Downtown Crowd
DOWNTOWN CROWD | JULY 2024
Morgan Cole, Editor
Are you a trivia-loving, Jeopardy-watching fanatic? You’re in luck, because there are a ton of local bars, breweries and restaurants that host entertaining trivia nights just about every day of the week! Whether you’re a seasoned trivia enthusiast or you’re just looking for a fun night out with friends, Downtown Crowd has got you covered. We’ve rounded up a list of local hotspots that offer some of the best weekly trivia nights. So, gather your crew, put on your thinking cap and show-off your smarts.
This month, we’ve also brought you details on the upcoming Pensacola Vintage Fest that’s set to take over the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds on July 14. Featuring 70+ vintage vendors from across the region, this event is one that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check out the full story on page 8 for more details and a preview of some of the fabulous vintage finds that will be available at the event!
In this issue, you’ll also read about the return of one of my favorite events, Running of the Bulls Pensacola. Modeled after the worldfamous Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, this familyfriendly run is hosted annually by the West Florida Roller Derby. Who doesn’t love getting chased down the street by whiffle bat wielding badass women on rollerblades?
All this, plus details on The Arc Gateway’s 27th Annual Crab Cake Cook-Off and more. As always, we hope you enjoy the read.
Until next time,
Cheers!
Discount available in-store only for this location only. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Cannot be used on past purchases, returns or combined with any other offers, discounts, coupons, or promotions. Cannot be used to purchase gift cards. Excludes Exceptional Value Items (EVI) and Clearance Items. Expires 8/31/2024.
5 Question s with Creatives
Aubrie Offerdahl Mertins, Owner of Raise a Glass Studio
Tell me about yourself and your professional background.
Originally from Louisiana, I relocated with my family to Gulf Breeze 25 years ago. My love for art and all things color, light and shine led me to pursue a degree in Art History at the University of West Florida. Alongside my studies, I dedicated lots of time to exploring different art forms like design, painting and photography. Following the completion of my academic pursuits, I transitioned into the professional sector, securing a position at a healthcare consulting firm. While my work didn’t align with my studies, it was fulfilling and impactful.
Today, I proudly call East Hill my home, where I reside with my husband and our two kitties. My artistic journey continues to evolve, fueled by a passion for creativity and a commitment to capturing the beauty of life through glass.
How did you get interested in creating, and what drew you to stained glass?
During my years in the workforce, I never stopped enjoying art. A few years ago, stained glass started popping up on my Instagram feed, immediately catching my attention. While my academic background had acquainted me with stained glass through historical contexts during my studies in art history, the modern interpretations I encountered on social media presented a fresh perspective that resonated with me. This wasn’t the traditional stained glass of old; it was modern, relatable and accessible, showcasing glasswork unlike anything I’d seen before.
Aubrie Offerdahl Mertins is a local stained and fused glass artist and the owner of Raise a Glass Studio. Often depicting butterflies, flowers, cloudscapes and other unique designs in her pieces, her work is whimsical, colorful and fun. Mertins shares her stained glass creations through her Etsy and Instagram accounts, both of which can be found at @RaiseAGlassStudio. You can also find Raise a Glass Studio at various markets throughout the city, including Palafox Market South. Mertins takes custom orders through Instagram messages and at raiseaglassstudio@gmail.com.
I dove into process videos shared by other artists and started learning the art form. I researched tools, techniques and methodologies, compiling a comprehensive inventory of materials for creating stained glass. I also researched the various types of glass that were catching my eye like iridescent glass, mouth blown glass, dichroic glass and glass gems.
After all of that self-education, it was time to translate inspiration into a tangible glass creation. Once I took that first step, I was enamored with stained glass. Its immersive and rewarding nature captivated me, and after a year of creating in my spare time, I made the decision to leave my job to focus more on my art.
Tell me about the inspiration or influence behind your work.
As a stained glass artist, my work is a reflection of the intricate beauty I find in the world around me. I’m highly influenced by the kaleidoscope of colors, the interplay of light and shadow and the allure of nature. I’m also influenced by magical and ethereal illustrations, drawn to their cohesive color schemes and the sense of wonder they evoke. My style combines a dreamy aesthetic with a touch of whimsy and sparkle, creating pieces that balance playful charm and elegance. I enjoy using elements of iridescent and dichroic glass in my work so that my art can be enjoyed in the sunlight where the glass colors really pop, and also at night, where the shimmering effects of these materials continue to shine.
