Emerald Coast: Beach Ball Blast (NAPSA)—From festivals to fishing, vacationers seeking family fun and sun have a lot to choose from on the Emerald Coast this summer. The region is hosting a series of seaside festivals, competitions and special events along the 24 miles of sugar white sands andbrilliant green waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island on Florida’s upper Gulf Coast. Voted “Best Beach in the South” and one of the top five “Favorite Family Vacation Destinations” for nine years in a row by readers of Southern Living, the Emerald Coast’s Beach Ball Blast list of summer events promises plenty of sunny adventures and water-splashed action for “kids” of all ages. From popular Fourth of July parades, including musical tributes and fireworks displays overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico to Emerald Coast Boat Week showcasing why the Emerald Coast is the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the sunny spectacles fill the days with endless excitement, out- door culture and sunset-dazed summer memories. Here is a sampling of activities to enjoy: June Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival Billy Bowlegs Moonlit Triathlon July Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Fireworks Series Twin Cities Salute of America Golf, festivals, fishing—and some of the world’s finest underwater shelling—are all available on Florida’s Emerald Coast. August Emerald Coast Boat Week Dog Days Open Billfish Tournament Greek Food Festival September Dog Daze Crestview Music Festival Race Around TheIsland With selections of more than 18,000 gulf-edged rooms, visitors can enjoy plenty of accommodations with values ranging from economyto luxury. Along with the festive array of activities, the region offers simple pleasures—the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” 1,080 holes of golf, undeniably fresh seafood and some of the world’s finest underwatershelling. To receive a complete listing of all special events along Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, contact the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at 800-322-3319 or visit the Website at www.destin-fwb.com.
