Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2026

COAST NOTE
LACE UP & SHOW UP July 4th Wesson Memorial Run
story and photos courtesy of
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA
Start your Independence Day with purpose. The Wesson Memorial Run honors the legacy of Dr. Ray Wesson and his beloved wife Ann. Two people whose lifelong dedication to sports and service left a lasting mark on the Gulf Coast community.
The morning unfolds in three waves:
• 8 a.m. – 2 Mile Run/Walk • 8:30 a.m. – Kids Run
• 9 a.m. – Dog Trot
Whether you are crossing the finish line, cheering from the sidelines, or trotting alongside your four-legged companion, this event brings the community together in the spirit of celebration, remembrance, and movement.
The Wesson Memorial Run is more than a race. It is a tradition that honors two people who gave so much and a community that carries their spirit forward.
Lace up. Show up. Run in their honor.
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA
www.mgcymca.org | development@mgcymca.org
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Nears 100,000th Passenger
story and photo courtesy of Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi is celebrating a major milestone as the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service approaches its 100,000th passenger since launching last August, underscoring the growing demand for rail travel along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The service, which connects New Orleans and Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, has quickly become an accessible and convenient way for visitors to experience the region. Operating twice daily, the route averages approximately 400 passengers per day, with continued growth expected through the spring and summer travel seasons.
From the waterfront charm of Bay St. Louis to the maritime heritage of Biloxi, the central hub of Gulfport, and the natural beauty of Pascagoula, Coastal Mississippi offers a diverse range of experiences within a short distance of each rail stop. Visitors can explore 62 miles of shoreline, enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, visit museums and cultural attractions, or take advantage of outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and eco-tours.
For Coastal Mississippi, the success of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service represents more than a transportation milestone; it signals a shift toward more accessible, car-light travel and reinforces the destination’s position as a connected and easy-to-navigate coastal region.
“Reaching this milestone is a strong reflection of the growing demand for accessible, connected travel along the Gulf Coast,”
said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi. “The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is already having a meaningful economic impact on our region, bringing new visitors, including international travelers, directly to our coastal communities and supporting local businesses along the route. As we look ahead to major events like America 250, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics, this level of connectivity further positions Coastal Mississippi as an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed, authentic coastal experience within reach of larger host cities.”
For more information on Coastal Mississippi, itinerary experiences, or to plan a trip today, please visit www.coastalmississippi.com or follow @PlayCoastalMS on social media.
18 | June 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living