What are some of the different types of pieces you create?
I create a few different types of glass art. I make suncatchers and glass panels that can be hung in a window, on a wall or on a door. I even hang some of my small pieces on a little stand on my desk to elevate my work space. I also make glass work in my kiln where I can melt glass. I enjoy making small plant stakes to give plants a little decorative buddy and I melt down my smaller scraps to make beautiful glass earrings. I’ve started to make small trinket bowls as well. As I grow as an artist and also grow my studio space, I’d like to work on larger glass pieces like windows and transoms.
Can you take me through your creative process, and describe what all goes into creating one of your pieces?
Creating stained glass is an extensive and meticulous process requiring lots of patience. It begins with conceptualizing a design—typically the longest part of my process. My design ideas go through many iterations. Once a design is finalized, I select glass, with careful consideration given to color, texture and opacity.
Next comes cutting the glass using specialized tools. Extra time is needed here for a recut or two as glass can break unpredictably. I then grind the glass to ensure precise fits. Each piece is then cleaned of glass dust and the edges are wrapped with copper foil and burnished in preparation for soldering, a crucial step that brings the artwork together. Safety precautions, including proper ventilation and protective gear, are essential during soldering due to the presence of lead.
by Nicole Willis
After soldering, thorough cleaning removes any residue and then, the piece is polished to a shine. When each piece is sold, it receives a final polish before being carefully packed for shipping, completing its journey from creation to customer.
@RaiseAGlassStudio
etsy.com/shop/raiseaglassstudio
CALLING ALL YOUNG LEADERS!
Join us July 24, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Voices of Pensacola.
For the kickoff of our 2024-2025 year’s Emerging Leaders!
Meet your fellow young leaders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties over drinks and snacks that are just as passionate about the community we live in as you RSVP for the event at uwwf.org/ELS
If you have any questions, contact our Indivi dual Donor Manager, Nikki Fisher at nikki.fisher
WHO ARE EMERGING LEADERS?
Emerging Leaders are young professionals in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who are passionate about building community partnerships and outreach together. The mission of the Emerging Leaders is to engage, inspire, educate, and empower young professionals to share their resources for the betterment of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. @uwwf.org.
Learn more about Emerging
and RSVP at
PENSACOLA VINTAGE FEST
Raid the Racks at the Gulf Coast’s Largest Vintage Clothing Event
by Nicole Willis
Immerse yourself in the world of timeless and nostalgic fashion at the Gulf Coast’s largest vintage clothing event— Pensacola Vintage Fest.
Hosted by the Pensacola Vintage Collective (PVC), the first annual Pensacola Vintage Fest will take place at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds July 14, bringing together more than 70 vendors from across the region—each offering a unique treasure trove of retro garments and accessories that showcase the charm of years past.
Whether you are a collector of vintage clothing, a sports fan searching for old championship t-shirts or just an everyday shopper in search of that perfectly worn-in pair of jeans, look no further than PVC’s upcoming Pensacola Vintage Fest. Every style and genre of men’s, women’s and children’s vintage clothing will be at shoppers’ fingertips during the event.
PVC was founded in 2019 by Ryan Smith, an active member in Pensacola’s bustling vintage scene. Smith has been selling unique vintage pieces through his local business, Obsolete Heat, for a number of years. There are two permanent Obsolete Heat booths in Pensacola—one in Bo’s Local Finds and the other in Blue Moon Antique Mall. In addition to maintaining his booths, Smith spends his time organizing and hosting various PVC markets and pop-up events throughout the community.
“We’ve done in the realm of 12 to 15 major events in the city at places like Odd Colony, Doc’s Hop Shop, Gallery Night, etc. So, it’s something we’ve been working on for a while and have built up to the point where we’re getting to now, where we’re now ready to have a big time event,” Smith said.
Despite high turnouts at previous PVC events, Smith is expecting the upcoming Pensacola Vintage Fest to break attendance records, aiming to host anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 attendees.
According to Smith, the largest PVC event so far was the Vintage Block Party, which is hosted semi-annually at The Handlebar. “We’ve done the Vintage Block Party three times, and last October was by far the biggest draw from our accounts. It wasn’t a ticketed event, so it’s hard to gauge an exact number, but I would say somewhere in the realm of 1,500 to 2,000 people showed up that day,” Smith explained.
In order to accommodate a crowd of this magnitude, Pensacola Vintage Fest will be held inside a 20,000-square-foot air-conditioned expo hall at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. More than 75 local and regional vintage vendors will be set up inside the space, allowing attendees to shop and browse all of the wonderful vintage pieces, no sweat.
