Downtown Crowd, October 2023

Downtown Crowd

Joking Around the Nation

Behind the Scenes with ‘Impractical Joker’ Joe Gatto

Barktoberfest Returns

For Annual Pet-Friendly Adoption Event

Pensacola Beach

Songwriters Festival

Featuring 100 Artists at 19 Venues

Pensacola Ice Flyers

Return to the Rink for 15th Season

DOWNTOWN CROWD | OCTOBER 2023

Morgan Cole, Editor

Ah, the sweet sights and smells of fall. For us autumn lovers, this is the time of year that we live for. Halloween decorations have popped up throughout our neighborhoods, setting the mood for the weeks ahead.

This month, we’ve brought you a roundup of local Halloween happenings to help you make the most of the spooky season. From pub crawls and costume contests to haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests, the month of October offers a rush of spooky Halloween festivities and events. One of the most popular haunted attractions, The Purgatorium, is also set to make a BIG comeback this year, promising to deliver a whole new set of frights throughout the month of October. Check out page 12 for details on some of the upcoming festivities happening in and around downtown Pensacola.

We also had a chance to catch up with comedian and Impractical Jokers star, Joe Gatto, to learn more about his career, personal life and new comedy tour before his stop in Pensacola later this month. Read all about it in our exclusive Q&A with him on page eight.

You’ll also read about the upcoming Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, featuring more than 100 regional and national artists performing at 19 venues across Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola. All this, plus details on the Pensacola Ice Flyers’ 15th season, including a very special introduction to their new (and absolutely adorable) team puppy, Buccella.

As always, we hope you enjoy the read, and until next time, Cheers!

8 Joking Around the Nation Behind the Scenes with ‘Impractical Joker’ Joe Gatto

An Evening of Fashion

Presented by

The Women’s Board of Baptist Health Care Foundation

47thAnnual Fashion Show

Oct. 26, 2023

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center 913 South I St.

5:30 p.m. Cocktails, Silent Auction and Hors D’oeuvres

6:30 p.m. Program and Live Auction

7 p.m. Fashion Show

Fashions provided by Bluetique, Dillard’s, The Market & Mainly Shoes, and The South Outfitters

For event updates, visit baptisthealthcarefoundation.org or call 850.469.7906.

Thank you to our current sponsors as of Sept. 15, 2023.

JOKING AROUND THE NATION

Behind the Scenes with ‘Impractical Joker’ Joe Gatto

by Nicole Willis

Joe Gatto is a comedian, actor and producer, best known for his role in the wildly comedic television series, Impractical Jokers . The hiddencamera reality show features Gatto and three of his lifelong friends as they compete against each other by performing various pranks on strangers in public places. The hilarious prompts, skilled improvisational techniques and insane reactions have garnered the show a massive fan base.

In 2021, after nine seasons of the hit show, Gatto announced that he would be stepping away to focus

on his family and other aspects of his career. Since departing from the show, he continues to focus his family, his animal rescue nonprofit Gatto Pups and Friends, his Two Cool Moms podcast and his current Night of Comedy tour, which will be making a stop in Pensacola on October 21 at the Saenger Theatre. We had a chance to catch up with Gatto to learn more about his career, personal life and comedy tour before his stop in Pensacola later this month. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

DTC: You’ve continued to do comedy throughout your career, but it seems like you’ve really begun to focus on stand-up over the past year. Can you tell me about your decision to make stand-up a larger focus in your career?

JG: After I left Impractical Jokers, I was trying to handle my life and affairs. I needed a way to pay the bills and find something that I could do. I thought about how I’ve been performing live for quite some time in my life. I first took the stage in 1999 doing improv. Then touring with the boys doing our live show for the past eight years. So, my team and I got together, and they were like, “Have you ever thought about trying stand-up comedy?” And I said, “Yeah, I could try it.” So, I started doing it.

It was kind of like a band-aid in the beginning, to be honest—I still wanted to make people laugh. I still wanted to be in front of people. I still had to pay the bills. But I started to really enjoy it. Quickly, the crowds got a little bit bigger, and I started moving up to theaters instead of comedy clubs. I was like, “Oh, wow, I’m

onto something here.” Before I knew it, I had my hour of stand-up comedy that I was proud of and that people seemed to like. When that happened, I was like, “This is fun! I can enjoy this, embrace it and make it something special.” It was a little bit of a challenge too because I’ve never been up on stage by myself; I’ve always been part of an ensemble. I was like, “Okay, let’s see how this goes.” And it really went well. I’ve enjoyed the past year and a half of doing it. I look forward to the future and continuing to get in front of people and make them smile.

