As reported by The News Herald:

Dan Rowe, executive director of the Bay County Tourism Development Council, has been appointed to chair the committee planning the grand opening ceremonies for the new airport.

According to Rowe: “The opening of this airport is going to be a game-changer for Northwest Florida.” Rowe has set a goal of raising $450,000 for the festivities.

According to The News Herald report:

The Airport Authority board has voted to move forward on a four-day gala to celebrate the opening of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, but board members are still declining to pay for it, insisting the money should come from corporate sponsors…

What remains will be funding efforts targeting sponsorships from outside companies, organizations and individuals; in-kind contributions to off-set costs; and ticket sales to a “green-tie” dinner scheduled for Friday, May 21.

Tickets for the dinner will go for $1,250 per 10-person table, with individual tickets selling for $125. The first day of operations for the new $318 million airport is set for May 23.