Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

COASTNOTES
Harbor Lights Winter Festival
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Alex North
GOING ON NOW
The third Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is underway and runs through December 31 in Jones Park. Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m. and close at 9:30. The Festival will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Provided by Jase Payne with the Gulfport Department of Leisure Services.
- There are more than 1,000,000 lights on 140-plus Christmas Displays.
- Enjoy dancing Christmas trees with non-stop music all evening long. “You can go two hours without hearing the same song or seeing the same images,” he said.
- Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus are free of charge at the Barksdale Pavilion.
- There are 18 nights of Live Entertainment at the Leo Seal Plaza.
- Taking the CTA Trolley, with purchase of festival ticket, from
the CTA Parking Garage across from Jones Park is also free.
“The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is probably the best holiday light show you’ll
find anywhere along the entire Gulf Coast,” Payne added, “and it’s just $10 per person and children four and under are free.”
Gulfport Department of Leisure Services
228.868.5881 | www.gulfport-ms.gov
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
The second year of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon kicks off on Friday, December 8, with a health and wellness expo at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention Center from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m Races begin on Saturday with the 5k at 8 a.m. and kids marathon at 9:30 a.m., both of which start from Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi.
Sunday’s events include the half marathon, starting at Jones Park in
Gulfport, and full marathon, starting at Henderson Point in Pass Christian. Both Sunday races begin at 7 a.m.
Following the races on Sunday, runners will be able to enjoy great music, local seafood and Mississippi BBQ from local partners at the Coors Light Finish Fest to be held at MGM Park in Biloxi.
Last year’s race was a huge success, drawing large crowds to the Gulf Coast for the inaugural event. “It was
absolutely incredible,” said City of Gulfport Public Information Officer Chris Vignes. “We had guests from 42 states and Canada. They all came to see the Gulf Coast, many for the first time. They were out here and they not only ran, but they were a part of our community for the weekend.”
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
www.mississippigulfcoastmarathon.com
photos courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon DECEMBER 8-10
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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