DTC: What can people expect from your live comedy show?

JG: It’s terrible. It’s terrible, haha. The show is a lot of fun. Everybody knows me from Jokers, so I have many stories to share from my time with Jokers but also so much more, including stories from my life—growing up with a crazy Italian mother, all my rescue dogs, and now being a father. There’s been some craziness that’s happened in my life. I’m 47 years old now, and I’m very fortunate to have some crazy stories that I get to share with everyone. Things like hanging out with the guys, some stories that didn’t end up on TV and stuff from our real friendship, because I have known them for over 30 years, which is crazy to say out loud. That’s really what it is. If you got to know me in the show—because that was me, I wasn’t playing a character—and you enjoyed me, now you get to know even more about me.

DTC: What is your favorite part about touring?

JG: Getting in front of the fans, meeting people and hearing their stories. I get to meet people at the meet-and-greet after the shows. I get to talk to people and

realize how important it is to laugh and that I can help them with that. I get to provide people with an hour to forget the craziness that is life because look—we all know life is terrible, and sometimes you need to laugh. So to be a source of that for people, I take pride in it. I want to put on a good show so people can come out and have some fun. That’s probably my favorite part—getting people in the room together, forgetting about all the BS that’s out there and laughing together.

DTC: How has your tour been recieved, especially with people knowing you from a television show that’s different from your stand-up comedy?

JG: Two comments I get that are kind of backhanded compliments, which is pretty funny to me, are “Oh, you’re not as fat as you are on TV.” People also say, “Oh, you were really funny!” And I’m like, “Well, you expected me not to be?” I think the big thing that I have in my corner is that you were watching me on television, you weren’t watching a character; you already know what you’re getting when you come to see me. You’ve got a sense of my comedy and my energy. I think that’s a big part of it. There’s been a great reception, and I’m fortunate and thankful that my fans come along with the journey. It’s been great.

DTC: Is there anything else that you want people to know about your comedy show?

JG: Come; it’s going to be a fun time. I really just want you to be in the room laughing and having a good time. I’m not a political comedian. I’m not super edgy. I just want people to come out and have a good time, and I hope they do!

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Nov.

Always Free Details at ggaf.org

2023 Limited Edition Print by Lydia Adele Randolph available only at the Festival.

Barktoberfest 2023 Happy Howl-o-ween

by Madeleine Davis

Home is where the heart is, but for most of us, home is where our dog is. The Pensacola Humane Society is celebrating its 80th year of improving the lives of local pets for its annual October pet adoption event, Barktoberfest.

This pet-friendly adoption event offers members of the community a place to come together over their shared love for canines and felines alike.

Hosted in October each year, this community adoption event brings together animal welfare organizations from across the Gulf Coast in support of our local Humane Society.

This year’s Barktoberfest will be held Sunday, October 29 from 10 am to 4 pm at Seville Square located at 311 E. Government Street in downtown Pensacola. Drawing an estimated 4,000 attendees each year, this no-cost community event brings together pets and pet owners, local businesses and animal welfare organizations to support the Pensacola Humane Society and its mission of helping animals in need.

The Pensacola Humane Society was originally founded in 1943 and became Pensacola’s first no-kill shelter in 1985. It grew from a single employee shelter to an organization with a committed staff, volunteer group and multiple fundraising events to help spread their mission of helping suffering animals and making the city of Pensacola a no-kill community through education and dedication. If you’re interested in lending a helping paw, visit pensacolahumane.org to learn more about donating, volunteering and foster parenting opportunities.

Barktoberfest is expected to host a dozen local food trucks and a beverage booth, which will supply a variety of both adult and non-alcoholic beverages. You and your pet will find fun around every corner with special drinks and treats. Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will also be onsite with its mobile refillable water station that provides clean water so Florida’s fur-ocious heat will not stop us from enjoying this once-a-year event.

This fun-filled day not only includes food and beverages for both you and your pet, but also a variety of fun contests where your furry friend can show off their Halloween costume and their super paw-ers by competing in the ulti-mutt costume contests for both small and large dogs, doggy doppelganger owner look-alike contests and many more. There will also be a yappy hour beer drinking contest for this festival’s Oktoberfest counterpart that provides a mutt-friendly brew so that you and your furry friend can indulge in this month’s festivities.

