Biloxi royalty takes center stage this weekend as Preserve Biloxi celebrates the 20th annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour with “Where Royalty Rests.”
The free event will take visitors through Biloxi’s rich history on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Old Biloxi Cemetery, 1166 Irish Hill Drive.
This year’s tour explores the kings and queens who have shaped local culture, from Mardi Gras and the Blessing of the Fleet to early Miss Biloxi pageant winners, Camellia Queens, school traditions, and even a special story about the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, who called Biloxi home during the summer of 1957.
“We will take an in-depth look at the Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, the Kings and Queens of Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet, the Miss Biloxi pageant winners of the early 1900s, Camellia Queens, the elementary schools, king and queen balls, and one very special storytelling of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” said Kay Miller, committee member and executive director of Biloxi Main Street.
The stories come to life through the “Not Ready for the Afterlife Players,” a cast of local theater performers and descendants of the people being portrayed. Eleven portrayals will be presented, with actors repeating their performances throughout each event.
Visitors can pick up a program and map at the entrance and explore the cemetery at their own pace. Parking is available in and around the cemetery, along Irish Hill Drive and in the adjacent Biloxi Elks Lodge parking lot. Light clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and refreshments will be served both days.
Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted to help preserve the oldest sections of this historic cemetery.
Preserve Biloxi is a collaborative effort among the City of Biloxi, Biloxi Main Street, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area to preserve and share Biloxi’s rich cultural history.
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