The main focus of Pensacola Vintage Fest is vintage clothing. Other PVC markets in the past have had a variety of vendors selling items other than clothing, for example, homewares and handmade products. “This event in particular will be a 90 percent vintage clothing event,” Smith said. The other handful include a few vintage homeware vendors and food trucks.
Smith carefully selected each of the vendors to ensure there would be a large and varied selection of quality vintage clothing available at the event.
“I want the people who are active in the scene to be there, and not someone who’s like, ‘Oh, I have a few things. It’s like a yard sale, right?’ What I’m looking for is established and experienced vendors,” Smith said.
Many local vendors that regularly set up at PVC events will be in attendance, including Rocket to Saturn Vintage, Garden Street Vintage, Sporadic Vintage and many more. There will also be a number of new regional vendors attending the event.
“We have vendors coming from Georgia, Mobile, Birmingham, Panama City, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando and Auburn. We have vendors from all of those cities coming to Pensacola to set up for the event. So, it’s more than just a local event, we are attracting regional talent as well,” Smith explained.
Noles and Gator fans can get particularly excited about two vendors traveling into town—Picked and Dave’s Freshly Used. Picked specializes in vintage Florida State sports apparel, while Dave’s Freshly Used specializes in vintage Florida Gators gear. The two will share abooth, going head-to-head and in a UF vs FSU vintage face-off.
Pensacola-based vintage staple, Garden Street Vintage (GSV), is hosting perhaps the most unique attraction at the event, showcasing a massive collection of nearly 500 items of throwback Pensacola merchandise. From vintage Pensacola Junior College and University of West Florida apparel, to nostalgic Blue Angels
memorabilia and more, there will be plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces for locals to explore. Even if you are not a regular vintage shopper, there’s sure to be something in this collection that will spark your interest.
“For the last three years Dallas, Adam and myself (GSV owners) have been rounding up every vintage clothing item we could find that had anything to do with Pensacola. We decided not to sell anything in hopes of one day dropping it all at once as a huge vintage Pensacola-themed collection,” GSV co-owner Cody Potter explained. “When Ryan brought up the idea of us debuting the collection at the biggest vintage event Pensacola’s ever seen, it was a no-brainer. We are excited to showcase over 500 vintage Pensacola-themed t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and more from the 1950s all the way up until around the early 2000s. We are excited to finally give people a chance to see and buy some incredible local vintage that we have been collecting and appreciating over the last few years.”
Tickets to Pensacola Vintage Fest are on sale now for $5 at pensacolavintage.com. On July 4, the standard ticket cost will increase to $10 online and at the door. Early Bird tickets are also available online for $15, which offer early entry to the event for those wanting first dibs on available pieces. Kids 12 and under may attend at no cost.
Pensacola Vintage Fest will run from 11 am to 5 pm on July 14, with early entry granted to Early Bird ticket holders at 10 am. The Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds is located at 6655 Mobile Hwy.
For complete event details, merchandise previews and more, visit pensacolavintage. com or check out @PensacolaVintageCollective on Instagram and Facebook.
Run With the Bulls
West Florida Roller Derby’s 13th Annual Running of the Bulls Pensacola
by Kayla Tolbert
et ready for a day of thrilling roller derby action at the annual Running of the Bulls Pensacola. This year’s race is set to take place on July 20 from 9 am to 12 pm at Seville Quarter, followed by an exciting lineup of post-race
The Running of the Bulls Pensacola is modeled after the world-famous Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain. To maintain the thrilling spirit of the Pamplona bull run without the live animals. The bulls are West Florida Roller Derby skaters and guest skaters from leagues across the region.
The menacing derby bulls will be equipped with roller skates, horns and plastic bats, ready to lovingly tap runners along the roughly two-mile course. An after-party and award ceremony will be held at Seville Quarter immediately following the race. From complimentary beverages and delicious food options to live music,
awards, giveaways and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Attendance varies each year, but the West Florida Roller Derby anticipates having around 200 runners participate in this year’s event. Individuals can choose to participate in the race as runners, or purchase a ticket to spectate the action.
Funds raised will support the West Florida Roller Derby and promote women’s sports across the Gulf Coast region. This year marks the first year
that proceeds from the run will also benefit the athletes who brought this event to the community.
