Join the Fun at the 2026 Crab Cake Cook-Off to Support ARC Gateway

If you enjoy delicious seafood and want to make a positive impact in your community, mark your calendar for the 2026 Crab Cake Cook-Off on Wednesday, July 22. This exciting event takes place at Seville Quarter and brings together some of the best chefs and home cooks in the area to compete for the title of Pensacola’s best crab cake. Beyond the mouthwatering food, the event supports The Arc Gateway, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Crab cake served at the 2026 Crab Cake Cook-Off, showcasing the event’s delicious offerings

What Makes the Crab Cake Cook-Off Special

The Crab Cake Cook-Off is more than just a food competition. It’s a community gathering that combines great flavors, entertainment, and a meaningful cause. Here’s what you can expect:

• Top chefs and home cooks competing to create the best crab cake recipes.

• Two prestigious awards:

- Judge’s Choice Award based on flavor, presentation, and execution.

- People’s Choice Award voted on by attendees sampling the dishes.

• Live entertainment to keep the atmosphere lively and fun.

• A silent auction featuring unique items and experiences.

• A variety of food and drinks beyond crab cakes.

• The chance to support The Arc Gateway’s mission.

  
  

Supporting The Arc Gateway

The Arc Gateway works tirelessly to provide resources, support, and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By attending or participating in the Crab Cake Cook-Off, you help fund programs that improve lives and foster inclusion in the community.

Your involvement helps:

• Provide educational and vocational training.

• Support families and caregivers.

• Promote awareness and advocacy.

• Create social and recreational opportunities.

  
  

How to Participate as a Competitor

Think you have the best crab cake recipe in town? The Crab Cake Cook-Off invites chefs and home cooks to enter the competition. Each team prepares crab cakes for judges and hundreds of guests. Competition spots are limited, so early registration is essential.

To compete, you should:

• Register your team through the event website.

• Prepare enough crab cakes for judging and sampling.

• Bring your unique recipe and presentation skills.

• Engage with attendees and enjoy the friendly competition.

  
  

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and gain recognition in the local food scene.

What Attendees Can Look Forward To

If you’re attending as a guest, the event offers a memorable evening full of flavor and fun. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Sampling a wide variety of crab cakes from local chefs and home cooks.

• Voting for your favorite crab cake to help decide the People’s Choice Award.

• Enjoying live music and entertainment throughout the evening.

• Participating in the silent auction to bid on exciting items.

• Savoring additional food and drink options available at Seville Quarter.

  
  

The event creates a festive atmosphere where food lovers and community supporters come together.

Tips for Making the Most of the Event

To fully enjoy the Crab Cake Cook-Off, consider these tips:

• Arrive early to get the best sampling experience.

• Bring friends or family to share the fun and vote together.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and standing.

• Prepare to bid in the silent auction for a chance to win unique prizes.

• Learn more about The Arc Gateway’s work by talking to volunteers and staff.

  
  

How to Get Tickets and More Information

Tickets and team registration are available online. Visit the official event page at https://trellis.org/crab-cake-cook-off-2026 for:

• Ticket prices and purchase options.

• Competition registration details.

• Event schedule and location information.

• Updates on participating chefs and entertainment.

  
  

Booking early ensures you don’t miss out on this popular community event.

Join the Celebration and Make a Difference

The 2026 Crab Cake Cook-Off offers a unique chance to enjoy fantastic food, celebrate local culinary talent, and support a worthy cause. Whether you come to taste, vote, or compete, your participation helps The Arc Gateway continue its vital work.

Stuff the Bus 2026: Join Us in Supporting Local Students This July

Every child deserves to start the school year ready to learn, equipped with the supplies they need to succeed. Unfortunately, many students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties face challenges simply because they lack basic school supplies. This is where Stuff the Bus 2026 steps in—a community-driven effort to ensure every student walks into their classroom confident and prepared.

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Cat Country 98.7 teams up with United Way of West Florida, WEAR News, the Pensacola News Journal, and both the Escambia County and Santa Rosa County School Districts to collect school supplies for thousands of local children. This event is the only school supply drive officially supported by both school districts, making it a vital resource for families in the area.

Why Stuff the Bus Matters

Starting school without the right supplies can affect a child’s confidence and ability to focus. When students have what they need, they feel valued and ready to engage in learning. Stuff the Bus helps bridge the gap for families who might struggle to afford these essentials.

Thousands of students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties benefit from this event every year. By donating supplies or funds, you directly support local children and help create a positive start to their academic year.

When and Where to Donate

The event takes place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed at several Walmart locations across the counties, ready to collect your donations.

Here are the Walmart stores where you can drop off supplies:

• Pensacola – Mobile Highway

• Pensacola – Blue Angel Parkway

• Pensacola – Creighton Road

• Milton / Pea Ridge – Highway 90 (Cat Country location, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

• Gulf Breeze – Gulf Breeze Parkway

• Navarre – Navarre Parkway

  
  

Look for volunteers wearing Cat Country and United Way gear to make sure you’re in the right place.

