Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

Love ourVolunteers
maKing it a reality
The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival doesn’t just happen, it takes year round planning and an army of
nearly 200 volunteers for this celebration of arts and crafts and the Ocean Springs community to welcome thousands of visitors each year.
Cynthia Sutton, president
and CEO of the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street-Tourism,
says, “Our volunteers include
those from our chamber assistant
team, board of directors, chamber ambassadors, along with some of
our city leaders and community volunteers.”
You’ll find many of these volunteers at the festival information booths which are located at each entrance to the festival and marked with colorful Peter Anderson Festival branded table runners. At the Government Street entrance, you’ll be met
by the brave men and women of Keesler Air Force Base. On Washington Avenue, meet the many faces of The Peoples Bank. The Chamber — Main Street’s own Board of Directors runs the Porter Street East entrance.
“Anyone and everyone can volunteer to work the festival,” says Sutton. “It takes people from all walks of life to make this festival happen. We are so thankful to each and every volunteer, many of whom have been with us for years.”
According to Sutton, festival planning is a year-round commitment. “As soon as the festival ends, we begin planning immediately for the Spring Arts Festival and next
year’s Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival.”
Here are some of the many faces of the Peter Anderson Festival. While much of their work takes place behind the scenes, they are responsible for making this amazing festival a reality!
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80 | October 2025