The Big Dig Sand Burial to Break World Record and Destin Commons Brings Back Smoke On the Coast

In the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin will host a Block Party on Monday nights throughout July. From 7pm to 9pm, DJ Glen will be playing at the Baytowne Live Stage. These events will be kid-friendly with cotton candy and popcorn available. On July 3^rd, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa will attempt to break a world record. “The Big Dig” involves having the most people buried in the sand simultaneously. The current record was made earlier this year in Ecuador with 684 people and the Hilton is reaching for 750. There is no cost to participate and viewers are welcome. Registration is from 7 to 8am and the burial begins at 8:30am. The rules require everyone to be buried for 5 straight minutes with only 30 minutes to bury all 750. To celebrate Independence Day, Baytowne Wharf will have “Red, White, and Baytowne” on the fourth of July. This grand celebration in Sandestin will start at 6pm with kids’ activities, live music, and a fireworks finale at 9:15pm over the lagoon.

For the third year in a row, the Destin Commons will have the annual “Smoke On the Coast” barbecue and fireworks festival. Eight barbecue teams from local restaurants will compete for the People’s Choice Award, being crowned the best barbecue on the Emerald Coast. This event will be from 7pm-9pm on July 2^nd. Barbecue, brew, and live music by local reggae band Heritage will be enjoyed by visitors. The evening will end with a fireworks display and proceeds will benefit the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Children in Crisis.

To celebrate the Fourth of July at HarborWalk Village, festivities start at 6pm. Clinch 46 will perform live on the main stage at 8pm and the Andy Velo band at 9:15pm. A special Independence Day fireworks display will take place at 9pm over the Harbor. On July 6^th, there will be the 4^th annual hot dog eating contest sponsored by local favorite Dave’s Dogs. This begins at 7pm and will be followed by the Journey Tribute Band. Beginning the week of July 8^th-12^th, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will have the SummerWILD Children’s Camp each week through the summer. Children can spend the week at the Harbor learning about exotic animals and their habitats. Overnight accommodations can be made at local condo rentals in the area. Children will enjoy real wildlife animal encounters, arts and crafts, and get to talk to a marine biologist. Every Saturday night at the HarborWalk, Rock the Docks Live starts at 7pm and with Déjà Vu and karaoke complete with a lights show.