If competing is not your furbaby’s strong suit, there will be many other events to enjoy with man’s best friend such as paw-casso face painting, pup-arrazzi photo booth, bone appe-treat pool and more. Make sure to dial in to the Pensacola Police’s K-9 aw-mazing obstacle course demonstration. Attendees and their

pooch will also get to participate in pet-friendly activities provided by Florida’s first-ever dog event company, Wolfgang.

The animals showcased at this event will be up for adoption through the Pensacola Humane Society, the Escambia County Animal Shelter and the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter, so you may even get to bring home the purrrrfect friend. Typically, about half of the adoptable canines and felines end their spook-tacular day by being adopted by an attendee. So, if you meet your new furry roommate, visit one of the adoption tables to learn more about adoption opportunities. While admission is free, donations to the Humane Society are more than welcome. Pups, bring your humans so you can both meet some new friends, try some tasty treats and rock some fan-favorite Barktoberfest merchandise sold at the festival. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Humane Society’s fur-tastic event. Remember to keep all dogs on a leash for your pet’s and everyone else’s safety, and most importantly, make sure you have a bow-wow of a good time.

For complete event details and information on available volunteer opportunities, visit pensacolahumane.org or follow @pensacolahumane on social media.

THRILLS & CHILLS Pensacola’s Halloween Happenings

From horrifying haunted houses to family-friendly events and festivals, downtown Pensacola offers plenty of exciting Halloween happenings to get you in the spooky spirit. Whether you’re looking to explore haunted landmarks or attend thrilling Halloween events, here are some local festivities that are sure to deliver a spine-tingling experience you won’t forget.

First City Art Center’s 17th Annual Pumpkin Patch

The First City Art Center (FCAC) will host its 17th Annual Pumpkin Patch event October 6 and 7 at the First City Art Center campus located at 1060 N. Guillemard St. in downtown Pensacola. This beloved fall event features a colorful pumpkin patch filled with more than 5,000 handcrafted glass and ceramic pumpkins—all up for picking! Created by working studio artists at FCAC, each of the glass and ceramic pumpkins come in different shapes, sizes and colors for you to choose from. This fall festivity serves as FCAC’s largest fundraising event of the year. In addition to supporting FCAC in their art education endeavors, this event also supports more than 40 local artists who handcraft each of the pumpkins. This year’s event will kick off with a First Pick Preview Party on Friday, October 6 from 5 pm to 8 pm, which includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music, art demonstrations, raffles and the opportunity to have first pick of the patch. The General Admission Pumpkin Patch is free and open to the public and will be held Saturday, October 7 from 10 am to 2 pm. Tickets to the preview party event are on sale now for $30 for FCAC members and $35 for non-members. Pumpkin prices start at $20. Visit firstcityart.org for tickets and complete event details.

Ballet Pensacola Presents Dracula

Join Ballet Pensacola for Artistic Director Darren McIntyre’s original production of Dracula. See this theatrical rendition of Bram Stoker’s nailbiting gothic horror novel, Dracula, in a way you’ve never seen it before. This haunting and legendary tale is sure to spook delight as we travel from Transylvania to London in pursuit of chaotic seduction, lust and frightful encounters. The performance follows the life of characters Mina Murray, Lucy Whitby and Jonathon Harker through their chilling encounters with Dracula and beautiful ballet. Performances will be held October 6-8 and October 13-15 at The Center at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. Visit balletpensacola.org for tickets and show details.

by Morgan Cole, Madeleine Davis & Nicole Willis

Historic Pensacola Haunted House Walking & Trolley Tours

October is the best time of year for eerie encounters along Northwest Florida’s infamous “ghost coast.” You never know when or where you may experience something frighteningly freaky that boggles your mind, especially in downtown Pensacola. UWF Historic Trust continues the tradition of offering the Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours the two weekends before Halloween every year. With four different itineraries to choose from, tour guides will lead you on a stroll through downtown’s grave past as you learn about Intendencia Street’s murderous mayhem, Seville Square’s cornucopia of spooks and specters and South Palafox’s deadly bars and brothels (for adults only). Tours will be offered October 13, 14, 21, 27 and 28 with various time slots available for each of the tours. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets for the walking tours are $15 for adults and $8 for children, ages 12 and under. Tickets for the haunted trolley tour are $20 for adults and $10 for children, ages 12 and under. For tickets and tour details, visit historicpensacola.org.

