Gulf Shores Gears Up for a New Convention

An estimated 2,500 Parrot Heads will soon be flocking to Gulf Shores! The Meeting of the Minds is the annual convention for Parrot Heads in Paradise, which is the international Jimmy Buffett fan club. For the last 30 years the event has been held in Florida, but this year it will take place in Gulf Shores, from October 23-26. Hosted by The Hangout, the event will feature live music, auctions, craft vendors, book signings, and donation drives.

Grant Brown, recreation and cultural affairs director for the city, presented a public assembly application at a September 18th Gulf Shores City Council work session. "The Meeting of the Minds came to us, choosing to not go to Key West this year, even before the passing of Jimmy Buffet," Brown said. "They are coming to Gulf Shores, and they hope this will be a long-term home for them. We expect this to be a big turnout for them."

The Hangout will be the headlining venue, while other locations will also host some of the events, including Lulu's, Flora-Bama, Zeke’s, The Gulf, Burro Azul, Picnic Beach, and Live Bait.

David Zislin, who represents Hangout Hospitality, stated that he wanted to bring the event to Gulf Shores for the entire community to enjoy, adding that the event could become an annual gathering.

Jimmy Buffett and the Parrot Head tradition have deep ties to the Alabama Gulf Coast, including countless songs about his childhood here, his sister Lucy’s LuLu’s in Gulf Shores, the Flora-Bama, numerous concerts at The Wharf, and, in conjunction with CMT, the benefit concert on the public beach to assist with the oil spill recovery.

More information is available at motm.rocks