What Supplies Are Most Needed

You can bring a single item or fill an entire shopping cart. The most-needed supplies include:

• Crayons

• #2 Pencils

• Glue Sticks

• Scissors

• Folders

• Spiral and Composition Notebooks

• Dry Erase Markers

• Colored Pencils

• Highlighters

• Paper

• 3-Ring Binders

• Pencil Boxes

• Basic Calculators

• Earbuds/Headphones

  
  

These items help students across all grade levels, from elementary to high school.

How to Help If You Can’t Attend

If you’re unable to donate supplies in person, you can still support Stuff the Bus by making a secure monetary donation. Every dollar goes directly to purchasing school supplies for students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Monetary donations allow organizers to buy exactly what’s needed and fill gaps in supply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a crucial role in making Stuff the Bus a success. If you want to get involved, you can register to help with collecting, sorting, and distributing supplies. Volunteering is a great way to give back and see the impact of your efforts firsthand.

Visit the official volunteer registration page to sign up and learn more about available roles.

Stay Connected with Cat Country 98.7

Leading up to the event, Cat Country 98.7 will provide live broadcasts, updates, and ways to get involved. Tune in to hear stories from local families, learn about the impact of your donations, and find out how you can help kids start school ready for success.

Make a Difference One Backpack at a Time

Stuff the Bus 2026 is more than a school supply drive—it’s a community coming together to support its children. When you donate supplies, money, or time, you help build confidence and opportunity for thousands of students. Together, we can make sure every child in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties has what they need to thrive this school year.

Mark your calendar for July 23, 2026, and join us in Stuffing the Bus. Your support changes lives and helps create a stronger, more prepared community.

For more details, including the full supply list and volunteer registration, visit the official Stuff the Bus 2026 event page.

Pensacola Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Unforgettable 4th of July Fireworks Show

America turns 250 in 2026, and Pensacola is ready to mark this milestone with a celebration that promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. On Saturday, July 4, thousands of residents and visitors will gather along Pensacola Bay for one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved Independence Day traditions — the Pensacola 4th of July Fireworks Show. This free community event will light up the night sky and bring the community together for an evening full of fun, food, and patriotic spirit.

A Celebration Rooted in Community and Patriotism

This year’s event carries special significance as the nation marks 250 years of independence. Pensacola’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is more than just a display of pyrotechnics; it is a gathering that honors freedom, community pride, and the traditions that make Independence Day meaningful.

The celebration stretches along Bayfront Parkway, between Bartram Park and Veterans Memorial Park, creating a walkable zone filled with food vendors, local businesses, and family-friendly activities. This setup offers some of the best waterfront views in Northwest Florida, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to come together.

What to Expect at the Event

The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. and continue until the grand fireworks display at 9 p.m. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Food Vendors: Enjoy a variety of delicious options from local food trucks and vendors offering classic American fare and unique treats.

• Local Businesses: Explore booths featuring local artisans and businesses showcasing their products and services.

• Family Activities: Engage in games, crafts, and entertainment designed for children and adults alike.

• Entertainment: Live music and performances will keep the energy high throughout the evening.

• Fireworks Display: The highlight of the night will be the spectacular fireworks show over Pensacola Bay, visible from multiple vantage points along the Parkway.

  
  

Media Coverage and How to Tune In

Cat Country 98.7 proudly serves as a media partner for this hometown tradition. The fireworks show will be simulcast on NewsRadio 92.3, which will also broadcast the symphony that accompanies the event. This allows those who cannot attend in person to enjoy the celebration from home or on the go.

Listeners can tune in to NewsRadio 92.3 for live coverage starting at 5 p.m., including interviews, music, and commentary leading up to the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Tips for Attending the Celebration

To make the most of your experience, consider these practical tips:

• Arrive Early: Parking and seating fill up quickly. Arriving early gives you a chance to find a good spot and enjoy the pre-fireworks activities.

• Bring Lawn Chairs and Blankets: Comfortable seating will enhance your viewing experience along the waterfront.

• Stay Hydrated: July in Florida can be hot and humid. Bring water and stay hydrated throughout the event.

• Plan for Traffic: Expect increased traffic around Bayfront Parkway. Carpooling or using ride-share services can ease parking challenges.

• Follow Safety Guidelines: Keep an eye on children and follow any event safety instructions to ensure a fun and safe evening for everyone.

  
  

The Significance of America’s 250th Anniversary

This milestone anniversary is a reminder of the country’s journey and the values that unite its people. Pensacola’s celebration reflects this spirit by bringing together diverse communities to honor freedom and shared history. The event encourages residents and visitors to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future.

Supporting Local Partners and Sponsors

The event is presented by Coca-Cola and Cumberland Farms and hosted by the Greater Pensacola Chamber and Pensacola Young Professionals. Their support helps keep this celebration free and accessible to the public, ensuring that everyone can join in the festivities.

Final Thoughts

Pensacola’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is set to be a memorable event that honors America’s 250th birthday with pride and joy. Whether you attend in person along Bayfront Parkway or listen in on NewsRadio 92.3, this celebration offers a chance to connect with community, enjoy great entertainment, and witness a stunning fireworks display.

Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit to downtown Pensacola on July 4, 2026. Celebrate freedom, community, and tradition in a way that only Pensacola can deliver.

For more details on the event, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor information, be sure to visit the official event website.