Oceanfest 2004

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

I just got this press release.

OCEANFEST 2004 SET TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE
FROM MAY 14 - 16

OceanFest is the main highlight of 'Scuba Month' in Greater Fort
Lauderdale

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - February 3, 2004 - The Ocean Festival Dive &
Adventure Sports Expo, a complete consumer dive and adventure sports
exposition, will take place on Fort Lauderdale Beach May 14 - 16, 2004.
Exhibits, vendors, shows, demonstrations, entertainment and more will be
found along the beachfront on A1A south of Las Olas Boulevard, near the
Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotel.

This event will feature more than 200 dive and adventure sports related
exhibits under giant tents at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition
to dive exhibits, there will be music on the beach, fashion shows, an
underwater photo contest, free seminars, food and beverage vendors,
raffles, and more than $25,000 in prizes.

In an effort to introduce the sport to new participants, free scuba and
snorkeling introductory courses will be offered at the Dive Equipment
Manufacturers Association (DEMA) demonstration pool. For more experienced
divers and snorkelers, there will be an underwater Treasure Hunt held on
Saturday, May 15 for dive boats and Sunday, May 16 for shore divers.

"Greater Fort Lauderdale is fortunate to have such a dedicated, successful
dive industry and we are proud to once again host the Ocean Festival Dive
and Adventure Sports Expo, one of the most anticipated events of Scuba
Month," said Nicki E. Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale
Convention & Visitors Bureau.

With more than 80 artificial reefs and a spectacular three-tiered natural
reef system, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a unique dive experience for
every type of diver. From excellent shallow water reefs to deep wreck
diving, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers dive experiences for all skills.

Events are planned starting at 5:00pm on Friday, May 14, through the day
and evening on Saturday, May 15, and from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday, May 16. A full schedule of events, seminars, entertainment, exhibitors and
more can be found on the Ocean Festival website, www.oceanfest.com.

Tickets are priced at $7 per person per day with three-day discounted
passes for $16.00 per person. Children under 12 are free. Ticket prices
include all exhibits, seminars and presentations; Advance tickets can be
purchased online at www.oceanfest.com, or by calling 954-462-3400.

A part of the proceeds from Ocean Festival will benefit numerous
non-profit and environmental organizations. Ocean Festival 2004 is
sponsored by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the
Chambers' Beach Council.

M. SILVER ASSOCIATES INC.
747 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017
CONTACT: Roland Alonzi/Christopher Dale
Tel: (212) 754-6500
Fax: (212) 754-6711
E-mail: roland@msilver-pr.com
christopher@msilver-pr.com

Francine Mason/Cindy Malin
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Convention & Visitors Bureau
(954) 765-4466
E-mail: fmason@broward.org
cmalin@broward.org

Marc

 

[MikeJacobs]

What a blast this could be as a meet at one of the restaurants & bars along the beach there; could be TOO MUCH FUN. Who'd like to try sampling ALL of the margaritas at the Margarita Cafe with me? I've almost done it once, but lost my car (long story, but no I don't drive after margaritas).

Who'd be up for an "official" meeting?

Since "scubaboard time" is not linear or predictable (based on much past experience, except for Jenny's sunrise dives), what's the best way to meet? Cell phone list?

 

[CBulla]

Having this penciled into the calendar....

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Gee Mike, can we park at your place? ROFLAMO!!

 

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

Gee Mike, can we park at your place? ROFLAMO!!

Ooooo - free parking.

 

[augie]

I've been looking for a good excuse to dive around Ft. Lauderdale, and I think this is the weekend following the conclusion of the spring soccer season - so it just might work out!

 

[kelpmermaid]

anyway at that time (flying in on Saturday), so I may try to get down there on Sunday.

 

[MikeJacobs]

Does anybody know how large this event gets? I don't even remember it last year, so I'm thinking that it shouldn't be that much trouble finding parking.

Parking is a drag at the beach! But the trolley will probably be rolling so I'll see if I can make it my 'designated driver.' There are lots of free places to park a little inland, and you can probably get away with parking at Winn Dixie on A1A & taking the trolley as well (disclaimer: I'll take the blame if you get towed but I do **not** take any responsibility - I'm irresponsible, as you well know). There's also the water taxi, which stops very close to the main drag... I think they permit bikes on board, too, but you'd better check. As always bring quarters for meters in case you need them and a credit card so you can buy a round of drinks lol!

Gee Mike, can we park at your place? ROFLAMO!!

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Actually I usually park for free down the street a little bit, I think its across the street from the library, near a church with a playground...plenty of free parking...(I was just bustin' ya Mike, you know how I like having close parking spaces! LOL).

If you are doing any of the beach diving during the event, its best to drop the gear off and then go park...they have a treasure hunt with cool prizes ...tho every year it seems the wind kicks up and usually rains....LOL!

 

[KBeck]

Thanks for the thought Mike!! I've been wanting to hit Oceanfest since I got certified, so I'm definitely up for it. Though I REALLY need to invest in a calendar to wirte some of this stuff down....I still can't figure out which way is up without a real paper calendar!
And maybe by then the sun will actually come back out as well.
Augie, it'd be very neat to dive with you again as well.