Pensacon HalloweenFest

Pensacon and Splash City Adventures have teamed up to bring you two days of family-friendly Halloween fun for this year’s Pensacon HalloweenFest October 7 and 8 at Splash City Adventures at 6709 Pensacola Blvd. HalloweenFest combines the pop-culture fun of Pensacon with traditional Halloween celebrations for two full days of spooky popculture fun in an outdoor, convention-style atmosphere. The weekend will feature vendors, celebrity guests, live entertainment, celebrity guests, artists, trick-or-treating in the park and more. This year’s HalloweenFest event will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the fan-favorite film Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island with the voice of Scooby himself, Scott Innes, as one of this year’s celebrity guests. Costumes are more than encouraged, and each day will include a costume contest, with adults competing on Saturday and kids competing on Sunday. In addition to the free HalloweenFest festivities, Splash City Adventures’ amusement park will be in full swing, with go-karts, amusement rides, the Pirate Cove Arcade, miniature golf, Laser Tag and more. Special HalloweenFest pricing for Splash City attractions will be in effect. For more details, visit pensacon.com.

The Purgatorium Haunted Attraction

Following a short hiatus, The Purgatorium haunted attraction is making a return just in time for spooky season! Spanning across 2 acres, this westside classic attracts around 200 to 300 fear-seekers each night and up 1,000 on Halloween alone. From ghouls that jump out at every turn to insanelyterrifying characters that come after those who dare to enter, this year’s all-new layout features even more nightmarish fun! Depending on the night, The Purgatorium normally has anywhere from 30 to 70 people dressed up in a variety of ghoulish costumes and get-ups to help supply the scares. The property includes a small structure out front that once served as a plant nursery, but it’s behind the structure where the real attraction lurks. Paying victims will wander through a creepy maze that leads to different worlds filled with things from only your worst nightmares. The Purgatorium will be open October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and 31 from 7 pm to midnight and is located at 6615 W. Jackson St. in Pensacola. Follow @ThePurgatorium on Facebook for tickets and information.

6th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl, Downtown Pensacola

O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown will host the 6th Annual Halloween Pub Crawl October 27 and 28 from 4 pm to 10 pm in downtown Pensacola. Dress up in your spookiest attire because the pub crawl festivities will also include a costume contest, with a $1,000 cash prize awarded to the winner. Exclusive drink and food specials will be offered at each of the participating venues. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and include two to three drinks (or shots) at five different venues, good for one or both nights. Participants will also receive access to an exclusive after party following the pub crawl. The first 400 crawlers to check-in will receive a special pub crawl stadium cup and bottle opener lanyard. Check in time is from 4 pm to 6 pm at O’Riley’s Downtown location at 321 S. Palafox St. For tickets and the complete list of participating venues, visit bit.ly/HalloweenPubCrawl23.

Cinemas in the Sand: Halloweentown

The Santa Rosa Island Authority invites families and friends, young and old, to unpack their beach chairs and blankets, dig their toes in the sand and spend a Friday evening cozying up on Pensacola Beach while enjoying a free showing of the 1998 Disney Channel original, Halloweentown. This popular family-friendly film, follows the story of Marnie, who on her 13th Halloween, learns she’s a witch, discovers a secret portal and is transported to Halloweentown—a magical place where ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves live apart from the human world: but she soon finds herself battling wicked warlocks, evil curses and endless surprises. Cinemas in the Sand runs June through October, with movie showings on select Friday nights at sunset. Movies are projected onto a giant, inflatable outdoor movie screen in front of the Gulfside Pavilion stage on Pensacola Beach (weather permitting). The event is free and open to the Halloweentown will be featured on October 13, with the movie starting at sunset (around 7 pm). Check out visitpensacolabeach.com for more details and to view the full lineup of movie showings.

Pensacola Beach Halloween Pub Crawl

The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce will host its third annual Halloween Pub Crawl across the island October 28. Starting at 2 pm, participants are invited to dress up in their best Halloween costumes and make their way across the island by visiting each bar, restaurant and hotel on the list. More than a dozen locations will be participating and brewing up their own special Halloween concoctions for guests to enjoy. Commemorative 2023 Halloween Pub Crawl tumblers will also be available for $25 each at each of the participating locations. There is no set pub crawl schedule, and participants are encouraged to crawl at their own pace. For information and to view the complete list of participating venues, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Small Dog Fright Night

The Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team will let pets in on the Halloween fun at their first small dog race of the season to be held during game night on Saturday, October 28 at 7:05 pm at the Pensacola Bay Center located at 201 E. Gregory St. in downtown Pensacola.. Small Dog Fright Night is similar to the small dog races hosted throughout the regular season, but with a special Halloween twist! For Small Dog Fright Night, all four-legged friends who weigh under 20 pounds are invited to race around the rink dressed in their cutest (or scariest) costume for all to enjoy. Human companions will receive one free ticket for each pet registered to participate in the races. For information and to register your pup for Small Dog Fright Night, visit bit.ly/SmallDogFrightNight.

