tis The Season To Give: Proceeds From First Annual Marco Island Beach Music Festival Benefit Joy

Kicking off the holiday season, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is getting into the spirit of giving with the first annual Marco Island Beach Music Festival. All proceeds from the first-ever beach concert will benefit the Joy of Giving which provides parents of area underprivileged children with the means to buy them real Christmas presents. South Florida travelers can take advantage of special overnight savings on Naples, FL, hotel rooms and participate in festival events ranging from sailing to sand castle building contests and even help crown the Best Burger in Paradise. The Marco Island Beach Music Festival takes place December 18-19, 2009 and tickets are priced at only $5 each per day with 100% of the proceeds donated to the Joy of Giving.

On Friday, Dec. 18, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resorts private beach will transform into a concert venue with the Super Bowl-performing Landsharks, who have also opened for the Beach Boys and appeared with Jimmy Buffet. Opening for the Landsharks is local singer/songwriter Casey Weston, making her Marco Island debut after winning the Colgate Country Showdown in Arcadia, FL. Performances are guaranteed to get travelers and the local community in the holiday spirit! The beach concert will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.

As a thank you to guests, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is offering a special overnight package on Dec. 18 which includes an island-view guestroom and a pair of tickets for the two-day event. Rates are $129 for Florida residents and $209 for non-Florida residents. With savings of over 40%, concert-goers can party the night away at this beautiful Naples resort!

Marco Island Beach Musical Festival itinerary includes:

Friday, December 18th
6:30 7:30 p.m.Casey Weston performs
8:00 10:00 p.m.Landsharks take the stage

Saturday, December 19th
8:00 11:00 a.m. guests can participate in following beach festival events:

Jetset Surf Shop sponsored skim boarding competition
Morning instructional clinic followed by afternoon competition

Sandcastle building instruction & contest
Featuring world renowned sand sculptor John Gowdy
Morning instructional clinic followed by afternoon competition

Sailing clinic
Learn how to sail with one-on-one guidance from Captain Tom & Alan Brown

11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Best Burger in Paradise Competition
Local restaurants compete for bragging rights showcasing various patties ranging from Kobe beef, seafood, vegetarian, etc.
Local judges and guests will crown chef

6:00 p.m. Marco Islands Christmas Island Style Boat Parade
Boats and private vessels up to 50 feet in length set sail along the waterway to compete for the coveted Peoples Choice award, determined by viewers

To take advantage of the resorts gift-giving spirit and for information about Marco Island vacation deals, please visit www.marriott.com/mrkfl and enter promotional code LPR or call (800) GET-HERE for reservations. For more information on the Marco Island Beach Music Festival please visit www.marcoislandbeachmusicfestival.com.