Event Location: Destin Chamber of Commerce , Destin, FL
Story & Photography by: Harley S. Sampson, Jr.
Event Date: July 14, 2026
For more than a decade, the Destin Chamber of Commerce has hosted its only summer event, the Great American Cookout. Held July 14, this year’s gathering celebrated both summer and the chamber’s 60th anniversary while bringing members together for lunch and networking.
Along with the Ambassador of the Quarter presentation, attendees also celebrated the chamber’s history. Former Chamber President Jimmy Neilson and former Director of Community Development Helen Donaldson shared stories from their years with the chamber, recalling the early planning of the Mid-Bay Bridge, the creation of Mayfest, and years spent organizing the Destin Seafood Festival. Their stories had the audience laughing while celebrating six decades of chamber leadership and community impact.
“Emerald Coast Title Services and Community Bank are honored to sponsor the Destin Chamber of Commerce’s Great American Cookout again,” said Justin Woodard, Okaloosa Market President, Community Bank. “We have sponsored the event for the last 13 years and we are especially excited to be here for America’s 250th birthday celebration. The Great American Cookout is always well attended and provides a great forum for folks in the community to connect. We appreciate the support of the Destin Chamber and its staff members in helping us put everything together.”
Celebrating both its past and its future, the Great American Cookout continues to bring together the people, partnerships, and community spirit that have defined the Destin Chamber of Commerce for 60 years.
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