by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“Beach Days at the Landing” debuted three years ago as a way to bring a traditional Labor Day Weekend activity Downtown. Even though it’s a little more than 15 miles as the crow flies from the Atlantic Ocean, the Landing’s courtyard is transformed each year into a public beach for six days with more than 100 tons of sand and live entertainment every night.
“We do it because we wanted to do something to celebrate Labor Day and we know sometimes people like to be at the beach, but they don’t want to have to go to the beach this weekend,” said Landing Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Blakeley Ainsworth.
The festivities begin tonight with the First Wednesday Art Walk sandcastle contest, with a pair of tickets to the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons preseason game as first prize.
Jaguars home game tickets are also the prizes for the “Big Cat Sand Dig” Friday and Saturday nights. Other activities include shag dancing lessons and demonstrations by the First Coast Shag Club Saturday and Sunday evenings and Hula-hoop competitions for children and adults Saturday.
The music lineup includes the George Aspinall Band 7-11 p.m. today and 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, celebrity gumbo chef and guitarist “The Sauce Boss” takes the stage. He’ll play a few sets of original tunes while he cooks a pot of gumbo on stage, then shares the results with the audience.
Sundrez owner Doug Ganson said his store is always ready for outdoor activities with hats, visors, tank tops, sunscreen and even flip-flops.
“It’s looks like it’s going to be warm and sunny,” said Ganson. “The only thing we won’t have here at the Landing that you’ll find at the beach this weekend is surf.”
Ainsworth said there’s a lot more parking available Downtown than at the beach on a holiday weekend and parking on the street is free after 6 p.m. during the week and all day Saturday and Sunday.
“We also have nine restaurants, five outdoor bars, bathrooms and air conditioning if you want to come inside and cool off. Just bring your beach chairs and towels,” she added.
For the complete schedule of events, visit www.jacksonvillelanding.com or call 353-1188.
356-2466