Best Local Event on 30A

Are you looking for one of the best local events on 30A on your South Walton vacation? Well you’re in luck, Grayton Beer Company just announced their 23^rd annual “Rags 2 Riches Regatta" will return to Grayton Beach on Saturday, June 29, 2019.  This event was originally organized by the residents of Grayton Beach and Seagrove Beach to celebrate America’s Independence Day, and soon became an annual tradition. 

This event benefits the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). For those that don’t know SWARA was created after concerns about the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster started to arise. Their thought was “what can we do to help our community become more aware of our unique natural resources by enhancing their connection to this environment?” And the solution to that was to create a series of artificial reef systems that are near the shore along Walton County’s Gulf of Mexico coastline and Eastern Choctawhatchee Bay waters.

In the last couple years, SWARA has been able to create 16 reefs (4 snorkeling reefs and 12 fishing and diving), 690 structures were deployed, and 86 species were recorded. Want to check out one of these reefs for yourself? Head to their website for reef locations and instructions on how to get there.

Those who wish to compete should meet on Grayton Beach at 8 a.m. for race registation. Competitors, families and friends will gather at Grayton Beach Public Beach Access for the Captain’s meeting around 11:00 a.m., which is then followed by the race. Entry fee is $45 per Hobie Cat. For spectators, watch the two-manned teams navigate 16’ Hobie Cats in the race from Grayton Beach to Seagrove Beach. In addition, everyone is welcome to enjoy local craft beer from Grayton Beer Company, along with merchandise for sale and more.  For more information, call (850) 399-7004. Want to learn more about the event, check out their 2018 event video by Land Air Sea Productions.

Looking for other local 30A events as well as live music all weekend, check out 30a.com/events.

Ready to book your 30A beach vacation? View our collection of 30A vacation rentals as well as 30A luxury condos at Sanctuary at Redfish online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee and no hidden fees. 

See you @ the beach!