ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf begins today, July 10 and continues until Saturday, July 13.

Experience a jam-packed schedule of events including the one and only Miss Billfish Contest, the “Leader of the Pack” Bimini Start and tournament weigh-ins. And if that’s not enough excitement, experience a free kid’s art clinic, the Lucca Fashion Show Spectacular and a Celebrity Chef Competition!

In only its second year, this highly anticipated event is sold out, making this the first time a major invitational tournament in the northern Gulf has reached a sold out status since 2005.

Today is the famous “Dock Walk,” followed by live entertainment by The Brian Hill Band, and a Wharf Street Party at Marlin Circle and Main Street. At 9:30 p.m., see Miss Billfish 2012, Brittney Crowell pass down her title to the next Gulf Coast woman that exudes not only beauty, but also charisma and a passion for sport fishing in the one and only Miss Billfish Contest.

Thursday, come see the Dock Walk, boat departure, and Leader of the Pack Bimini Start. On Friday, weigh-in opening ceremonies  and tournament weigh-ins begin, hosted by Jim Cox and Randy Patrick. Don’t miss the Triple Crown Challenge Fighting Chair competition, live entertainment on the tournament stage and free kid’s art clinics. 

The Lucca fashion show spectacular will kick-off the final day’s events on Saturday, July 13th at 4 p.m. at Center Stage. Producing the show is former model, Mimi Qwin. Qwin has been producing fashion shows for more than 25 years all over the country from Atlanta to New York. She has hosted TV talk shows, managed teen boards and has more than 20 years of experience in the print and film industry and pageant and model training. Qwin is a freelance writer and was fashion show director for Bel Air Mall for 19 years.

The NYC-style runway show will feature designers including Haute Hippie, Diane Von Furstenberg, Milly, Trina Turk, Alice & Olivia, ALC and many more, all available at Lucca fashion boutique at The Wharf.

Also don’t miss the celebrity chef competition featuring Chef Tom Wolfe of The L.A. Pantry, and Chef Steve Zucker of Bimini Bob’s, Baumhower’s and Compleat Angler.

For more information, please visit www.thewharfmarina.com/bmgc and for a full slate of events for the rest of the week visit: http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/gulf_visitor_guide/article_64c44f52-e7ff-11e2-bf2d-0019bb2963f4.html