands, even the most common subject becomes new.

Gallery hours are 10am to 4pm Monday through Friday and are free to the public. www.janesegrest.com

5. CELEBRATION OF ARTS, FSU CAMPUS – Oct 17
Calling all Visual and Performing Artists to participate in Celebration of Arts, Oct 17, on the FSU campus. Visual artists must be members of Panama City Artists, $25. No set up fee, no commission on sales. Contact Panama City Artists 850-769-0608, info@panamacityartists.net, www.panamacityartists.net

6. A CLOUD OF IDEAS
Calling artists of all ages to create and donate up to 20 works of art each, 5” x 7” or smaller, for A Cloud of Ideas Art Exhibit in early December. Works can be any media, originals or prints, unframed, no bigger than 5” x 7”. All works will be sold for $5 each during the December exhibit and all sales will benefit Panama City Artists- nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the visual arts through exhibition, education, and interaction. Artists can pick up unsold works at the close of the exhibit.
Deadline for submissions: Nov 1, 2009
Exhibit dates: December 4- 31, 2009
Mail up to 20 submissions and $5 submission fee to A Cloud of Ideas, 535 Mercer Ave, Panama City, Fl 32402 or drop off on Fridays between 4pm and 6pm by Nov 1, 2009.
For more information, contact Heather Parker, Panama City Artists President, 850-249-9295, info@panamacityartists.net, www.panamacityartists.net

7. HOLLY FAIR – BOARDWALK BEACH RESORT – November 13-15, 2009
Holly Fair, the Junior Service League’s signature fundraising activity, celebrates 21 years of holiday shopping here on the Gulf Coast. Voted “Best of Bay” for a third year in a row, Holly Fair will once again offer locals and visitors an unmatched shopping experience with over 80 merchants filling the Boardwalk Beach Resort & Conference Center.

Holly Fair has become synonymous with the one chance during the holiday season where you can shop for unique gifts, jewelry, accessories, holiday-themed items all under one-roof, for one-weekend in early November.

8. MADONNARO ’09: STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL – PIER PARK – November 20-22
Pier Park host this remarkable Italian street painting festival. Sponsored by the Visual Arts Center, the event will include a full weekend of painting by both amateurs and professionals. New this year, a special kids area will allow children to create their own street paintings right on the sidewalks of Pier Park. For more information on how to become an artist or sponsor for this event, please call 850.769.4451

One the outside, by name and exterior, one might think Flamingo Joe’s transplanted right out of Key West. But the second you bite into one of their signature Grouper sandwiches, you’ll know the flavor’s all Panama City Beach. Loved for great food, laid-back atmosphere and the tastiest salsa West of the Mississippi, Flamingo Joe’s is basically a residential right-of-passage for beach lovers.

Flamingo Joe’s is located at 2304 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-0600

9. Ms. Newby’s

Every city has a local bar to which locals, after a night of fun or dinner, just gravitate. No matter what new bar opens, or what spot becomes a summer trend, Newby’s, for lots of PCB locals, is like home. What began as a liquor store has, over the years, transformed into PCB’s #1 good-times tavern. Bikers, breakers and locals all hanging out under one roof, that’s Ms. Newby’s.

Ms. Newby’s is located at 711 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-0030

8. Half Hitch Tackle

Half Hitch is the local destination for all things fishing. Whether you’re a tournament-tested fisherman or a guy who just likes to throw a line every now and then, Half Hitch Tackle has had the beach covered for years. With the most knowledgeable staff practically anywhere, locals go to Half Hitch to get all the gear, the bait and information on what’s biting where.

Half Hitch Tackle is located at 2206 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-2621

7. RockIt Lanes

Few places on Panama City Beach have more than enough space to include the locals and the tourists, but one place does and does so with style: RockIt Lanes. 50,000 square ft worth of absolute fun, PCB locals love RockIt Lanes because of the rows of billard tables, the bowling, the arcades but mostly because of Thursday night Bar Wars where locals get well drinks and domestic beer for $1.50.

RockIt Lanes is located at 513 Beckrich Rd Panama City Bch, FL 32407. Call Ahead at (850) 249-2695

6. J. Micheal’s

If you walk into J. Micheal’s you’re likely to see city officials, hotel GMs and even restaurant owners hanging out in the same place they’ve been frequenting for years. Although the location has changed, the great food and chilled atmosphere has not. If you’re in PCB, you have to go to J. Micheal’s and order the red beans and rice; it’s a world famous dish that can tell you all you need to know about PCB in one bite.

J. Michael’s is located at 3210 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL. Call ahead at (850) 233-2055

5. S. Rick Seltzer Park

Locals have several secret beach spots where they get away from the crowds of tourists. I can’t give away all those locations, but one of the most popular of those locations is S. Rick Seltzer Park.This 4.7 acre cut of gulf is absolutely impeccable, one of the best places to get your “tan on”. With lots of restaurants and shopping nearby, and no high-rises on either side, you really feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. So grab a swimsuit, a bite to eat and just lounge like the locals do.

S. Rick Seltzer Park is located at 7419 Thomas Drive

4. Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is the season/off-season locals hangout simple because you get great food, live music, awesome drinks and sports on 360 degrees worth of HDTV. While tourists spend their time in the adjacent Pineapple Willy’s restaurant, locals are kicking back with a Fat Tuesday drink, listening to a great band rip the stage all the while watching their favorite sports team kick some butt. It’s the life, and it’s why we’re locals.

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is located at 9875 S Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408

3. Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop

If you were to go into Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop, you’ll know you’re in a PCB landmark the moment you see the wall of fame. Years of PCB residents and tourists are plastered on the wall, images of boys buying their first board only to, years later, take a photo with their son and his first board. Serving up the surf since 1980, Mr. Surf’s is the local stop for all things beach from surf and skim lessons to boards and bikinis. Surf’s is more than just a store.

Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop is located at 7220 Thomas DR Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at 850-235-2217

2. Spinnaker’s

When locals want to get out and party and don’t want to be mobbed by the crowds, they head to one spot and that’s Spinnaker’s Beach Club. During the day it’s an amazing restaurant, serving up treats at the Paradise Grill or the beachside Cantina taco & tequila bar. At night it transforms into one of the most exciting club experiences in NW Florida. The Groove Room, The VIP Lounge and the Rock Arena provide enough room to get your dance on all night long.

Spinnaker’s Beach Club is located at 8795 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-7882

1. Liza’s Kitchen

Over a relatively short period of time, Liza’s Kitchen has become Panama City Beach local’s favorite place. This eccentric gourmet sandwich spot on Panama City Beach makes  the most original and tasty sandwiches on the entire beach. Everything is homemade down to the mayonnaise and everyday the delicious foccacia bread is freshly made. Serving lunch all week long, breakfast and tapas on the weekend, Liza’s is without a doubt, the local’s number one place. Oh, and did I mention the magical wine machine? Visit Panama City Beach and go to Liza’s. Thank us later.

Liza’s Kitchen is located at 7328 Thomas Dr # L Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-9000

I refuse to allow the Visual Arts Center to be shut down for the following reason:

As I strolled through Panama City Visual Arts Center’s “In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America” exhibit, a heard a woman behind me sigh and say, “Those were the days.” The woman’s voice expressed enough nostalgic longing that I just had to turn around and see for myself what she saw that made those days differ so much from these. The piece was a simple one; Three Boys Fishing, depicting three carefree and shirtless boys hanging over a log to fish. I looked at it, myself never once hanging over a log to fish in my entire life, and somehow I understood what she meant: those really were the days.

I was not born in the fifties or the sixties or even the seventies, but I am fortunate to have a clear image of those venerable decades in my mind. When I imagine those days, I see a time quiet with simplicity, a time when everyone knew each other, when boxcar races were town-wide events and a rookie baseball card was considered gold. All this may sound a bit “aw-shucks”-ish, and may, very well not even be true, but for me, I’ve always likened it as the era of simple happiness. Touring the exhibit, what I saw was the true representation of an era I could only imagine, the very same images that made a woman who gazed into a painting, pine for a time gone.

The Visual Arts Center’s “In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America” exhibit displays a collection of Rockwell’s works. Rockwell, a twentieth century illustrator who found acclaim for his iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, created a multitude of drawings, paintings, photographs, and studies that echo his life’s progression as well as his intimate fascination with the fabric of American lives. Although, throughout his career he was not considered a “gallery” artist, his works have, in time, become invaluable pieces of American history.

In Rockwell paintings and illustrations, I found, that these are not images, but stories—literal snapshots of the American tale. With amazing detail and composition, portrayals of ordinary, everyday life take on the character of the time. You see lots of images of people playing baseball, kids fishing with fathers, mothers leaning over stove tops, golfers, police officers in diners, teachers, pets, politicians and all sorts of people just doing things, caring for things or making things. It’s all quite ordinary, but within that familiarity exists a powerful quality of Americana, a sort of celebration of ordinary America. Illustrations like Freedom of Speech (above left) and The Problem We All Live With really encompass those ideals. My personal all time favorite NR painting has always been the Saturday Evening Post cover called, After The Prom. The piece depicts two teens at a diner just after what looks like their first prom. The image is tender and simple, but always drew my attention beyond the giddy smiles and lighthearted portrayal. I’d never been able to understand why I was so drawn to that particular painting until I walked the Visual Art Center’s exhibit.

You see, at first glance, none of Norman Rockwell’s works seem relevant to my generation; the generation of instant gratification, of Twitter, iPhone and full conversations in shorthand. And then I took a second look at After the Prom. The Prom is the American tradition, among so many seemingly faded traditions portrayed in NR’s works, whose magic time had not stifled. The same gleeful smirk widening the face of the boy character and the charmed expression in the girl character will still been seen at the next Prom night on just about every teen in every American city. The more I studied the other paintings and illustrations, the more I realized that these works, on the surface, appeared old-fashioned, but resonate still the parallel of the American story, perhaps more so now during our current social and economic woes. For that very reason, before I left the Visual Arts Center, I left as big a donation as my menial pockets could muster.

I don’t believe it a coincidence that the Visual Arts Center decided to showcase Norman Rockwell on what may very well be one of its last shows. Rockwell painted and spoke honorably about the ordinary places and things that we have a tendency to neglect when we tire of them. In my generation everything must sparkle or vibrate or play an insanely loud “Lady GaGa” ringtone to get my attention. We are so often barraged by prismatic commercials and flashy myspace pages, that we can’t see the wonders of the ordinary.

If the Visual Art Center shuts down, I believe, we’ll be losing exactly the thing Norman Rockwell tried to capture, the simple glimpses of ordinary America. I encourage every person who reads this to drive to downtown Panama City and park your car. Spend the afternoon strolling through some of the antique stores, maybe grab a hot dog and a coke from Tom’s, and then head over to the Visual Arts Center to see the exhibit. You don’t have to give a big donation, only step inside to see Rockwell’s American works and understand that the best way to truly understand those days is to celebrate these. Support the Visual Arts Center if for nothing else, its ability to keep us linked to the ordinary.

Rockwell said himself, “The commonplaces of America are to me the richest subjects in art. Boys batting flies on vacant lots; little girls playing jacks on the front steps; old men plodding home at twilight, umbrellas in hand — all of these things arouse feeling in me. Commonplaces never become tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative.”

“In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America” will run from June 12^th – August 9^th. Ticket prices are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and military and $5.00 for kids.