Panama City Beach, FL (PRWEB) August 20, 2013

More than 10,000 beach balls will be released in the air to ring in the New Year as part of Pier Parks 6th Annual Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach, Florida on December 31. Pier Park, Panama City Beachs premier open-air, beachfront shopping destination with more than 125 popular retail and dining choices, will herald in the New Year welcoming thousands of visitors who will commemorate the occasion with an evening of festivities, including the nations only family beach ball drop at 8 p.m. and then a rockin countdown at midnight.

New Years Eve is synonymous with New York Citys annual ball drop, but in Panama City Beach, Florida, nothing ushers in the New Year quite like Pier Parks Beach Ball Drop, said Brent Gardner, mall manager at Pier Park. Pier Parks Annual Beach Ball Drop is the place to be this year. As the leading resort-style shopping destination in Panama City Beach, were proud to host this ever-popular celebration for local residents and thousands of area visitors to enjoy.

Pier Parks premier New Years Eve celebration, officially starting at 5:30 p.m., will feature an evening of musical entertainment, exclusive giveaways and two unique ball drop experiences. At 8 p.m., Pier Park will release 10,000 inflated beach balls to shower on families along Pier Parks beachfront boardwalk. This awe-inspiring activity will be followed by a fireworks display.

The celebration will continue with more fun and excitement for all to enjoy, including a live performance by a popular musical act, which will be announced at a later date. Just before midnight, attendees will countdown to 2014 as an 800 pound lighted beach ball descends nearly 100 feet. This symbolic occasion will be followed by a stunning, second fireworks display.

For more information, please call (850) 236-9979 or visit http://www.simon.com/mall/pier-park, http://www.facebook.com/ShopPierPark or http://www.twitter.com/PierPark .

About Pier Park

Pier Park is Panama City Beachs premier open-air shopping destination with more than 125 retail and dining choices. This one-of-a-kind beachfront family-friendly attraction with resort style, island-inspired architecture features a variety of popular stores, including Dillards, jcpenney, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Target, Forever 21, Victorias Secret, Old Navy, LOFT and more. Shoppers enjoy numerous eateries like Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Rum Runners Tropical Island Grill, Tootsies, Shoneys, Red Robin and Five Guys Burgers and Fries, as well as a The Grand IMAX Theatre and activity packed Miracle Strip. Pier Park is located at 600 Pier Park Drive in Panama City Beach. For more information on Pier Park, call (850) 236-9979 or visit http://www.simon.com/mall/pier-park, http://www.facebook.com/ShopPierPark or http://www.twitter.com/PierPark .

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a leader in the global retail real estate industry. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 326 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 241 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at http://www.simon.com .