This month's Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola will be May 19 from 4-8 pm with the after party following immediately afterward. During this event car traffic is not permitted on Palafox Street between Garden and Main Street. This month's theme is Taking the "Arts to the Streets" where visitors can connect with the unique Culture of Pensacola. My husband and I like to secure a window seat at one of the great restaurants on Palafox for a front row seat. Gallery Night is a great opportunity to see the art, listen to local musicians, and people watch. Restaurants get booked so make reservations.
Every spring I promise myself that I will commit to paddleboarding on a regular basis. Has not happened yet, but this year I have signed up for Namaste Afloat Paddleboard Yoga Series with Vina Combellick on Saturdays, May 20-June 10, from 6-7:30 pm. Vina is one of the Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center's instructors, but she also leads this stand-up paddleboard yoga class. SUP Yoga is a new way to center yourself and experience your practice out in nature and on the water. Feel the breeze on your face and sun warm your skin as you flow while floating. Alignment and breath play a big role in SUP Yoga and encourage you to individualize your practice. Float into savanna after challenging your balance and focusing on your movement; relaxing to the sound of the water lapping against your board and the birds singing in the background. No paddle board or yoga experience is necessary. Ability to swim is required. Check it out at www.breathepcola.com under workshops and events.
The Gulf Breeze Optimist Family Fishing Rodeo returns for its 42nd year on May 20-21. This year, awards total over $5,000 in cash and prizes. There is a $1,000 cash grand prize. Entry fee is $25. Kids aged 9 and under are free with an adult entry. The event is hosted at Shoreline Park South in Gulf Breeze, with weigh-ins Sat-Sun from 2 to 5 pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prized will be awarded in the following categories:
Amberjack, Bluefish, Bonito, Croaker, Dolphin, Flounder, Grouper, King Mackerel, Lady Fish, Ling/Cobia, Other Legal Snapper, Pompano, Redfish, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Trigger Fish. For more information, call them at (850) 261-3731.
If paddle-board yoga or fishing is not your thing, perhaps the Grand Prix of Watercross will intrigue you. This event is the second round of the Pro Watercross National Tour Stop. Hosted by Casino Beach Bar & Grille and Visit Pensacola, for $20, visitors can gain access to the VIP tent. The VIP tent features free food, complimentary drinks from Abita Brewing Company, and unbeatable views of the competition. VIP guests will also receive a Pro Watercross DVD so that they can relive the action at home. The fun starts Friday, May 13th and features live music by The Rips. Check out Pensacola Beach Grand Prix of Watercross for more details.
The Blue Angels will be practicing all month and can be seen practicing over the Museum at NAS Pensacola most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Practices typically begin at 11:30 am, and last about 55 minutes. Admission to practice is free and open to the public. The outside viewing area for the Blue Angels practice, located on the Museum Flight Line north of the Museum. Signs are posted to direct visitors to viewing and parking areas, including limited parking for disabled visitors. Open bleacher seating is available for seating 1,000 people. Chair service is available, but the quantity is limited. The fee of $3 per chair good for that day's practice session. Concessions (bottled water, sports drinks, light food and treats) and merchandise are also available. Chair service, concessions, and merchandise are provided by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. All proceeds support the Museum and Foundation programs. You can find out more at www.navalaviationmuseum.org.
