East Coast Eventz, Inc. will be at the helm of the development and production of the 2009 Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament and SeaFest which will take place February 5th - 8th, 2009. John and Jamie Baker, owners of East Coast Eventz and longtime Ft. Lauderdale entrepreneurs, have signed a multi-year contract with the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament and The Marine Industries Association of South Florida to produce the 44th Annual Tournament and the SeaFest Event.
The Bakers have been involved with the tournament in the past as committee members, sponsors and board members. "We were directly involved with the 2008 event, and see unlimited possibilities for an event for Fort Lauderdale" says Jamie Baker. Previously, they were involved with the Riverwalk Blues Festival as committee members and went on to produce the event for three years. Other involvements include The Riverwalk committee, the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, owners of Jumpin Jacks and Classic Jacks in the late 80's and early 90's, and most renowned for The Downtowner Restaurant and Saloon from 1984 - 2007.
Another great addition to the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament family is the 2009 Official Tournament Artist Tony Ludovico. "I first saw Tony's work at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show last year and was so amazed that it literally stopped me in my tracks," says Tournament Coordinator Mark Constantino. Tony is an underwater videographer and photographer who got his start in 1979 scuba diving. In 2005 he was commissioned to shoot underwater photography for Open Water Images and continued to shoot for them until mid-2007 when he began to shoot for his own company TLUV Images. Over the past several years, he has consistently shot underwater video footage for various TV programs including "Reel Adventures" which airs on Fox Sports Network. In 2007 in light of the unprecedented success of his underwater photographs, he decided to display his images in a gallery located in Dania Beach with images featuring seascapes, wildlife, and exotic flora and fauna. "The photography that I shoot is my contribution to the world. What inspires me the most is trying to figure out what is going to be my next shot," says Ludovico of his work. The Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament is extremely excited to partner up with Tony as his work truly is phenomenal and he consistently produces breathtaking photo after photo.
East Coast Eventz will continue and build upon the relationship with The Florida Marlins Community Foundation as the recipient of all silent auction proceeds. Meetings have already begun with Nancy Olson of the Foundation and plans are in the works to have a wider range of items for the auction in 2009, with everything from marine related items for the anglers to hotel stays and fine art for the public attendees. The silent auction and raffle proceeds will go 100% to the FMCF who will use the money to support "Cornerstones for Kids" - building a brighter future through education, the arts, and baseball. The purpose of the Florida Marlins Community Foundation is to promote educational, athletic, health, social, and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida's youth. The Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament is very excited to be working with FMCF for the second year and have a strong vision for potential and growth for this year and many more to come. "We are honored to have the opportunity to be involved with and donate to the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, and are dedicated to providing them with full support and a very successful silent auction and raffle," says Jamie Baker. If you are interested in donating to the Silent Auction or Raffle, please contact the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament at (954) 786-4778.
East Coast Eventz recognizes the need for an early start on the planning and coordination of this event as John Baker states "We already have our first Committee Meeting scheduled for August 20th," six months prior to the Tournament. In addition to the fishing tournament, this year will be the inaugural year for SeaFest which is a family event that is a cross between a seafood festival, arts and crafts fair, and a music festival. There will be several seafood vendors onsite to create the feel of a seafood festival, but will also offer traditional festival foods such as BBQ, hot dogs and hamburgers.. There will also be a "Market Area" which will feature the official artist Tony Ludovico as well as showcase several other vendors selling items including everything from jewelry, beach and resort wear, marine sculptures, custom art work, boats, fishing gear, to household items such as custom made candles. SeaFest will also feature a "Kid's Corner" with activities such as daily coloring contests, Guitar Hero Contests, Virtual Fishing, Sand Art, and several other activities to give the kids a place to hang out and have fun. Finally SeaFest will showcase live music throughout the weekend adding more fun and excitement to the event. For more information visit the website at www.lauderdalebillfish.com
