Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - Ocotber, 2022

a sense of
Ocean Springs has a warm and welcoming sense
of place. From the downtown main street district to all around town, the atmosphere permeates with art and community character. Business owners welcome
festival attendees to enjoy all the area’s amenities, including shopping.
Gina Sabbatini, owner of Gina’s on Washington Avenue, says festival weekend is a really nice time for her shop.
“I think the festival is the start of Christmas shopping for a lot
of people. They love shopping with the artists who have come to town but also appreciate what our shops have to offer,” she said.
Hillyer House owner Paige Riley likes that the festival brings national
attention to the artful, colorful community. “The arts
are an important part of our town’s legacy and this is a great way to showcase that.”
Riley says all of the businesses see an increase in sales and lots of the festival goers return throughout the year.
Through Main Street efforts and working with its
city partners, the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main
Street helps to preserve the character of the town, encourages authenticity, and creates events and activities to help the community grow its sales tax base and provide a sense of place.
“You will notice during this festival, we (the organizers) have incorporated many of the natural aspects of the town including its artists and surrounding businesses, the parks surrounding
the footprint and its people,” says Cynthia Sutton, executive director of the show and the Ocean Springs Chamber or Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau.
Ocean Springs Main Street has been supporting
the local community since 1989 from revitalization to historic preservation and economic development. “Incorporating more than a dozen community events and festivals annually, Main Street helps to create
a sense of place and growth with a huge economic impact,” Sutton said.
Saint Social
MUSIC
Music will be spaced throughout the festival. Look for the “official music signs”. This year’s lineup features: Karate Kids, Saint Social, Jessica Horton & More!
Jessica Horton
Karate Kids
60 | October 2022
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