Page 115 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2018

LEISURE gifts for everyone
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net October 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 115
story and photos courtesy of Ron Meyers
I will never forget the catalyst for
the Christmas City Gift Show, which took place at my Christmas Market
in December of 1983 under the Rice Pavilion in Gulfport. It was a cold day and I was flipping burgers on the grill when one of my exhibitors said, “Ron you have outgrown this place. You really need to consider moving into the Coliseum.” His next words were prophetic, “With your imagination and ideas, you could make it one of the best shows in the South.” That statement ignited a spark in me.
In December of 1987, I had the vision to create Christmas City U.S.A, a magical atmosphere inside the Arts and Crafts show. There were hundreds of Christmas Craft Fairs across the country, but there would be only one Christmas City U.S.A. We transformed the Coliseum into an illusion of Christmas with little villages, a city hall in which I was the mayor, and a North Pole. Street lights lined the rows pointing customers to Frosty Lane or Reindeer Row. To add the final touch, we brought in a real snow playground for the children. I even got a visit from a Biloxi police officer who was getting reports of children throwing snowballs at cars. I chuckled but assured him we would stop it.
atmosphere of fun. The Christmas City Gift Show takes many customers back to their childhood memories.
The Christmas City Arts and Craft Show debuted inside the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on November 10, 1984. It was a one day show, the arena floor was filled with 130 booths and Bing Crosby was singing “White Christmas” over the speakers when the doors opened to the beginning
I am often asked, “How have you kept an event like this together for 35 years?” The answer is easy. I love whatIdoanddowhatIlove.Ilove my customers and my exhibitors. Each year the goal is to create an
The 35th Christmas City Gift Show November 9-11 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Hours:
Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Shoppers Paradise (adults only) 5:30-9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
of the longest running event in the Coliseum’s history.
Ron Meyers Productions
The Christmas City Gift Show is an example of what an idea can turn into when you dream big, operate with
a spirit of excellence and constantly learn. Most people reading this article understand what it is to have a dream in life, and it is my hope and prayer they will pursue their dreams as well.
228.831.3020 www.christmascitygiftshow.com