DESTIN — Destin snowbirds prepare more than six months in advance for the first club registration of the year.
That's why it's called "the big one."
Thursday afternoon the lines were wrapped around the Destin Community Center — otherwise known as The Roost — as snowbirds waited with their $8 in hand to sign up for the Destin Snowbird Club.
"We're expecting around 500 to register today," said club president Charles Cassell of Virginia. "We have about 350-plus registered now, but that's an estimate. A lot of people don't get here until January."
Looking ahead to his first year as president, Cassell said he's excited — and maybe even a little scared.
"It's a little bit of pressure," he said with a laugh. "We've had some challenges, but I'm happy where we're at."
After snowbirds paid their dues and filled out their name tags, they were free to sign up for various activities and trips. Brenda and Dick Murphy from Michigan were signing up folks for tickets for shows at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
The Murphys say they continue to come back to Miramar Beach for the water, the great restaurants and friendly people.
"If you can't find something to do it's your own fault," Dick said.
Helen and J.D. Ross from Illinois signed up for the Snowbird Club for the first time Thursday afternoon. Helen said she remembers the first time they planned their stay in Destin. It was a cold, winter day in Illinois and they decided to get online and find somewhere warm to escape to. They've been coming back for four years.
"We're looking forward to meeting other people and sharing stories, maybe stay fit while on vacation," Helen said.
The camaraderie of the club is often what keeps the snowbirds coming back year after year.
Char Myers and Mary Richmond visit Destin with their husbands from the same small town outside of Traverse City, Michigan. But it's in Destin where they spend quality time.
"We live in a really small village; only 300 people," Myers said. "But I see Mary more when I visit Destin than when I do back home."