Fall & Halloween Markets:

Odd Colony’s Annual Craft & Vintage Fall Market

When: October 8 @ 11 am to 4 pm

Where: Odd Colony Brewing Company | 260 N. Palafox St., Pensacola Shop oodles of vintage and fall-themed items at Odd Colony’s Craft & Vintage Fall Market. Local vendors and artisans will be set up throughout the brewery with a variety of clothing, accessories, arts and crafts, home decor and more. Local food trucks will also be on site dishing up delicious eats. For information, visit facebook.com/oddcolony.

Halloween Market at Emerald Republic Brewing

When: October 15 @ 12 pm to 5 pm

Where: Emerald Republic Brewing Co. | 1414 W. Government St., Pensacola Emerald Republic’s second annual Halloween Market will return on October 15 with more than 20 local vendors showcasing their spooky wares, unique art, vintage clothing and more. A variety of Halloweenthemed brews and bites will also be offered at the event. Admission is free. For information, visit facebook.com/emeraldrepublicbrewing.

Pensacola Arts Market Fall Bazaar

When: October 28 @ 11 am to 5 pm

Where: Cordova Square Park | 1101 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola

Pensacola Arts Market’s first annual Fall Bazaar is a spook-tacular way to celebrate the season and support local businesses. Fall Bazaar will feature more than 50 local artisan and boutique vendors, including food trucks, Halloween-themed arts and crafts, live music, a costume contest and trickor-treating throughout the park. Admission is free. For information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.

Punk Rock Flea Market

When: October 22 @ 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Where: 432 W. Belmont St., Pensacola

Pensacola’s Punk Rock Flea Market will return on October 22 for its annual event with 50+ vendors selling unique crafts, edgy art, housewares, jewelry, alternative-style clothing and more. Peruse the racks and displays of local vendors to find a totally one-of-a-kind piece. Admission is free. For information, visit facebook.com/punkrockfleamarketpensacola.

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival

by Morgan Cole

Each year in October, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival offers a special opportunity for music lovers to hear about the stories behind the songs.

This annual series will return October 4-8, hosting 100 local and national artists at 19 downtown and beachside venues. Created by Reneda Cross Pasquale and her late husband Jim, this annual event not only spotlights musicians and their songs but reaches out to the community through music education.

Pasquale started as a volunteer at a songwriter festival more than 25 years ago and after just two years, she expanded upon that role to become a coordinator. It’s a career she’s held ever since, and one that she talks about with warmth while discussing the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival.

“I had been organizing festivals for many years prior to starting the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, so for me, it was like stepping back into doing what I love all over again…Supporting the songwriters and working with the community,” Pasquale said.

Pasquale said that paying attention to the experiences that songwriters share in their songs, has given her a whole new perspective on what music is all about.

“I feel like a lot of people may take songs kind of for granted. They hear them and love the tune, but don’t realize the meaning of the lyrics behind it,” Pasquale said. “So, this event really does serve as much more than just a live music event.”

Featuring 100 Artists at 19 Local Venues

While drawing people from all over the country, and a few internationally, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is also meant to serve as an educational event for audiences. “We want people to enjoy the music and realize what these people go through to get these songs to you. Music education is the foundation of our festival,” Pasquale said.

“The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival began back in 2009, when my husband and I were contacted by Renee Mack, who is the general manager of Paradise Bar & Grill, asking if I would consider starting a songwriters festival on Pensacola Beach,” Pasquale explained. “After meeting with her that same August, we decided on a timeframe and the first festival came to life about six weeks later. It’s only continued to grow ever since.”

The inaugural songwriters festival kicked off in 2009 with 12 songwriters performing at five participating venues on Pensacola Beach. Now, more than a decade later, the event has grown to include 100 artists performing at more than 18 venues across Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola.

“Last year was our first year back since 2019. With the passing of our event co-founder Jim Pasquale, the COVID-19 pandemic and the bridge outage, the 2021 event did not happen,” Pasquale explained. “So, we were really pleased to have made that kind of comeback and we’re expecting twice that for this year’s event.”

