Snowbirds get a visit from Canadian radio host

By Daniel Carson News Herald Writer 747-5071 / dcarson@pcnh.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH

    For Snowbirds down from Canada, he delivers quick news from his home north of Toronto 5½ minutes every morning.

    Sunday and Monday, winter visitors will get an opportunity to see Canada Calling radio host Prior Smith, an annual visitor to Panama City Beach.

    Smith will appear at the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau’s first Snowbird Dance Party, to be held Sunday afternoon at the Boardwalk Beach Resort Convention Center.

    CVB Marketing Director Jayna Leach said Smith has been doing his morning show for about 50 years and has a tremendous following among Canadians. She compared him to American radio newsman Paul Harvey and called him a “great character.”

    “Smith is a Canadian celebrity, but many of the (American) winter residents know who he is and turn out to see him,” Leach said.

    Canada Calling delivers news, sports, weather and stock information seven days a week. Local listeners can catch it on WLTGAM, 1430, and WDIZ-AM, 590, according to Canada Calling’s Web site.

    On Monday, Smith will be on hand at the CVB’s Visitor Information Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an open house. He also will appear at the Majestic Beach Resort beginning at 4 p.m.

    While he is in town, Leach said Smith will be talking on his show about Panama City Beach and promoting the area. Leach said the CVB is expecting several hundred people to attend one or more of the events.

    Between 13,000 and 15,000 winter visitors come to Panama City Beach every year, and this is currently a peak time for Snowbirds, Leach said. She said did not have an official count on winter visitors for this season, but has seen vehicle tags from all the United States and Canada.

    “In addition to Canadians, we’re seeing tremendous growth in the Midwest,” Leach sai