This summer marks the 13th year of the Running of the Bulls event. What started as an event created by a small group of friends in New Orleans, has grown to also become a beloved tradition here in Pensacola. With our historic city’s unique ties to Spain, the Panhandle region is the perfect place to continue the tradition of this funfilled event.
The West Florida Roller Derby initially started with two separate leagues, Pensacola Roller Gurlz in 2010, followed by Milton’s league, Emerald Coast Roller Derby. These two leagues combined in 2019 and became a registered 501(c)(3), officially rebranding as the West Florida Roller Derby.
Jama Metcalfe, also known by her team name “Stomp,” is one of the original founding members of the Pensacola Roller Gurlz. She plays all positions on the team, but is now transitioning into a leadership role for the Running of the Bulls event. Stomp joined Pensacola Roller Gurlz shortly after moving to Pensacola with the hope of meeting new friends. Traditionally, skaters in the organization select nicknames based on a pun or play on words that relates to one of their personal hobbies or interests. Stomp’s nickname comes from one of her favorite Led Zeppelin songs, Bron-YAur Stomp.
According to Stomp, the West Florida Roller Derby’s goals stretch far beyond the roller rink. “West Florida Roller Derby is more than
to fund a dedicated practice space for our team. This would allow us to expand our practice hours and offer more opportunities to push ourselves as athletes,” Stomp explained.
Running of the Bulls is a family-friendly event with activities for everyone to enjoy. The event will kick off at 9 am at Seville Quarter located at 130 E. Government St. in downtown Pensacola, and will run until noon.
Those interested in participating in the race, can register for $30 online at tinyurl.com/PcolaBullRun.
Basic registration includes race entry, a commemorative t-shirt and admission to the after-party at Seville with complimentary beer and entertainment.
VIP registration is also available, which includes race entry, a commemorative t-shirt, access to the upstairs VIP area for the after-party with complimentary food, beer, specialty cocktails and entertainment. Businesses and local groups can also get involved in the 13th annual Running of the Bulls event by registering a team for a Libation Station. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/PcolaBullRun.
To learn more about the West Florida Roller Derby and other upcoming events, visit westfloridarollerderby. com or check out
@WestFloridaRollerDerbyFan on Facebook.
just fun; it fosters athletic ability, community involvement and provides an environment for personal empowerment,” Stomp explained.
West Florida Roller Derby extends a warm welcome to anyone who is interested in learning and getting involved in the sport. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. In fact, the organization even loans out gear to those who are interested but don’t want to make a financial commitment. The team practices at Weber’s Skate World in Milton on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7:15 to 9:15 pm.
The West Florida Roller Derby has high hopes that the Running of the Bulls event will grow and become one of the standout events of the summer season in Pensacola. They aim to show the community what dedicated female athleticism looks like while simultaneously engaging and supporting the community. Event proceeds will directly benefit the West Florida Florida Roller Derby and its programs in the community.
“While we appreciate our current home track, we would love to be able
Show Off Your Smarts at These Local Trivia Nights
by Morgan Cole
Pensacola, a hub of creativity, culture and community, has a lot more to offer than its picturesque coastlines. While the city boasts vibrant arts and bustling dining scenes, it also plays host to a variety of engaging and entertaining trivia nights. From themed trivia to general knowledge, the choices are plenty. So, if you’re in the mood for some drinks with an extra side of fun, trivia night is the perfect game plan for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned trivia enthusiast or are just looking for a fun night out with friends, Downtown Crowd has got you covered. We’ve brought you a roundup of local hotspots where you can put your sometimes-niche-but-always-inconsequential knowledge to the test and enjoy some friendly competition. Get ready to sharpen your wits and embark on a trivia adventure each week at some or all of these local establishments.
Taylor Swift Trivia Night presented by Zarzaur Law - July 11
Zarzaur Law will host its second on-location Swiftie-themed event as part of its five-month The Eras Giveaway on July 11 from 6 to 9 pm at The 5 Barrel in downtown Pensacola. Gather up your best group of die-hard Swiftie fans to compete in the ultimate Taylor Swift Trivia Night for a chance to win two VIP suite tickets to see Taylor Swift’s The Eras tour in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium on October 19. The 5 Barrel taproom will be transformed into a glittering Swift-themed popup, complete with a photo booth, friendship bracelet wall, hair tinsel station, music, karaoke, giveaways, special Swift-inspired cocktails and, of course, the Taylor Swift trivia contest! Visit zarzaurswiftgiveaway. com for complete contest rules and complete event details.