Proceeds from the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival go to support music education and expansion in the classroom.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Return to the Rink for 15th Season

by Darien Hardy

THE ICE FLYERS ARE EMBARKING ON THEIR FIFTEENTH SEASON HERE IN PENSACOLA with the intention of honoring local history and looking ahead to a bright future. The team is ready to keep up the momentum from last season and looks forward to providing nothing but the best for their loyal fans. Director of Marketing and Operations for the Ice Flyers, Brenden Arney said the team is focusing on storytelling and gameday experience. “With our storytelling, we want to give an inside look to our connection with our city and fans, harness some of the roaring emotions that our sport cultivates and tell our season’s story by capturing and sharing all the blood, sweat and tears that come with the pursuit of another championship,” Arney said. While the Ice Flyers staff is already extremely proud of the gameday experience offered, they are never satisfied. This year, fans will be able to play new mobile games that will win them prizes during the matches, join in on exciting intermission contests and be a part of an immersive experience.

While building out the theme night schedule, the Ice Flyers staff made it a priority to include a themed game for everyone. Fans can expect to see the return of their favorite themes, a handful of brand new themes and some twists on the classics.

The Ice Flyers are bringing back popular themes such as Star Wars Night, Mardi Gras Night and Peanuts Night. Batman Night is a new addition to the themed games. Additionally, Small Dog Fright Night will be a fun twist on the fan-favorite Small Dog Race Night. “Where else can you see small dogs racing on ice in funny costumes?” Arney asked.

Speaking of dogs, the Ice Flyers are also welcoming a new team puppy this season. Buccella is a three-monthold male labrador-golden retriever mix. He is proudly named after beloved player Dan Buccella, who passed away from leukemia last November. Greg Harris, the

owner of the Ice Flyers said it was important to seek the blessings of Dan’s wife and parents before naming the puppy. “I reached out to each of them, explaining our intention and leaving the final decision up to them,” Harris said. “All of them were deeply moved by the gesture and wholeheartedly agreed that it would be an incredible tribute to Dan. With their blessings, we then reached out to Canine Companions to share our plan on naming our future service dog after him.”

Canine Companions is a national organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to the recipient. Canine Companions dogs are bred specifically to be service animals. Each dog undergoes six to nine months of advanced training. Buccella is not the only Canine Companions puppy to join the team; a couple years ago, the Ice Flyers welcomed Ranger into their lives. Weston Cramer and LeAnne Pickering, volunteer puppy raisers, trained Buccella to be a future service dog. Buccella is Cramer’s fourth dog and Pickering’s thirteenth. Canine Companions is one of many nonprofit organizations that the Ice Flyers partner with. According to Harris, making a positive impact on the local community is deeply ingrained in the Ice Flyers’ core values. “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we receive from our dedicated fan base, who also contribute to the betterment of our community,” Harris said. “We are committed to expanding our support by collaborating with various nonprofits, ensuring that our reach extends to different causes and demographics.”

This season, the Ice Flyers plan to continue the tradition of designating each month to a specific charity. Additionally, there will be multiple opportunities during games and organizations to fundraise, and they will continue to sponsor various local events. “Our goal is to leverage our platform and resources to improve the

lives of as many individuals in our own community as possible,” Harris said.

Finally, Gary Graham will be returning to the Ice Flyers as head coach for the first time since he brought the team to a SPHL championship in 2013. We’ve conducted a Q&A with Coach Graham that expands upon his career and journey back to Pensacola.

For more information about the Pensacola Ice Flyers and the season schedule, visit iceflyers.com or check out @pcolaiceflyers on Facebook and Instagram.

Q&A WITH RETURNING ICE FLYERS COACH, GARY GRAHAM

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your professional background?

I started coaching at the age of 22, working with high school teams and AAA for four years. I then became an assistant coach for a pro team in Ft. Wayne, and I stayed there for another four years, during which we won three championships. The following year, I was fortunate enough to be offered the head coach job in Pensacola and we won a championship here. After that, I worked as a head coach in Ft. Wayne for six years before taking on coaching jobs in Beijing, Indy, Omaha, and Nottingham. Now, I am excited to return to Pensacola, where it all started for me.

What drew you to coaching as a career?

I have always gravitated toward leadership roles. I was class president in highschool and captain of my hockey team. I started my business when I was 20. Making decisions, solving problems, competing and, most importantly, developing the relationships with your players are really special in this line of work.

