Page 162 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2017

THEFINALSAY GEORGE
SCHLOEGEL
Retired CEO, Hancock Bank
Former Mayor, City of Gulfport Chairman, South Mississippi Bicentennial Committee
photo courtesy of George Schloegel
2017 marks the 200th Anniversary of Statehood for Mississippi. On March 31 and April 1 we will roll out the red carpet at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport for the “Party of the Century” to mark these years of progress.
Centennial Plaza is where the State’s 100th Anniversary was to be held. When WWI broke out, the celebration never occurred. Today, it’s a fitting historic site for this once-in-a-lifetime experience celebrating Mississippi – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Hundreds of volunteers have been involved in putting together this two-day event with non-stop entertainment. The event is open to the public with free admission. You do not want to miss the Friday night Coast Big Band Concert and the Saturday night Governor’s Concert and Fireworks Show with headliner entertainment — soon to be announced by the state.
The event kicks off on March 31 with the unveiling
of the Mississippi Commemorative Stamp by the United States Postal Service. On Saturday, festivities will be in high gear with the Parade of Cities and Counties. You’ll see officials parading with ceremonial flags, Mardi Gras marching clubs, college and high school bands, costumed historic figures, the military and classic cars.
A key area of the festival is the Salute to Mississippi where exhibitors will celebrate our arts, heritage, history, military, education, cities and counties. The event also features a Taste of Mississippi showcasing our contributions to the emerging Craft Beer Industry, Coca Cola, Barq’s Root Beer, and coastal and international cuisine.
Because this event has so much to share in the way of educational achievements, families are invited to bring their children to the event to experience the interactive exhibits to challenge their senses and expand their minds.
Near the Centennial Education Center is a Salute to the Military, which has been such an important economic engine for the state. Visitors can tour historic displays as well as combat equipment to get an up-close look at the strength of our nation’s military.
This event would not be possible without the support from business and corporate supporters, Governor Phil Bryant, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, House Speaker Philip Gunn, the members of the Mississippi Legislature, Mississippi Development Authority and South Mississippi elected officials.
As Mississippians, we have so much to be proud of and we invite everyone to join the celebration. Together, we’re making history.
162 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2017
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
To join the celebration as a corporate sponsor, exhibitor, parade participant, food vendor or event volunteer, visit our website at www.ms200south.org.
To stay up-to-date on events and announcements, like us
on Facebook at Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration South.
Friday, March 31
9 AM - 10 PM ..... Salute to Mississippi & the Military Exhibits 11 AM ............... Ceremony
9 AM – 2 PM ...... School Group Tours for fourth grade
students by reservation.
7 – 9:30 PM ....... Major Entertainment and Coast Big Band
Concert
10 AM - 10 PM ... Salute to Mississippi & the Military Exhibits 11 AM ............... Parade of Cities and Counties
7 – 10 PM .........Governor’s Concert & Fireworks Show
Saturday, April 1