Weekly Trivia Nights
Lost Pizza Co. (North Pensacola & Downtown)
550 E. Nine Mile Rd. & 1200 Barrancas Ave.
Grab a slice and show-off your smarts at Lost Pizza Co.’s trivia night every Monday at 6 pm! Gather up a team and compete for some fabulous prizes at the North Pensacola and Downtown Pensacola Lost Pizza Co. locations. Prizes awarded to winning teams are: 1st Place - $50 gift card, 2nd Place - $25 gift card, 3rd Place - $10 gift card. For complete details, visit lostpizza.com or bit. ly/LostPizzaTrivia.
Perfect Plain Brewing Co.
50 E. Garden St.
There’s nothing quite like dreaming of a white Christmas to get you through the heat of July. Tis the season to prove that you’re the expert when it comes to Christmas movies at Perfect Plain’s Trivia Tuesday on July 7. Round up your trusty team of trivia mates and play for a chance to win a $100 gift card and other great prizes. The fun kicks off at 7 pm, so bring your game face. All participants dressed in their festive holiday best will enjoy happy hour beer prices all night! Visit perfectplain.com and check out @PerfectPlainBrewingCo on Facebook for details on upcoming trivia night themes, drink specials and more.
Blend Lounge
200 S. Palafox St.
Happy Hour blends into Trivia Tuesday at Blend Lounge in downtown Pensacola. Gather your smartest crew and prepare to test your knowledge on a variety of themes and topics every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Enjoy live music, $1.50 tacos and Happy Hour specials, including $3 wells and $4 Milagro Tequila, Rumple Minze and Tullamore Dew. Compete for gift cards, free booze and more. Visit blendlounge.com and check out @BlendLoungePensacola on Facebook for exclusive Trivia Tuesday clues, updates and more.
Alga Beer Company
2435 N. 12th Ave.
Get ready to put your brains to the test at “Triviafari” on Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Alga taproom hosted by Improvable Cause Murder Mystery’s “Ranger Brandon.” Test your knowledge in this game of live team trivia for a chance to win a FREE bar tab! It’s free to play, so gather your pals and make a night of it. For weekly trivia theme announcements, taproom specials and more, visit alga.com and check out @AlgaBeerCo on social media.
Coastal County Brewing Company
3041 E. Olive Rd.
Embark on the ultimate trivia adventure at Coastal County Brewing Company’s Tuesday Trivia at 6:30 pm. Test your knowledge on some of your favorite subjects with exciting new themes every week. Play with friends or play individually for a chance to take home great prizes. For weekly trivia themes and to stay in the loop on other exciting happenings, visit coastalcountybrewing.com or @CoastalCounty on Facebook for more details.
Ticket Sports Bar 2
1370 W. Nine Mile Rd.
Round up some friends and head over to the new Ticket Sports Bar 2 location off Nine Mile Rd. for Tuesday night trivia. The fun kicks off each week at 7:30 pm, so get ready to compete for a chance to win fabulous prizes! Prizes will be awarded to the winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams. A bonus prize will also be awarded (host’s choice) to the team with the best name, so get creative! Visit ticketsportsbar.com or check out @TicketSportsBar on Facebook for complete details.
O’Riley’s Irish Pub - Downtown
321 S. Palafox St.
Kick back for some mid-week trivia at O’Riley’s Irish Pub in downtown Pensacola on Wednesday nights from 8 to 10 pm with discounted wines, $14.50 domestic buckets, upgraded draft pints and more! Enjoy rotating trivia themes each week for a chance to win epic prizes. Visit orileyspub.com or @ORileysIrishPub on social media for more details.
Emerald Republic Brewing
1414 W. Government St.
Prove your knowledge prowess at Beer Garden Trivia on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Compete solo or as a team (no more than 6 people per team) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes while enjoying specials on select brews. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive by 7 pm to snag a spot! For details on trivia night themes and other exciting weekly happenings, visit emeraldrepublicbrewing.com or check out @EmeraldRepublicBrewing on social media.
Intermission
214 S. Palafox St.
Brush up on your knowledge and head over to Intermission in downtown Pensacola for Trivia Night on Tuesdays at 9 pm. Test your smarts with different trivia themes and prizes each week, including a $30 bar tab for 1st place and a $20 bar tab for 2nd. Enjoy a variety of other drink specials while you play, such as $4 Absolut, $2 Jell-O shots, $3 domestics and more. For upcoming Trivia Night announcements, weekly specials and more, check out @Intermission on Facebook.
