Dozens of fire trucks from dozens of fire departments and agencies from Louisiana to Alabama will be rolling through downtown Biloxi Saturday morning at 10 for the annual Fireman’s Day Parade.
The parade is a throwback to a tradition of the 1800s, to an annual Biloxi Fireman’s Day parade that was once as popular at today’s Mardi Gras parades.
This year’s procession begins on Howard Avenue – appropriately at the sponsoring West End Hose Co. No. 3 fire museum – travels east on Howard to Reynoir Street, north around the MLK Boulevard, and south on Lameuse, to the Town Green, where visitors will find fire trucks on display, kid’s challenges and games, bounce houses, informational booths, hot dogs, soft drinks and more.
Best viewing locations are along MLK, where plenty of parking is available, the front steps of City Hall, or along Lameuse Street.
Hear here: In this week’s City Desk webcast, Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney discusses the history of the Fireman’s Day Parade and his biggest challenges since becoming chief several weeks ago. To listen to the program, click here.
Weekend preview: The weekend entertainment lineup also features at the Battle at the Beau professional bullriding competition, which actually takes place at the Coast Coliseum; there’s “Les Miserables” at Biloxi Little Theater; Lisa Lampanelli at the Hard Rock; the $10,000 Seafood Industry Museum drawdown; and a host of other activities. To see the lineup, as compiled by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, click here.
Council asked to allow boats, campers and RVs in front yards
The Biloxi Planning Commission is recommending that the City Council amend the city’s Land Development Ordinance to allow residents to store RVs, campers and boats in their front yards.
The issue – along with a relaxation of the number of parking spaces required at motels – will have its initial reading before the City Council on Tuesday, and will be voted on at a subsequent council meeting.
Councilmembers on Tuesday will faced an agenda that includes measures addressing the city’s employee insurance plan, an issue that councilmembers tabled a week ago after questioning the proposed increases in employee copays.
To see the complete agenda and supporting documents, click here.
News and notes
An international affair: The CISV International Children’s Festival – a family-friendly event with food from around the world, arts and crafts, music, children’s games and bounce houses – takes place Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Biloxi Town Green. Live music includes the Ocean Springs High School Jazz Band and Blarney Coast Irish band. The event benefits the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Children’s International Summer Village. Admission: Spectators free, armband fee for bounce houses. Contact: 228-388-4735.
Traffic update: To see the latest on road construction in Biloxi, and for links to MDOT real-time traffic cams, click here.
LIKE Biloxi? Have you liked the City of Biloxi Facebook page yet? Fans of the page received photos of the Mark Barhanovich park dedication last weekend, photos of the repaired Lighthouse Pier, video of Biloxi firefighters trying on their turnout gear, and other items of note. Like us now. Click here.
Pool party: And, finally, if the children are looking for some cool fun, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Back-to-School Pool Party this evening at the Natatorium. Find details on the Parks and Recreation Department web page by clicking here.
