Fiesta Family Weekend

Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt

The FREE Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt part of the Fiesta Family Weekend is a time honored tradition and gives children the opportunity to learn about Pensacola's rich history. The 2013 Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt will be held at Bayview Park in East Hill on Saturday, May 18.

FREE lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the hunt begins at 2 p.m. Children 10 and under hunt for coins to turn in for treasures while learning about Pensacola's rich history. Children enjoyed carnival games, face painting, activities, and musical entertainment. There are gifts for every child who registers. Registered children are also placed in a drawing for several grand prizes including a bicycle, Walmart gift cards and a Nintendo Wii!!

We hope that you will join us for this annual tradition where we celebrate Pensacola's greatest treasure our children.

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Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest

Two members of the Travel Channel show "Sand Masters" will be visiting Pensacola Beach for the Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest on Sunday, May 19. Professional sand sculptors and best friends Rusty Croft and Kirk Rademaker will be doing a demonstration on Sunday of Fiesta Family Weekend, a weekend of free events for the community.

Croft and Rademaker will also be providing lessons to contest participants throughout the day. "I have been to the Panhandle a couple times now sculpting sand just up the road from Pensacola (Beach) at Navarre Beach," said Croft. "These are some of my favorite beaches in the world. What could be better than clear water and white sand? The locals are always welcoming and lots of fun." Croft explains that he feels blessed to have widespread recognition of something he loves to do. "Its a dream come true; it really is. I'm continually inspired by my peers and always striving to get better and better every year," he said.

Rademaker, too, feels lucky to be known for his sand sculpting talent. He's excited about the interaction hell have with the public on May 19. "Sand sculptures at the beach are a catalyst for positive human interaction," he said. "All generations and cultures, even teenagers." When asked if he had a plan for what the duo was going to construct at the contest, he insinuated that he would be inspired by his surroundings. "You never see a kid on a sand pile with a set of plans," he said.

The Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest will take place on Pensacola Beach behind the Gulfside Pavilion (3 Casino Beach Blvd.) on Sunday, May 19. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and judging at 2 p.m. The competition is free and more than $1,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.

The public is invited to vote for their favorite sculptures in the "Peoples Choice Awards." For more information about the Fiesta Family Weekend and other Fiesta events, contact the Fiesta office at (850) 433-6512, or visit us at www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/events.

"Sand Masters" is a reality show on Travel Channel that follows a six-member team of sand sculptors around the globe that design and build elaborate sand masterpieces. For more information about the show, visit http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/sand-masters.

Changing Lives One Wave at a Time – that is the mission of Navarre Surf Warriors

Come cheer on our local hometown heroes and help them transform from Wounded Warriors to Surf Warriors at the 2nd Annual Navarre Beach Surf Warriors event on Saturday, May 18 at the Sea Turtle Pavilion on Navarre Beach. The Navarre Beach Surf Warriors, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon, is designed to provide wounded warriors with a constructive outlet to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder.  

Last year, five wounded warriors participated in the inaugural Navarre Beach Surf Warriors. This year, the event has tripled to include 15 wounded warriors who will have the unique opportunity to get out into the water, catch a few waves, receive surf instruction and feel the healing natures of the water.  The event is free, open to the public and will include a lunch and raffle opportunities.   

When a military member returns home " thats the beginning of the real fight, and is when the most help is needed, said C.J. Stein, a physiologist/fitness program manager and founder of Navarre Beach Surf Warriors.  

Interested parties can also show their support by making a tax deductible monetary donation at the event, by purchasing a Surf Warrior T-shirt for $15 - $18 or by purchasing raffle tickets " there are $1 tickets, 6 tickets for $5 or 13 tickets for $10 " for several prizes from local vendors. All proceeds will be put toward funding next year's Navarre Beach Surf Warrior event.  

Our goal is to play off the success of last year and increase the integration of the family and social aspect. This year will be different because warriors can bring guests with them. Sometimes having family or a friend with them can help break the initial barrier of fear and uncertainty. They can overcome the hurdle together while supporters cheer them on from the beach.  Other times, its the visual aspect of people cheering them on that helps them overcome their fear, Stein said.  

For additional information, visit www.navarresurfwarriors.com, check out NavarreBeachSurfWarriors  on Facebook or contact C.J. Stein at 850-496-3140.