Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2022

LEISURE
story and photos courtesy of City of Gulfport
Families bundled up in festive scarves, swirls of steam rising from the mugs of hot chocolate in their hands on a cold night – these images conjure the spirit of the holidays, but one vital element is missing. What would the Tholidays be without the sparkle of bright, twinkling lights?
here’s nothing quite like it on steroids. Rick Carter, co-owner of Not only does Harbor Lights Winter
a spectacular holiday Island View Casino loved the idea and Festival feature Christmas lights, there light display, and no one provided sponsorship funding to help are also a variety of activities for the does it like the City of bring the show into reality.” whole family to enjoy! Visitors can stroll Gulfport. The magic It started with just a few light through Santa’s Village, located under
came to life in 2015 when the City
of Gulfport’s Department of Leisure Services and Council President, Rusty Walker, had a dream to create a coastal holiday winter festival.
“Harbor Lights is the brainchild of Council President, Rusty Walker,” says Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes. “As a programming hobbyist, Rusty took the concept from an annual computerized holiday light display at his home and put
displays, but grew quite rapidly. Since its inception, the show has expanded with over 2.5 million lights throughout 40 acres in Jones Park and has been recognized as Mississippi’s Largest Christmas Light Show.
“The result is the largest Christmas attraction in Mississippi, seven years
in the making, says Mayor Hewes. “Gulfport is open for business and geared for a good time!”
Barksdale Pavilion, to see working elves, Santa’s Headquarters, and visit Santa Claus. Speaking of Santa, he is present every night between 6 and 10 p.m., except Christmas Day, to deliver gifts!
Be sure to bring your phone or camera to capture photos. While you’re there, swing by the Gift Shop for an assortment of Harbor Lights merchandise and the annual commemorative Harbor Lights Ornament.
24 | December 2022
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