Biloxi marks its 320th birthday Wednesday with a host of activities to commemorate the day – Feb. 13, 1699 – when the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville first set foot on the shores of present-day Biloxi.
The occasion, which amplifies the point that Biloxi is one of the oldest communities in the country, is certainly not lost on Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.
“Anything that’s 320 years old has got to be good,” Gilich declared. “It has thrived and survived, and our efforts today are to make sure we have another 320 years of the city we cherish.”
Added city Historical Administrator Bill Raymond: “Biloxi has a long and colorful history and is known around the world. This birthday is an opportunity for us to celebrate that history and remind people, and ourselves, of the significance of this community.”
Here’s the schedule of events:
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of the 1699 landing of Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville on the beachfront, south of the Biloxi Lighthouse, greeted by Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.
3:20 p.m.: Birthday party at the Biloxi Visitors Center with free cupcakes and a commemorative gift for the first 320 guests.
5:30 p.m.: Downtown Block Party at Biloxi Brewing Company, 186 Bohn St., featuring entertainment and complimentary barbecue. For the occasion, the brewing company will be selling a commemorative “Biloxi Blue” brew.
Admission to all events is free and open the public.
The Biloxi 320 celebration is sponsored by the city, Biloxi and Biloxi Bay Area chambers of commerce, Biloxi Main Street. Other supporters include Biloxi Brewing Co., the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, and re-enactor Edmond Boudreaux.
Read a quick history of Biloxi’s discovery
Video: From ‘First People’ to today, the history of Biloxi
Print a flyer for Biloxi 320
News & Notes: Weekend preview, Second Liners, Neptune
Weekend preview: The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department will hold its second round of registration for baseball and softball registration, the Budweiser Clydesdales will finish their Mississippi Gulf Coast visit, and The O’Jays will perform at the IP Casino. To see the Biloxi Community Calendar, click here. To see a complete weekend line up, click here.
Second Liners parade: The Second Liners Mardi Gras Club parade is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 in downtown Biloxi. To see the parade route, click here.
Neptune parade: The Krewe of Neptune will roll in downtown Biloxi beginning at 5:30 p.m. on March 2 with John Schneider, aka Bo Duke of “Dukes of Hazzard”, as the grand marshal. To see the correct map, instead of the one posted Thursday, click here.
Council meeting: The next scheduled meeting of the Biloxi City Council is on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi City Hall. To see video of the most recent city council meeting, click here. To see a list of all municipal public meetings, click here.
