It’s still true: We have fun in the sun!

by Elsie Sterling Howard, Chairperson, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority

December 1^st is my favorite day of the year.  Why? Because it is the official end of Hurricane season…and because the “season” has opened again in Miami Beach.  No blizzards for us. Only the best weather in the country and the most exciting events to enjoy. The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority has just had the pleasure of funding a number of fantastic projects that are in our grant categories “special events/projects recurring”, events that have had a transformative impact on Miami Beach. The VCA financial grants have supported these events from start-up to annual - strengthening the activities calendar with diverse events year-round. Since the revenue that fuels the VCA grants comes from the proceeds of the bed-tax (paid by tourists) the bounce for the City is three-fold: no cost to the City or its residents, new revenue generated annually, and very special events – many with discounts for residents. Events that ONLY happen here.

Events like Art Basel Miami Beach.  Only in Miami Beach.  It has just closed—and I hope you visited one of the art fairs. What a magical few days of excitement and world-wide publicity – putting Miami Beach at the vanguard of exciting, culturally dynamic cities worldwide.  And how about those fabulous pink snails—who would ever believe that a snail would be glamorous.  Just goes to show that Miami Beach can make anything look good!

Around the corner, on New Year’s weekend, is the ever-fantastic Orange Bowl – again this year, with teams headquartered in Miami Beach.  Watch for those team buses and give the kids a wave!

That traffic during the Boat Show…. we know, we know.  But  from February 17- 21, the 5-day Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, in its 70^th year, occupies 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space and attracts over  100,000 people to the destination. It is the primary boat and accessory sales event in the world. www.miamiboatshow.com. Watch for announcements of special admissions prices for Miami Beach residents. Come out and enjoy the mega yachts docked along Collins Avenue. Stroll down the Avenue, seaside - only in Miami Beach!

Did you get your South Beach Wine & Food Festival cookbook yet?  Talk about fabulous!  Hard to believe that this is the tenth year of the most talked-about event of its kind. Who doesn’t know that this four day culinary, wine and spirits celebration from Thursday, February 24 – Sunday, February 27, 2011 will bring world acclaimed chefs and the country’s best wineries to Miami Beach for a series of events – many of them on our beautiful beaches.  Buy your tickets early – and yes, there are some special residential discounts. But this festival sells-out. And we love it. YUMMY and fantastic. www.sobewineandfoodfest.com.

AAH… Winter Party Festival – From Wednesday, March 2 – Monday, March 7, 2011…. enjoy this  much-loved event, a celebration of social and cultural events targeted at the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community from around the world.   Welcome friends!  www.winterparty.com

If you are in Miami Beach from March 2 through March 5, you can be among the first to see the new talent—and to enjoy the super stars of comedy – who come to Miami Beach only for the South Beach Comedy Festival. Check the website to see who is confirmed—and then, enjoy the events.  Watch for an announcement of residents’ discounts. This too only happens here! www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com

For fashionistas:  from Thursday, March 3 – Sunday, March 6, 2011, the  Miami Beach International Fashion Week brings together 60 of the world’s top and emerging fashion designers participating in nightly runway fashion shows and a jewelry and accessories exhibition.   www.miamibeachfashionweek.com

On Sunday, March 6, 2011, thousands of runners will again participate in the 13.1 Marathon, Miami Beach. This year the “kids run” is supported by Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move” health initiative for our children.  Start training now—because there is a special rate for Miami Beach residents who can participate-   among the thousands from all over the world who are expected to run the half marathon through beautiful Miami Beach.

It is a busy time of the year...  but you can sit and enjoy this one: From Friday, March 4 – Sunday, March 13, 2011, the Miami International Film Festival, in its 28th year, will bring the best of world cinema to Miami Beach, including over 120 public film screenings of over 90 films from 40 countries Watch for celebrities, film stars, and great premieres, as the Film Festival gears up for its fantastic future. Yes, check for residents’ discounts. www.miamifilmfestival.com

And talk about buzz: from Tuesday, March 8 – Saturday, March 12, 2011, the City will fill with thousands of music industry leaders-- visitors who come for the Annual Winter Music Conference, this year, its 26^th. This is one of the most acclaimed music industry gatherings in the US, attracting the world’s most lauded and innovative artists, to over 160 events. Miami Beach is synonymous with Winter Music Conference and we wouldn’t have it any other way! www.WinterMusicConference.com

May 11 through May 15^th, Aqua Girl Festival 2011 presents the annual 5-day event promoting the strength, health, quality, and visibility of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, supporting more than thirteen terrific cultural events. Welcome back! www.aquafoundation.com

And on April 6, 2011, we celebrate   Miami Beach Gay Pride. Come and enjoy the parade and floats down Ocean Drive and the fabulous festival, featuring celebrities, legacy couples and families, with a performance stage and dance area for entertainment and dancing, a beach party, and special entertainment and surprises. www.miamibeachgaypride.com

We admire you triathletes.  (Couldn’t do it myself) From Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10, 2011, Miami Beach  hosts world-renowned triathlon and Olympic distance race events that are paired with an event expo, vendor booths, free fitness clinics, a donor brunch, Kids Fun Zone, a Nautical Kids Run and Tot Trot, and an awards ceremony. Yes, Miami Beach jocks—there are special entry fees for residents. www.nauticasobetri.com

From Wednesday, April 20 through Sunday, April 24, 2011, come on down and see where beach-polo began: Miami Beach.  The Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII will be beachside bringing six international teams from around the world to compete for ‘La Martina Trophy’, in this international polo tournament that will attract worldwide media... Put on your Panama hat. Put on your kid gloves. Put on your Jackie-O specs. See you there kiddo. www.miamipolo.com

Are you breathless? I am.  So take a deep breath of our Miami Beach fresh air. Bask in the sunshine. And enjoy the fabulous events that the VCA helps to bring our way -- bringing visitors, tourism, revenue and new business -- along with diversity and excitement -- to Miami Beach.  Have fun!  I’ll see you there.