Page 102 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2016

LEISURE let it roll
MaRDI GRaS
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entertainment value to tour groups and individual travelers.
On receiving the news about the recognition, Gulf Coast Carnival
Association Captain Steve Polk said, “We have strived for more than 100 years to create a fun family oriented celebration, which is grounded in tradition while always remaining fresh and exciting. We are honored that the American Bus Association has chosen to recognize our hard work.
The 2016 Mardi Gras season began on January 5 with a Twelfth Night Celebration at the Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum and will conclude with parades on Fat Tuesday, February 9.
“The attractiveness of Mardi Gras as a don’t-miss entertainment value
is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Peter J. Panfuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that Carnival on the Coast has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars at a time when re-energizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the Mississippi Gulf Coast an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”
The Gulf Coast Carnival Association is the largest and one of the oldest
Coast’s Mardi Gras season named one of Top 100 Events in North America
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Michael Sunderman and George Perina
BELOW: Biloxi Children’s Parade. BELOW RIGHT: Gulfport Parade participants hoping to get something good.
he Coast’s Mardi Gras season has been designated one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2016 by the American Bus Association. The list was published as a supplement in the organization’s Destinations magazine. This designation by an experienced tourism industry selection committee indicates that Carnival on the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers excellent