Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival Through July 6
June 26th, 2008
Sarasota, FL – This year’s 24th Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix promises fun and excitement for the entire family. This year’s Festival and Race is dedicated to Kevin Brown for his tireless efforts towards the Festival for so many years. Over the past 23 years, the festival has given more than $14 million towards the construction of facilities that provide programs and services to physically and mentally challenged children and adults.
Special guests arriving into town for this year’s Festival include Captain Keith Colburn & Crew of the fishing vessel Wizard, featured on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” presented by Caterpillar Marine Power. Theywill be making appearances at Powerboats By The Bay (July 4 & 5) and at “Meet and Greet Who’s In the Driver’s Seat” on July 5. Also in town will be Chef Marc who has appeared on the Food Network and currently airs a show called “The Best of Everything with Marc Cummings” on Wealth TV.
The Festival begins on June 28 with a Golf Tournament and Kickoff Party, where a special tribute to Kevin Brown will take place. Later in the week the Festival Parade of Boats will take place on Thursday, July 3, followed by something new called “Powerboats On Main Street” where spectators can view race boats up close on Main Street after the Parade. Powerboats By The Baywill be held three days this year (July 4-6) with bus service from Ed Smith Stadium all three days for a $1 fare each way (10 and under free).
Once again this year fans of all ages can meet participating race teams and special guests for autographs & photos at the “Meet and Greet Who’s In The Driver’s Seat” Reception at the Hyatt on Saturday, July 5, from 10:30 a.m. – Noon in the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The racing action takes place on Sunday, July 6, with two races off Lido Beach at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (subject to change) presented by Super Boat International Productions. The race will also be televised live at Powerboats By The Bay on a Jumbo Tron under a large tent.
Thanks to the support of The Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, this year’s Festival proceeds will go towards finishing The Florida Center For Child and Family Development’s John T. Stafford Campus/Kevin Brown Building in North Port, which is a “green building”. Major Festival Sponsors include Budweiser, FCCI Insurance Group, Cadence Bank, Sarasota Ford, SNN News 6, Comcast, Herald-Tribune Media Group and Edelsbacher Design Group.
For information: FestivalHotline at (941)-371-8820 ext. 1800 or www.suncoastoffshore.org
For Race Team information: www.superboat.com
