Dave and I were excited to be invited on a press trip to Panama City Beach Florida at the end of December. They provided flights, accommodations, meals, and activities and while there we learned about how much the area has to offer for families. We visited Gulf World Marine Park and stayed at Laketown Wharf Resort. We also had the chance to attend the annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park.
It was an amazing event with two very different beach ball drops, one for children and one for adults. The festivities began at 5:30 pm along the Boardwalk of Pier Park. While the Boardwalk sounds like it may be along the beach, Pier Park is actually a premier outdoor shopping destination with 124 stores. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and celebrate New Year’s Eve.
We were excited to see that they had lots of fun for families early on including:
- Facepainting
- Costumed characters
- Exclusive giveaways
- Live entertainment with DJ Alex Angelo
When we arrived we were thrilled to see that the Boardwalk was lined with nets full of 10,000 beach balls ready to drop for the family New Year’s Eve celebration at 8 pm.
As the time drew closer, the street filled with eager and excited children and happy adults in festive hats and headbands. Everyone was smiling and keep an eye on the time, hopefully to get the chance to bop around a beach ball or two.
Then the countdown began. We were excited to have captured the last few seconds and the ball drop on video.
We also snapped a few fun action shots of the beach balls tumbling down in bright streams of color.
How much fun is that? You’re in Panama City Beach, Florida and celebrating with 10,000 beach balls falling from the sky!
Right after there was a nice display of fireworks that the crowd ooh’d and ahh’d at. We had a wonderful time and would love to bring Kora & Logan down sometime to celebrate New Year’s Eve with them. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate as a family and a night full of fantastic and fun memories.
The celebration continued with the official Countdown Celebration beginning at 8:30 pm with live music entertainment. Just before midnight the countdown continued as an 800 lb LED lighted beach ball descended nearly a 100 feet. Since I had been sick we weren’t able to stay for this part but I heard it was lots of fun and a great way to ring in the new year.
We had an incredible time in Panama City Beach, Florida and I recommend it to anyone looking for a family beach vacation destination. There is so much to do and so many attractions, events, and activities that there truly is something for everyone.
