Meet friends at Friday Fest
PANAMA CITY - Clear your calendars Friday. There's a lot going on, and the best part is, it's all free.
Nashville star John Rich of Big & Rich is hosting a free concert Friday, Aug. 1, at the Panama City Marina in downtown Panama City. Doors open at 3 p.m., and presidential candidate Sen. John McCain will make an appearance.
The party continues downtown on Harrison Avenue with Friday Fest from 6-10 p.m.
"It will not affect us at all," said Dutch Sanger, director of Panama City Downtown Improvement Board. "It might actually help us."
Friday Fest is back on track after taking a break last month when the first Friday fell on the Fourth of July.
"It has just grown by leaps and bounds this year," Sanger said. The DIB even has to turn people away for setting up booths. "We ran out of room, put people on waiting list. There are more (vendors) than ever."
Businesses have extended hours for Friday Fest, with all of the downtown restaurants and most stores and shops open late. "By 5:30, it's already packed," said Sanger.
"We're struggling with the economy the way it is," he said. "People are looking for free things to do."
Friday Fest also is a chance for car clubs to show off. The Bay County Car Club Coalition (BC4) and independents come out.
The BC4 includes the American Muscle Car Club, Bay British Car Club, Bay Mustang Club, Christian Rods and Customs Car Club-Bay County Chapter, Classic Cruisers, Emerald Coast Corvette Club, Hot Wheels Car Club, Outlaws Car Club, Panama City Antique Automobile Club, Renegade Car Club, Son's of the Beach Car Club and Vital Sign Car Club.
The newcomer band Jeff & The Camaros will perform in front of their namesake, appropriately in front of the Hot Wheels Car Club, Classic Cruisers and American Muscle Car Club. Other bands include Twin Finz playing island music and Herd of Turtles, covering Fleetwood Mac and Janis Joplin. The Jokers and Side Show both play classic rock.
Friday Fest began in March and runs through Nov. 1, when it includes a fireworks show. "We go out with a bang," Sanger said.
Each month, at least two nonprofit organizations are featured. In August, they're Paws & Claws and the Bayou George Women's Athletic Association. It's a chance for the nonprofits to set up booths and get their information out in the community.
"Everybody's on a tight budget right now, and to be able to give something back means a lot," Sanger said.
The DIB also pays each organization $250, and the nonprofit groups collect tips from soda and beer booths.
"The event's so short, we haven't had problems with drinking," Sanger said. "Most people go down, meet friends for dinner, and go down and see people they haven't seen since high school."