Head outdoors to Bike & Boat Show

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Find your next adventure Labor Day Weekend when Harley-Davidson hosts three days of bikes, boats, bands, food and fishing.

"Fun in the sun is what this is all about," said Harley General Manager Randy Welter. “Our tagline is ‘Everything Bikes, Everything Boats & Everything Watersports’ this year. In addition to bikes and boats, the show will feature all the fun things to do here in Panama City Beach.”

The Panama City Beach Outdoor Bike & Boat Show, presented by Harley-Davidson and MarineMax, runs Friday through Sunday.

"This is really a way to pair together two things people love to do in Panama City Beach — riding motorcycles and boating," said Marta Rose-Thorpe, event director for Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach. "We are hoping to get a good crowd. I know Panama City Beach is bursting on the beach Labor Day Weekend. We really want to provide an event that's good for our tourists — keep them coming back. They can do this in the morning and daytime and go to Frank Brown Park at night for the Gulf Coast Jam — really giving them a full weekend."

This is the second year for Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway, to host the show.

"We did not do it last year, but it's back and will be every year from now on — annual event," said Rose-Thorpe, who added, "Rain or shine — that's what tents and roofs are for."

She estimated 3,000 to 4,000 came out each day of the Bike & Boat Show in 2015, when Harley-Davidson teamed up with Legendary Marine. MarineMax is on board for this year's show. The 2017 Bike & Boat Show will feature a lineup of pre-owned and new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the 2018 Fat Boy, as well as a selection of MarineMax's premium 2018 boat models — from sport boats to luxury yachts. Financing options will be on hand, with special boat show pricing on 2017 closeouts and end-of-summer deals.

"This is a great opportunity to view boats of all styles, size and prices, ranging from $15,000 all the way up to $1 million. You can find what fits your family or boating lifestyle best," stated MarineMax General Manager Caleb Peavler.

MarineMax will showcase Legacy brands including Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Grady White boats, bay boats from Sea Pro, and the Harris Flotebote. To make an appointment for a personal tour of the boats, call MarineMax Panama City Beach at 850-708-1317.

"We have 35 exhibitors that are from watersports apparel (and) jewelry," said Rose-Thorpe, who added, "It's family friendly. Everything is free except the food (and drinks). It's open to the public."

Local businesses exhibiting this year include Freedom Boat Club, Dick's Sporting Goods, Florida Watersports, Diver's Den, Paradise Adventures Catamaran Tours and Electroluxe Tattoos. Other sponsors and supporters include Coca-Cola, Jeff Ard Allstate, Lawbike, The Bay County Vet Center, Mr. Surfs, Half-Hitch Tackle, PC Beach Yoga and the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise.

"Jeff and the Camaros, Parrot Head music, will be playing Friday. Jesse Jones will be playing Saturday and Sus Mathers is playing Sunday — all on the Harley stage," Rose-Thorpe said. "The Harley Street Team will be passing out promo items and fun gifts to guests. The Temperley's (British Eatery) will be there. The Shack will be serving up fish and seafood. Dippin' Dots will have ice cream."

To wash it all down, cold beer and cocktails will be served up by American Legion Post 402 and VFW Post 10555. MarineMax’s "Docktail Hour" takes place daily on the Harley Deck.

Master of ceremonies surfer Mark Limmer of Tidal Wave Sound Productions will be introducing show exhibitors and announcing the free fishing seminars. Daily fishing seminars, presented by Florida Watersports coaches Capt. Blake Campbell and Sam Taylor in the covered West Pavilion, will include “Bottom Fishing” for snapper and grouper; “Trolling” for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, wahoo, billfish, mahi mahi and tuna; and “Pier Fishing” for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and redfish. The 45-minute sessions each will include a 10-minute knot class.

BIKE & BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE

Friday, Sept. 1

9 a.m.: Show opens

11 a.m. to noon: Jeff & the Camaros on the Harley Stage

2-3 p.m.: Capt. Blake Campbell's 'Bottom Fishing' seminar

3-4 p.m.: Docktail Hour on the Harley Deck

6 p.m.: Show closes

Saturday, Sept. 2

9 a.m.: Show opens

10 a.m. to noon: Jesse Jones on Harley stage

Noon to 1 p.m.: Capt. Blake Campbell's 'Trolling' fishing seminar

3-4 p.m.: Docktail hour on Harley Deck

5 p.m.: Show closes

Sunday, Sept. 3

10-11 a.m.: Show opens

10 a.m. to noon: Sus Mathers on Harley stage

2-3 p.m.: Sam Taylor's 'Pier Fishing' seminar

3-4 p.m.: Docktail Hour on the Harley deck

4 p.m.: Show closes

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1; 9 a.m. to 5 p. m. Saturday, Sept. 2; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3

Where: Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway

Admission: Free; open to the public; free event shuttle for car and truck parking at Walmart

Details: PCBHarley.com

BIKE & BOAT SHOW