About a hundred spectators gathered on the median of U.S. 90 this afternoon for the re-dedication of the White House fountain, a city landmark that had been ravaged by the tidal surge and winds of Hurricane Katrina.
The ceremony also ushered in the city’s month-long Preservation in May celebration. The continuing threat of the oil spill drifting miles south of the Biloxi shoreline was not lost on Mayor A.J. Holloway.
“Look,” the mayor declared to the crowd as he pointed to the fountain. “Crystal clear water. No oil.”
Moments later, the fountain began flowing, streams of water rose from underwater jets, and the crowd applauded.
To cap off the ceremony, city Historical Adninistrator Bill Raymond had audience members encircle the fountain, turn their backs on the water and toss a penny in the pool for good luck.
See the photos: To see more than 60 photos from the event, click here.