Hammock Bay to hold Family Day and Grand Opening

Hammock Bay, the 3000 acre master-planned, bayfront community on the North Shore of Choctawhatchee Bay in Freeport, has been chosen as the Central Site for this year’s Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties Parade of Homes. The Parade, which will take place between June 16 and 24, will kick off with a party for the BIA at Hammock Bay’s new Lake Club on June 15.

The next day, Saturday June 16, will see the grand opening of Hammock Bay’s Lake Club and Fitness Center. This event will be a celebration for the whole family, and is open to all the public.

The grand opening will start at 1 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. performed by Dawn Moliterno, CEO of the Walton Chamber of Commerce and Jay Odom, Hammock Bay’s developer.

Another highlight of the day, at 4 p.m., will be the drawing of a competition to win a Dream Vacation for a family of up to 6, traveling to Disney World on a private jet, accommodation for 3 nights and 4 days at a resort within the park, park entrance tickets, meals and $1,000 spending cash. Entrants for the competition will need to visit a number of homes at Hammock Bay that are included in the Parade of Homes.

From 1 p.m. families are invited to bring their swimsuits to enjoy the water activities in the two new pools – a state of the art resort style pool on two levels complete with water slide and an Olympic style exercise lap pool. Children can also play on the massive $250,000 playground that is included in the Lake Club’s facilities.

There will also be a clown, balloon animals, space walks and an air bush artist. Rides will be available around the Town Square in Hammock Bay’s Mini Express Train, linked with donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Hammock Bay’s new raccoon mascot will be in attendance and kids can enter coloring and name the Raccoon competitions. Joe Wyatt, Hammock Bay’s resident Field Ecologists will be giving talks on the nature and wildlife contained in the 3000 acre site.

Cyclists will be able to take advantage of the 12 miles of cycle paths around Hammock Bay.

There will be hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soda, funnel cakes & cotton candy available through out the day. Children’s activities will are scheduled from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Visitors can visit all the facilities of the Lake Club and the 4,000 square foot, state of the art fitness center. Alongside are lighted tennis and basketball courts.

The HBMax cinema theatre will be on show, with surround sound and wide screen. For adults, there will be a putting contest, plus a display of custom motorcycles.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., there will be a wine tasting with Purple Turtle Wines in the Lake Club accompanied by live Jazz on the Club’s deck until 7 p.m.

Also being opened is Hammock Bay’s Canine Commons, a specially constructed pet park with secure walking areas, pet washing stations and drinking fountains. The Panama City Dog Fanciers Association will bring out several breeds to show. There will also be a Small Rally Obedience Demonstration. The American Kennel Club, "Canine Good Citizen" Testing will be available for your pet. Niki Tudge, Pet Butler will offer two, complimentary 20 minute obedience classes to introduce canine owners to an important aspect of responsible dog ownership, so please bring your four legged friend. Pet Butler will also provide $10 Gift Certificates for anyone who stops by for the Scoopster.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hammock Bay’s chosen charity, would ask families to join them as they raise funds to find a cure for CF. Children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) live with a life-shortening genetic disease that inhibits breathing and digestion. Donations offer researchers the ability to work towards an ultimate cure to this life changing disease.

The entrance to Hammock Bay is on Highway 20, one mile east of the Highway 331 junction at Freeport. The Lake Club, Fitness Center and Town Square are located past the Welcome Center; about five minutes drive from the entrance on Highway 20, past 13 home neighborhoods, lakes, woodland and Canine Commons.

For a complete list of scheduled activities at grand opening visit www.hammockbayfreeport.com.