Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

DOWNTOWNS fun for all
Cruisin’ the Coast
EVENTS & FESTIVALS Liven Up Downtowns
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Ocean Springs
ChEamber of Commerce and Long Beach Community Development Association
vents and festivals are the lifeblood of any town, breathing life into the daily routine of the downtown area. Amidst the hustle and bustle of stores and restaurants, these special events draw in new crowds and fill the air with excitement.
From seafood festivals and concerts warm pottery pieces in the heart of
Peter Anderson Festival
to art shows and food and wine events, the Gulf Coast takes its events seriously. One of the biggest Coast- wide events is Cruisin’ the Coast, which brings car enthusiasts from near and far to South Mississippi. In fact, a 2016 study estimated a $26.1 million economic impact for the state. The designated parties and Cruisin’ events throughout the coastal cities help to spread the impact from Highway 90 directly into local downtowns.
Another incredibly successful event is the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts festival, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. The festival fittingly takes place in the unique
and creative city of Ocean Springs. “The event was originally created as
a way to increase public awareness of local artists and businesses and honor master potter Peter Anderson,” said Cynthia Dobbs Sutton, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce executive director. “His shop still creates unique,
downtown to this day.”
One of the more unusual events
is Long Beach’s Sea Santa Sail-a- bration, a waterless boat parade. While that may seem a little out
there, the event has been a smash hit! “Thousands of parade attendees enjoy decorated boats as imaginations run wild in keeping with the decorating theme,” says Long Beach Community Development Association President Shelda Jones. “Santa Claus makes his appearance at the end of the parade on the Father Goose, a Red Tug Boat.”
After the parade, festivities continue at the Harper McCaughan Town
Green with a Snow Stop, crafts, music, pictures with Santa, and an awards presentation.
With so many festivals and events taking place throughout the year, the Gulf Coast calendar remains pretty full — a great thing not only for the Main Streets and downtowns that host them, but for the community as well.
Long Beach Sea Santa Sail-a-bration
86 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2018
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