How would you best describe your coaching style?

I like to play an aggressive style. [Hockey] is an entertainment business so there is an element of finding the right players with personalities and characteristics that fit that identity.

I understand that you brought the Pensacola Ice Flyers team to a 2013 SPHL Championship win. What brings you back to the team as head coach now?

Pensacola is a great city with great fans. Greg Harris is a special owner in that he gets the hockey side and business side very well. Seeing what Greg and the rest of his staff has built over the past 10 years is very impressive, and I look forward to playing a role in our future successes.

What are some of your big plans for the Ice Flyers in this upcoming season?

We have a strong core of returning players. To challenge them daily, I plan to set personal goals for each player and encourage them to achieve these goals. I believe that individual player success is tightly linked to team success, so I want to see each player contribute to the team’s daily goals. As a development league, personal growth is essential for our players. This growth also happens off the ice and out in the community. I believe that professional sports provide us with an opportunity to make a positive impact in the local community, and I look forward to working with the team to find ways to give back.

Is there anything that you would like readers to know that I may not have asked about?

I’m married with two amazing kids and four dogs.

OCTOBER COMMUNITY EVENTS

Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule and Theme Nights

October Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets and more information, visit iceflyers.com.

October 21 at 7:05 pm - Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; Opening Night

October 28 at 7:05 pm - Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Small Dog Fright Night

Blue Angels Practice Dates

October 18, 24 & 25

The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola select days throughout the year. Department of Defense identification cardholders and their guests (active duty service members, retirees, and their families) can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum to watch the Blue Angels practice. The gates will open 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.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night

will love. The half marathon starts and ends at Community Maritime Park by the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Participants will loop through the historic North Hill community just before crossing the Bayou Chico bridge capturing marina views of both Bayou Chico and Pensacola Bay. Next, the course takes you to Pensacola’s downtown through the Historic District before returning you back to Maritime Park. The race is a great event for Columbus Day weekend. To register or learn more, visit runpensacola.com.

Phoenix Rising Rescue Dog Adoption Event

33rd Annual WSRE Wine & Food Classic

October 14 & 21

Alabama Story @ PLT

October 20-22 & 26-29

...........

October 7

Soaring excitement and thrilling musicality come together for the opening of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s 98th season. Featuring large orchestral forces, offstage brass and the Saenger’s pipe organ, Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome is a testament to the composer’s ability to share vivid imagery through music. This magical program also features Paul Dukas’ A Sorcerer’s Apprentice, of Fantasia fame, along with Jacques Ibert’s Escales (Ports of Call) and the return of pianist Sara Davis Buechner for Richard Strauss’ Burleske. This exciting night begins at 7:30 pm. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Place. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

Pensacola Half Marathon & 5k

8

The Pensacola Half Marathon course was designed by locals to highlight the beauty of Pensacola and give participants a run that they

October 14

Local dog rescue, Phoenix Rising Rescue, is hosting a dog adoption event this October. Stop by Anderson Subaru on October 14 to meet some adorable puppies and dogs that are available for adoption. Your new best friend is waiting to meet you! The adoption event runs form 10 am to 1 pm. Dadgum Good BBQ will also be on site serving up a delicious array of sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, potato salad and more! Anderson Subaru is located at 7050 Pensacola Boulevard. To learn more about Phoenix Rising Rescue, visit phoenixrisingrescue.com or facebook.com/PhoenixRisingRescue.

Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic

October 14

Come out for an enriching fishing clinic offered exclusively to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities. The first 250 attendees will receive a free rod and reel to keep. Grilled lunch and beverages will be provided, as well as a t-shirt, fishing education, hands-on instruction, demonstrations and more. This event is completely free. The clinic starts at 8 am and runs until 12 pm. Pre-registration is required. Registration is available first come, first served. Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic will be hosted at Community Maritime Park. For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com/calendar.

Taste of the Beach Festival 2023

October 14

Pensacola Beach’s Taste of the Beach Festival will take place from 10 am to 4 pm on October 14. The festival features a variety of Pensacola Beach restaurants showcasing and serving up their signature dishes to attendees. There will also be cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. Entry to the festival is free. 2023’s Taste of the Beach Festival will be hosted at the Casino Beach Gulfside Pavilion. For more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.