Ticket Sports Bar 1
7333 N Davis Hwy.
Prove that you’re the ultimate quizmaster by testing your knowledge every Wednesday at trivia night at the Ticket Sports Bar 1 off Davis Highway. The fun begins at 7:30 pm, so grab some friends, pick out a killer team name and get ready to compete each week for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Prizes will be awarded to the winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams. A bonus prize will also be awarded (host’s choice) for the best team name. Visit ticketsportsbar.com and check out @TicketSportsBar on Facebook for details.
The 5 Barrel
121 S. Palafox St.
Assemble your crew of brainy bootleggers for the ultimate test of wits and knowledge at The 5 Barrel’s Thursday Night Trivia, hosted weekly by Panhandle Pours Productions. Enjoy fun new themes each week, along with select draft beers for $3 and more. The fun kicks off at 7:30 pm, with prizes awarded for each round! Visit the5barrel.com and check out @the5barrel on Facebook for updates on weekly trivia themes and more.
Casino Beach Bar
41 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach
Kick back and enjoy the view at Casino Beach Bar’s Trivia Night hosted every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. The topic is general knowledge, so it’s anyone’s game! Assemble your best team of brainiacs and compete for a chance to win gift cards, tumblers, hats, beanies, drink coupons and more. Enjoy drink specials while you play, including $10 domestic pitchers and $15 premium pitchers all day. Visit casinobeachbar.com and check out @CasinoBeachBar on Facebook for more details.
Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten
208 Newman Ave.
Enjoy good vibes, good company and some tasty brews at Gary’s Brewery
directed and choreographed by Roxie Alyssa Smith
Music directed by Tom Baroco
The Arc Gateway 27th Annual Crab Cake Cook-Off
by Morgan Cole
Feed your appetite while participating in a good cause at the 27th Annual Crab Cake Cook-Off on July 17. Held at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola, this long-standing tradition is hosted each year to benefit The Arc Gateway, a local non-profit organization that provides programs and services to more than 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Serving as one the most iconic and well-attended local fundraisers of the year, the Crab Cake Cook-Off offers guests the chance to sample world-class crab cakes, indulge in desserts and sip wine and beer, while perusing fantastic silent auction items and handcrafted art made by Arc Gateway clients.
Your taste buds determine who gets the title as you sample all-you-can-eat crab cakes from 18 professional and amateur chefs, local restaurants and organizations from across the region as they compete for bragging rights and the title of “Best Crab Cake on the Coast.”
“We will have an extraordinary silent auction and live music for guests as they mingle around sampling the delicious crab cakes and vote for their favorites,” Arc Gateway Marketing and Communications Manager Lauren Volheim said.
Cook-off participants are required to compete in teams of three, with one person designated as the official team captain. Each team’s crab cake will be judged on taste, appearance and creativity. Attendees will also have a chance
to weigh in on which team cooked up their favorite crab cake for the “People’s Choice Award.”
“Teams are required to cook on-site at Seville Quarter and must prepare three full-size crab cakes for the panel of judges and 350 quarter-sized crab cakes for attendees to sample. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for Judges’ Choice and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place People’s Choice Awards winners,” Volheim explained.
Established more than two decades ago, the Crab Cake Cook-Off serves as one of The Arc Gateway’s most successful fundraising events of the year, providing invaluable funding for programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To date, The Arc Gateway has raised $59,250 of its $100,000 goal.
“We sell 400 tickets and the event sells out every year. Last year, the Crab Cake Cook-Off set a new record, with $103,000 raised to benefit The Arc Gateway,” Volheim said.
Enjoy tasty culinary treats and some friendly competition, while supporting a great cause on July 17 from 6 to 8 pm at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at crabcakecookoff.org.
General Admission tickets are $75 and include all-you-can-eat crab cakes, dessert, live music, the opportunity to browse and bid on silent auction items and access to the cash bar.
VIP Experience tickets are also on sale for $150, which include early admission, access to the VIP Lounge and Bar and a complimentary signature cocktail served in a commemorative cup. This upgraded VIP experience also includes all-you-can-eat crab cakes, dessert, silent auction bidding and more.
Sponsorships are still available, and although there are only a few spots left, teams can still register to compete for free.
“The Crab Cake Cook-Off is more than just a culinary competition; it’s a celebration of our community’s generosity and a vital source of funding for our programs,” Volheim said.
