Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2017

THEFINALSAY RUSTY
DAVID
story by Gretchen David
for the Biloxi Boom Boom Committee photo courtesy of Dan Nichol
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for a multitude of annual tourist attractions that give memorable experiences to locals and visitors alike. One standout spectacle that has been ongoing for several decades is the Fourth of July fireworks display that takes place right off the beach in Biloxi on Deer Island. It’s a must- see sky-lit dance of liberty, one that has bestowed tradition, honor, and celebration of freedom for generations. A fireworks extravaganza so memorable, it continuously unites thousands of families and spectators, leaving them with an unforgettable imprint and colorful story to share year after year.
It all began in the early 1950s. The annual Fourth
of July fireworks display held in Biloxi was led and facilitated by the City administration until the downturn of a few economic factors in the city in the 70s. There being no question such a spectacle of tradition should continue, two businessmen with leadership and vision created what is known today as the Boom Boom Committee. It was devised in 1974 and led by Tommy Munro of Munro Petroleum and Bill Pitman of First Mississippi National Bank for the purpose of preserving Biloxi’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display. They appointed John Guffy of Biloxi Transfer and Storage to serve as the committee’s fireworks coordinator.
The event was renamed and officially recognized as “The Annual Biloxi Fourth of July Fireworks presented by the Boom Boom Committee in partnership with the City of Biloxi.” After a few years, Tom Murphy of First Mississippi National Bank became Pitman’s successor. Then in 1981, Munro and Murphy sought to appoint
a new fireworks coordinator. With the committee’s mission standing to serve and celebrate freedom and independence, and functioning to raise money from local sponsors to orchestrate the production of the honorary
light display, they appointed Rusty David of First Mississippi National Bank, now known as BancorpSouth, as the new fireworks coordinator. He has maintained
the position for over thirty-five years, longer than any past member since its inception. He is responsible for engaging David Spears, a professional pyrotechnic with J&M Displays of New Orleans, in 1986.
Since Rusty David’s involvement, the Boom Boom Committee has successfully proceeded to excel in growing the annual fireworks exposition. “My passion for creating an outstanding fireworks show that celebrates our freedom and independence is still as strong as it was when I began, and I plan to continue making it the best it can be,” he said.
To date, David’s leadership is credited for supporting the organization’s initiative in achieving recognition as the largest fireworks display in the Gulf South, and an event that continues to be known and recognized as one of the Top Three Fireworks Displays in the Gulf South Region.
As of 2014, Jerry Munro of Munro Terminal Corporation and Bill Briscoe of Bancorp South are the next generation to work with Rusty David to carry on the Biloxi tradition.
178 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2017
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