This fall’s 33rd annual WSRE Wine & Food Classic will celebrate the iconic chefs and rising culinary stars of both PBS and the local region. Two events are planned as part of this year’s Wine & Food Classic—“A Legendary Dinner” and “Walkabout Tasting.” A Legendary Dinner will be hosted at 6 pm on October 14, in the station’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio. Walkabout Tasting will be hosted at 6 pm on October 21, at the SCI Building in downtown Pensacola. Both events will feature delicious food made by top chefs. For tickets and more information, visit wsre.org/events.

ITEN WIRED Summit

18-20

ITEN (Innovation Technology Education Network) WIRED Summit is an annual conference of the Information Technology Association of the Gulf Coast, Inc. (IT Gulf Coast). It is known as the Southeast’s premier cybersecurity and IT conference to connect, collaborate and build community with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and educators on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship topics. The three-day event highlights the area’s cybersecurity, information technology and entrepreneurial communities and explores emerging technology and innovators in start-up tech, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more on the national scene. For tickets and more information, visit itenwired.com.

Hotel California A Salute to the Eagles

19

Hotel California A Salute to the Eagles is coming to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre this October. By respectfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy award-winning sounds of the Eagles, this legendary Southern California group has touched the hearts of fans all over the world. The most successful and longest-running show of its kind, Hotel California A Salute to the Eagles, is the only show to have ever received “Official Authorization” to perform the Eagles’ catalog of music. The show starts at 8 pm and doors open at 7 pm. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Place. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Written by Kenneth Jones and directed by Gavin Parmley, Alabama Story is inspired by true events from 1959. As the Civil Rights movement is brewing, a segregationist senator and a no-nonsense librarian clash over the content of a children’s book. Meanwhile, a reunion of childhood friends provides a private counterpoint to the public events swirling in the state capital. Political foes, star-crossed lovers, and one feisty children’s author inhabit a Deep South of the imagination that brims with humor, heartbreak, and hope. Catch Alabama Story at the Pensacola Little Theatre this October. The Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 South Jefferson Street. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Bumpin Uglies @ Vinyl Music Hall

October 24

Bumpin Uglies are a reggae-rock band from Maryland that has spent more than a decade on the road. The group started their journey playing local open mics and backyard parties, then grew into road warriors, building an ever-expanding audience with sold-out shows in clubs and festivals from coast to coast. Now, Bumpin Uglies will bring their energy to the Vinyl Music Hall in downtown Pensacola on October 24. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. The Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S Palafox Street. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party

October 27

Put on your dancing shoes and stop by Vinyl Music Hall to celebrate the re-release of Taylor Swift’s hit album, 1989. The album’s re-release comes 9 years after its original release on October 27, 2014. Join fellow Swifties in celebrating this release by dancing to your favorite songs, participating in Taylor-themed trivia, crushing a lip sync battle and more! There will also be a photobooth and a costume contest, so bring your best Swift-inspired look forward. The party begins at 9 pm. Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S Palafox Street. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

NAS PENSACOLA CELEBRATES OMBUDSMEN WITH APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

More than 15 area ombudsmen were recognized for their support of service members at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s annual Ombudsmen Appreciation Luncheon September 14 at the Mustin Beach Club.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terry Shashaty signed a proclamation during the hour-long event, denoting September 14 as Navy Family Ombudsman Program Appreciation Day.

“The contribution you make to the success of a command’s mission is immeasurable,” Shashaty said to Ombudsmen representing several of NAS Pensacola’s tenant commands. “Your efforts in supporting Navy families enable Sailors and commands to focus on mission requirements, all while knowing families have a trained and reliable resource to provide support. Although families may experience uncertain times or crisis events in their lives, you continue to bring compassion through your communication and ensure families feel supported at all times.”

September 14 is set aside for Navy personnel and families to show appreciation to command Ombudsmen for their dedicated service to the Fleet, Fighter and Family. This practice goes back to the inception of the program in 1970,

when Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., introduced the Navy Family Command Ombudsman Program created via Z-Gram 24.

NAS Pensacola tenant command Ombudsmen present were individually recognized during the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)-coordinated event, receiving a certificate of appreciation and gift bag. Shashaty, introduced by FFSC Director R. Train Hatton during the event, added that the link between the family and service member’s command remains vital to the overall success of any mission.

“When families in crisis receive information, resources, support and assistance to better navigate their circumstances, it increases overall resiliency and makes them better equipped to navigate the military lifestyle with greater strength,” Hatton said.

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).

PHOTO BY BRUCE CUMMINS

STORY BY ENS. ANGELIQUE THERRIEN, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA PUBLIC AFFAIRS