For tickets and complete event details, visit crabcakecookoff.org. Learn more about The Arc Gateway and its programs and services at arc-gateway.org.
JULY COMMUNITY EVENTS
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Schedule
July home games at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. For tickets and information, visit milb.com/pensacola.
July 1 at 6:05 pm - Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos
July 2 at 6:05 pm - Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos
July 3 at 6:05 pm - Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos
July 19 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos
July 20 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos
July 21 at 4:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos
July 23 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 24 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 25 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 26 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 27 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 28 at 4:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
Blue Angels Practice Dates
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 16, 17 & 23
The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola select days throughout the year. Guests can come to the National Naval Aviation Museum to watch the practice for free, with gates opening at 9:30 am. The practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels will take off around 10:30 am and the practices last for about 55 minutes. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels/
Bands on the Beach
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Each year, from April through October, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Pensacola Beach. The Bands on the Beach concert series promises a musical extravaganza spanning from rock and country, to pop and funk and everything in between. Hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach, Bands on the Beach offers
free weekly concerts on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 pm. Grab some friends, lawn-chairs and pack the cooler and head out to the beach for a free beachside concert. Dogs and glassware are not permitted. The July performance lineup is as follows: Johnny Earthquake & the Moondogs on July 2, Still Standing a Tribute to Elton John on July 9, On the Rox on July 16, Stormfolk on July 23 and Tyler Mac on July 30. For more information, visit visitpensacolabeach.com.
Fireworks at the Beach
July 4
Head over to beautiful Pensacola Beach to get into the patriotic spirit this Fourth of July! Enjoy the white sands and crashing waves of the beach. Be sure to keep your eyes on the night sky this Fourth of July for a dazzling fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sky! Both firework shows will simulcast live on Cat Country 98.7 radio station. Event-goers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany both firework displays. The show will begin at 9 pm at the sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.
Pensacola’s 4th of July
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular bang in the vibrant city of Pensacola. This year’s fireworks show promises to be an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience! Join The Greater Pensacola Chamber and Pensacola Young Professionals under the stars to commemorate our nation’s freedom, unity and resilience. The display can be viewed at William Bartram Memorial Park, located at 211 Bayfront Pkwy. For more information, visit pensacolafireworks.com.
Red, White and Blues Week
July 10 to 13
Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the Blue Angels’ annual Pensacola Beach Air Show. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day. Kicking off the air show week is “Breakfast with the Blues,” on Wednesday at 8 am, when the Blue Angels arrive and circle overhead to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach. On Thursday at 2 pm, the Blue Angels hold a full practice show over Pensacola Beach. The show dress rehearsal is on Friday, where flight demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performances begin at approximately noon, with the Blue Angels overhead at 2 pm. Saturday marks the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, with flight demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performances beginning at noon, and the Blue Angels overhead at 2 pm. For complete event details, visitpensacolabeach.com.
July 12 & 13
While out enjoying the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show, stop by the Blues Beachside Bazaar! Led by the Pensacola Beach Chamber, this event will feature ten vendors, each with something unique to offer. The Bazaar will be set up just east of the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. It will take place from 7 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.
Movies in the Park
July 13 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to Community Maritime Park for a family-friendly movie underneath the stars! Picnic baskets are welcome, but no pets or glass containers please. Wonka will be shown at the Hunter Amphitheater, with grass seating only. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm, and the movie begins at sunset. Community Maritime Park is located at 301 W. Main St. Free event parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall. For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com/Calendar.
Pensacola Opera Library Concert
. July 16
Join the Pensacola Opera for an afternoon of beautiful music at your local library. In partnership with West Florida Libraries, local singers will present favorite arias and musical theatre tunes for a free concert for the whole family.The concert will be held on July 16 at 3 pm at West Florida Public Library in downtown Pensacola located at 239 N. Spring Street. Featured artists will include sopranos Sheila Dunn and Bizhou Chang, baritone Jack Chandler and pianist conductor Cody Martin. This is a free community concert. No tickets are required to attend. For more information, visit pensacolaopera.com/event/ library-concert.
Boys Like Girls @ Vinyl Music Hall
July 21
Boys Like Girls, formed in 2004 in Boston, experienced a meteoric rise after forming in basements, garages, and VFW halls. Their debut album, Boys Like Girls, reached RIAA certification and charted at #1 on the Top Rock Albums Chart and Top 10 on the Billboard 200. The band released several successful singles, most notably The Great Escape and Two Is Better Than One featuring Taylor Swift. A half billion Spotify streams later, the group is still performing today and are bringing their “Small Town USA” summer tour to the Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola. Joined by special guests, Grayscale, Boys Like Girls will take the stage on July 21. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S. Palafox St. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.
