Back again?! You betcha- OCB powered by MetroMix hit up not one, but TWO events this weekend. The Wake Games was our second stop in the month of madness. If you thought we were out covering the night spots only, think again. The Shock Squad put on our bikinis and board shorts and surprised some sexy wakeboarders with a visit.

Sunday's Air Nautique Wake Games provided a more chill vibe after the Saturday sprint through International Beer Festival downtown. It was definitely a welcome change to hang out by the lake and watch some tag teaming wake boarders compete for a cash prize. If you were looking for an easy way to make some money- this ain't it. The pro-boarders paired up with rookies to do some 540s, flips, and other wakeboard tricks I'm still trying to figure out. Then the vets pulled out all the stops to compete for a $10,000 grand prize they'll be racking up points for all season long.

If the trick didn't catch your attention, the rock hard bodies probably did. If you're not on the single scene, there were a ton of vendors selling everything from t-shirts and shorts to flip flops with golf balls in them. The crowd was stoked (dude) to see their friends and family in either their debut competition, or adding another prize for the trophy room. If you're looking for something new and exciting, the Wake Games are definitely fun for all ages. If you missed it this year, check out www.KingofWake.com to see where the next event will be.

And speaking of events..............we are less than ONE WEEK  away from the biggest, baddest block party in Cinco de Mayo history!!! If you can't wait to see the local bands hit the stage, visit our music section at http://orlandocitybeat.metromix.com/music/. I'll see you for some free stuff, flashing, and fun soon Orlando!!

XOXO- Dina

If I ever had any doubts, this weekend proved that Orlando is by far one of the best places to celebrate. Celebrate what, you may ask? In the spirit of upcoming Cinco de Mayo festivities- Cerveza mi amigos. Not only did O-town pull in the locals for Beerfest, some familiar faces drove in specifically for the event. That's right guys, this weekend was the annual Florida International Beer Festival in Heritage Square at Downtown Orlando. Sponsored by O-Rock and yours truly (no, not me personally) Orlando CityBeat, if you missed this one, you missed the usual drunken antics amplified by over 100 kinds of specialty beer and broad daylight.

The International Beer Festival ran a little earlier than most of us even start to think about going out, but that didn't stop the masses from crowding into 10 x 10 tents to educate themselves on the wonders of flavored beer, international beer, and tried and trues like PBR, Miller and Yuengling. The sampler mugs may have been small, but that didn't deter any of the experts from bringing their own creative cups on necklaces, keychains, or free stuff provided by vendors. The bead necklaces with beercans attached were a personal favorite. Speaking of free stuff, the crowd favorite was definitely our own Orlando CityBeat/ MetroMix koozies- stylin little jerseys- which I am so jealous I missed out on. Stop by our tent at the Don Pablo's Cinco de Mayo block party by UCF if you didn't get one- we've got more free stuff and flashing to come.

All in all, the event was quite the crowd pleaser. The young and old (all over 21, of course) came out in support of a great American (and every other culture) tradition- beer. Hello to one of my favorite college professors who was in attendance- also to all the O-Rock DJs, who provided the awesome entertainment for the evening. Orlando CityBeat powered by MetroMix will be teaming up with the O-Rock crew AGAIN this weekend, so don't forget! Don Pablos UCF! Over 20 bands and DJs! 12 Hours of partying!! AND your OCB Shock Squad in full force. I expect to see all beer fest fans there.

XOXO- Dina