Biloxi lowers the curtain today on the month-long “Thursdays in May” series with the 2012 Preservation Awards, and a free reception at the Biloxi Visitors Center.
This evening’s finale – which begins at 5:30 at the Visitors Center – will feature the presentation of 14 awards to individuals, organizations and businesses actively involved in preserving Biloxi’s historic buildings and other cultural resources.
And those who have had their Passports through History stamped during at least three Thursdays in May events this month will receive a door prize. There also will be drawings for a host of other gifts, including creations from artists such as Deborah Sackett, Marlin Miller, Mary Moran, Doris Reverse, and Claudette Walker.
A reception will follow the awards presentations, sponsored by the City of Biloxi, Hard Rock Casino and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.
The city’s Thursdays in May program, now in its fifth year, features an educational outing at a Biloxi venue each Thursday in May, usually with a free luncheon or reception. The month-long celebration, which is conducted in conjunction with the celebration of National Preservation Month, has been recognized with awards from the Mississippi Heritage Trust and the Mississippi Main Street Association.
The program is coordinated by the city, the Biloxi and Biloxi Bay chambers, Main Street Biloxi, Biloxi Public Schools and the Local History & Genealogy Department of the Biloxi Public Library
This year’s locations included the new Biloxi Public Library, the Rue Magnolia section of downtown Biloxi, the Old Brick House, and the Dukate building at Biloxi Public Schools.
See photos: To see photos from this year’s series, courtesy of Grace Aaron, click here.
Work begins at Forrest Avenue launch
Work has begun to upgrade and repair the city boat launch and parking area at Forrest Avenue.
The $350,000 project means that the ramp and nearby parking area will be closed for 90 days.
The project includes removing the existing launch ramp and constructing a new launch with an adequate slope, applying a fresh coat of asphalt and restriping the parking lot across Bayview Avenue, and dredging of material at the end of the new ramp. The finger pier at the ramp also will be replaced, and new signage will be installed.
Blessing of the Fleet is this weekend
The Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival will begin with a reception honoring past royalty on Friday at the Slavonian Lodge.
To learn more about the Blessing events, click here.
News and notes
Traffic: To see the latest recap of roadwork taking place in and around the city, click here.
You Tube: More than 36,000 have viewed the city’s collection of online video on the Biloxi YouTube page. To visit, click here.