Sensory-Friendly Performance of Descendants @ PLT
. July 27
Pensacola Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its upcoming Sensory-Friendly Performance of Disney’s Descendants, designed for individuals who love live theater but may feel uncomfortable with the usual technical effects, seating limitations, or overwhelming atmosphere. The goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free, and safe environment for everyone to enjoy the magic of theater. This special performance is for individuals with sensory sensitivities that make attending a theatre performance challenging. During the performance, flashing lights and sound levels will be reduced, ASL interpretation will be provided, and audience members may leave their seats and visit designated calm down areas if needed. Headphones and other comfort items are encouraged. Trained volunteers will be on hand to accommodate the audience’s needs throughout the performance. The show will begin at 1 pm on July 27. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Christmas In July Marketplace at The Woman’s Club Of Pensacola
July 27 & 28
Get some of your holiday shopping done early with the Woman’s Club of Pensacola. Shop local at this indoor marketplace featuring artists, crafters and creators. Escape the heat and stroll through all the gifts you can buy for your family, friends or yourself! The event will be held at The Woman’s Club of Pensacola, located at 1551 E Heinberg St in Pensacola. Stop by anytime from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday or 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit facebook. com/TheWomansClubofPensacola.
Bands on the Bayou
July 27
Hosted by the East Hill Neighborhood Association and the City of Pensacola, Bands on the Bayou is a community-centric concert series that gives back to our local community. Concerts are held on the bank of Bayou Texar at Bayview Park located in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola at 2001 E. Lloyd St. The community is invited to bring chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn outside of the Bayview Community Center. Boat access is also available and guests are welcome to take in the tunes from their own watercraft. July’s performance is by Cowboy Park. Local food trucks will be onsite to dish up tasty snacks and foods for concertgoers. Through contributions from local sponsors, this concert series is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit organization Upwards Intuition, whose mission is to inspire and empower the next generations. Proceeds will help Upward Intuition construct a new skatepark in East Hill. Food vendors begin serving at 4:30 pm and bands start at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit bandsonthebayou.com.
Blues Beachside Bazaar
MILITARYMATTERS
AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION
NAS PENSACOLA FLEET AND FAMILY EXPANDS RESOURCES TO CORRY STATION
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) expanded in-person Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) resources to service members stationed at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
In-person services were previously available at NAS Pensacola’s FFSC. NAS Pensacola FFSC Supervisory Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Roger Davidson said this was problematic to some students, as those undergoing initial training at Corry Station could have limited means of transportation to go from base to base.
“Having a subject matter expert on the ground has eased the burden and simplified the process for students attending training at Corry Station,” Davidson said. “This gives them immediate access to care and support instead of having to coordinate transportation from one base to another.”
The Department of Defense initiated the SAPR program to provide victims the resources and support systems needed to recover from trauma. The program also educates the military community on prevention methods. SARCs and victim advocates serve as single points of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care to military personnel.
“Sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility, and that is why we are here to help Sailors take care of themselves and their shipmates,” NAS Pensacola FFSC Victim Advocate at Corry Station Catherine Griffin said.
The SAPR office at Corry Station is located on the second floor of Building 511 on Chief’s Way. The Corry Station SAPR office can be reached at (850) 452-6161, or call (850) 449-9231 to reach an on-call unit victim advocate for immediate assistance.
Survivors of sexual assault in the Department of Defense (DoD) community can also access specialized support at safelinehelp.org or by calling 877995-5247.
Other resources available include Military1Source at (800) 342-9647 and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.
NAS Pensacola, referred to as the Cradle of Naval Aviation, is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC); Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC); Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and serves as the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).
STORY & PHOTOS BY GARRETT DIPUMA, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA
FATHOM A CAREER FORGED BY THE SEA
Navy personnel bring a hard-earned skillset to the workforce. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, problem-solving. These qualities are an asset to a wide variety of trades working with dozens of different EMCOR companies. Forge a rewarding new post-military path.
Photo ©David Schrichte
Experience the ultimate convenience at Bodacious Shops! Skip the line and savor the moment when you order online. Whether you’re rushing to work or exploring the city, get your favorite brew or meal in just a few clicks — no waiting, just deliciousness. Head to where convenience meets flavor.
