He was in downtown Biloxi in the 1950s, signing autographs at a shoe store, and Elvis returns today for the Cruisin’ the Coast Downtown Biloxi Block Party.
More than thousand cars are now on display throughout the streets of downtown Biloxi now through 2 p.m. for the annual celebration.
At 11:30 a.m., Brandon Bennett, “the ultimate Elvis tribute artist,” will perform on the Biloxi Town Green in a show sponsored by the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
At 1:30 p.m., Mayor A.J. Holloway, Police Chief John Miller and Cruisin’ the Coast leaders will present a host of awards to vehicle owners taking part in the downtown party.
Face it: Photos of the downtown affair will be on the city’s website later today, but a sampling is avaialble now and udpated regularly on the city’s Facebook page. Go there now by clicking here. Like the page while you’re there.
Visitors Center to host inaugural Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair
The creations of more than 30 local artists and craftsmen with everything from jewelry to one of a kind wood sculptures will be on display on Saturday for the inaugural Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair.
The event, which will he held on the lawn of the Biloxi Visitors Center, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Visitors Center is at 1050 Beach Blvd., imemdiately north of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
The event will feature by Marlin Miller.
In addition to supporting local artists, visitors will have the chance to climb the Biloxi Lighthouse during one of the free tours offered every 30 minutes throughout the event.
According to Bill Raymond, Biloxi Historical Administrator and Visitors Center Manager, “The fair gives the center an opportunity to show off the Biloxi Lighthouse, the city’s most beloved landmark, and at the same time we can showcase local artists who have helped support the Visitors Center gift shop.”
Admission to the event is free and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and watch the cruisers while enjoying the gulf breeze.
Details: Bill Raymond, 228-374-3105, or
braymond@biloxi.ms.us.
Horrors! Biloxi Visitors Center to be Haunted
The Biloxi Visitors Center, with Halloween just around the corner, is hosting a book signing and evening with Barbara Sillery, author of “The Haunting of Mississippi,” on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“The Haunting of Mississippi” is a ghostly guide that takes readers on a tour of more than 20 historical sites the supernatural tend to frequent, from Native American burial grounds to Civil War battle sites. Each chapter of the book provides a history of the location and offers the possible origin of the hauntings. Vivid descriptions of the setting, along with detailed testimony from witnesses, enable the reader to feel the hair-raising experience firsthand. Whether visiting Linden, where a friendly spirit greets guests during the night, or Magnolia Hall, whose weary ghost leaves indentations on a pillow case, both those with an affinity for the paranormal and skeptics of the supernatural will enjoy the stories behind these specters.
Sillery, the author, is also the owner and president of Keepsake Productions, Inc. and Lagniappe Media, a television production company and is currently working on a documentary about Biloxi scheduled to premiere on New Orleans WYES in July 2014.
The Visitors Center event is free and refreshments will be served. Those attending will have a chance to buy “The Haunting of Mississippi at a discounted price. For more information or to reserve a copy, call the Visitors Center at (228) 374-3105.