by Danny Rubin

Account Manager, Rubin Communications Group

The team at Rubin Communications Group is hard at work prepping for the grand opening weekend at the new flagship West Marine store in Loehmann’s Plaza on Va Beach Boulevard. The store is open now, but the big celebration takes place September 12-15, 2013.

The four days are stuffed to the gills with events (it is a fishing and boating store, after all) and everything begins on September 12 with a huge party. Wanna come? Read the details below.

“Cruising for a Cause Charity Night” on Thursday, September 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Cruising for a Cause” will raise funds for local marine-based nonprofits. Entertainment will be provided by Hampton Roads’ favorite, Lewis McGehee, and guests will enjoy food provided by Reginella’s restaurant. Tickets are $10 and available at the door or through the following local charities: Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association, Catchin’ for Kids, BoatU.S. Foundation, Virginia Beach Anglers Club, Portsmouth Anglers, Norfolk Anglers and Wish-a-Fish Foundation. The evening will include a live auction for several fishing trips with top anglers, door-buster deals and raffles.

For tickets to “Cruising for a Cause,” contact me (danny@rubincommunications).

Throughout the long weekend, doors open at 8 a.m. The Grand Opening celebration includes:   

• Raymarine’s mobile showroom with the latest in high tech electronics
• Expert advice from Simrad, Garmin, Humminbird, FLIR, Navico and Lowrance
• Door buster deals, giveaways and raffles
• TowBoatU.S. Captains are on deck with special discounts

The Grand Opening schedule is as follows:

Thursday, September 12

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

•  “Cruising for a Cause Charity Night” with Lewis McGehee to benefit local boating and fishing charities
• Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Will Sessions at 6 p.m.
• Live auction with radio host Capt. Reese at 7 p.m.
  

Friday, September 13

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•  Turn Your Jet Ski into an Extreme Fishing Machine with Jet Ski Brian 

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

• Tips and Tricks on Kayak Fishing with Kayak Kevin

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• Keep your family safe on the water with our safety experts. Kids’ life jacket fittings, inflatable life raft demonstrations and one lucky attendee will win a free Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Saturday, September 14

10 a.m. – 12 noon

• Virginia Beach Aquarium Stranding Response Team

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

• Captain Herb Gordon, The Striper King, local charter captain and fishing expert on the best rigging and gear to catch stripers

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

• Kids’ life jacket fittings with the BoatU.S. Foundation

Sunday, September 15

12 noon – 2 p. m.

• Reese Bowles, radio host of “Catchin’ with Captain Reese” and local fishing expert, answers your question on in-shore and off-shore fishing
• Kids’ boat building with wooden boat builder Tom Brandl

2 p.m. – 3:30 p. m.

• Rip Tide, the popular mascot of the Norfolk Tides, will be on deck for autographs and photos