The Inkwell

NASSAU, The Bahamas, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The Islands Of The Bahamas are giving the gift of love to couples dreaming of getting married but have to put plans on hold due to the current economic recession. Since weddings should be a happy and exciting time, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is announcing the “Bahamas Bridal Bailout” contest, whereby brides and grooms-to be whose wedding plans have been affected by the economy can enter for their chance to be “bailed out” and win one of five free destination weddings in The Bahamas.
Beginning on February 13, interested couples can go to www.bahamas.com/bridalbailout to secure full contest details and begin creating their entries — either a short video or an essay with photo — explaining why they should be “bailed out” by The Bahamas. The official submission period is March 20 through April 24, when couples can upload their entries to www.bahamas.com/bridalbailout. On April 25, the contest site will be open to all consumers to view the various entries and vote for their favorites until May 17. The top 20 entries that receive the highest number of votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges, who will choose five couples to win free weddings in The Bahamas!
The five winning couples will experience why “It’s Better in The Bahamas” with a dream wedding that includes airfare for the bride, groom and up to eight guests, five complimentary rooms, a wedding cake, photographer, flowers and more and will take place at the following resorts:

  --  Old Bahama Bay by Ginn Sur Mer - an elegant and tranquil Grand Bahama
      Island resort, boasting luxurious accommodations, sparkling white sand
      beaches and breathtaking ocean views.

  --  Pelican Bay at Lucaya - a charming boutique resort located just steps
      from Grand Bahama Island's entertainment center and offering
      tropically decorated suites and complimentary continental breakfast
      each morning

  --  Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort - ideally situated on a 1,000-foot
      stretch of Nassau's most spectacular white-sand beach and featuring
      seven acres of stunning waterscape, three freshwater pools with
      waterfalls, a swim-up bar and Jacuzzis nestled in a tropical landscape

  --  SuperClub Breezes - an all-inclusive tropical escape with a
      spectacular beachfront setting that boasts unparalleled water sports,
      three fresh water pools, a rock-climbing wall, tennis and the
      full-service Blue Mahoe spa.

  --  Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino - located on one of the
      world's most beautiful beaches and offering inspiring views, eight
      restaurants & lounges, a Vegas style casino, an ocean front pool with
      spiral water slide and much more.

The Bahamas Bridal Bailout contest offers a great positive start for couples who may otherwise have to postpone their marriage. For more information and contest details, please visit www.bahamas.com/bridalbailout.
Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

10 Weeks of Mardi Gras Madness in Orlando

Starting February 7, Universal Studios Orlando is hosting its annual Mardi Gras event with Cajun cuisine, Mardi Gras parade in Universal Orlando’s “French Quarter” and more music than you can throw your beads at.

Universal Studios Orlando two park annual passes are just $99.99 and single admission passes are $74 to $90. Mardi Gras concerts are free with the cost of admission.

So who the heck is performing?

February 7 — KC and the Sunshine Band
February 14 — Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
February 15 — The Village People
February 21 — Ne-Yo
February 28 — Pat Benatar
March 7 — Barenaked Ladies
March 14 — Montgomery Gentry
March 21 — Collective Soul
March 27 — Boys Like Girls
March 28 — Kelly Clarkson
April 4 — MC Hammer
April 11 — Trace Adkins
April 18 — Nelly

Also performing in the French Quarter are authentic zydeco and blues performers straight from the bayou. French Quarter bands play at 5:00, 6:15 and 7:00 from February 7 to March 28 and 5:00, 6:15 and 8:00 from April 4 to April 18.

Featured performers are:

February 7      Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers
February 14     Lil Malcom and the House Rockers
February 15 — Lil Malcom and the House Rockers
February 21 — The Daddy Mack Blues Band
February 28 — Chris Klein and the Boulevards
March 7 — Rockin’ Jake
March 14 — Mem Shannon & The Membership
March 21 — Honey Island Swamp Band
March 27 — Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
March 28 — Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
April 4 — Soul Project
April 11 — Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers
April 18 — Lil Brian & the Zydeco Travelers

Learn more at www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras. For all the latest updates text “Mardi” to 64646, standard texting rates apply.