Pirate Day in the Bay
Ahoy, mateys! On June 24th, pirates take over Old Town for one of the most popular family events of the year. Swashbuckle your way through the weekend with our event rundown!
- story by Ana Balka, photos by Ellis Anderson
Last year’s first official Pirate Day in the Bay brought out somewhere around 1500 people, Rafferty said, and this year is likely to attract more.
The whole thing revolves around Captain Longbeard, who storms yearly into Bay St. Louis on a mighty ship with his crew — this year, on Friday, June 24 — intent on “recruiting new conscripts, and ... entertaining the young ladies of the city” (from Longbeard’s publicity page on Pirate Day’s website; a pirate has to have a good social media presence these days). According to organizer John Rosetti, Longbeard will meet with Mayor Les Fillingame and “discuss taxation of his commodities. “We anticipate a heated dispute in which the mayor will more than likely be placed in jail and the pirates will control the town,” Rosetti reported.
Those who wish to actually be an “arriving pirate” (by boat, that is) on Friday should sign up for the “Pirate Recon River Run & Pirate Arrival,” and be at the BSL Harbor Event Deck at noon. From there, participants will cruise to Hollywood Casino, where they are free to plunder for treasure, and return with the boat at 5:30 for the Pirate Arrival. Get tickets here.
The pirates’ arrival and showdown with the Mayor officially happens at 5:30, and will immediately be followed by the Pirate’s Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt (for which you may purchase tickets here). At least 11 bars are Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt Stops; find hidden treasures and compete for over $1000 in prizes and gifts.
Pirates may also take part in Saturday’s 3 p.m. “Pirate Cruise and Invasion,” which will take buccaneers on a cruise of the Bay of St. Louis, returning to the Harbor event deck by 5 p.m. for the Pirate Invasion. Tickets here.
But wait! There is so much more to Pirate Day in the Bay! Whether you take part in one of the cruises or not, you (and your kids, and your dogs, and your parrots, yarrrr) must dress in your finest privateering pantaloons and buccaneering blouses and enter in the costume contest. Judges Rory Rafferty (President, Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse) and Jaimee Dorris (entrepreneur, advocate of all that is fabulously feminine, blogger, and Mrs. Congeniality of the 2016 Mrs. Mississippi pageant) will judge the 2 p.m. Saturday proceedings.
There will be music throughout the weekend, with the Bay’s own Brandon Tingstrom rocking the stage 7-10 Friday night, and upbeat New Orleans band Karma playing Saturday from 8-11.
The Mayor takes back the city and proclaims it safe by 7:30 p.m. Saturday, but pirates will keep reveling as the music goes through the night. Then, thrill to the glory of the cannons — or rather, a big and gorgeous fireworks display, sponsored by the Silver Slipper at 9. Then we can all go home and rest easy that Captain Longbeard and his dastardly cohorts have sailed away for another year. Ahoy! The Bay High Tiger News Team Puts Art Into Action
This innovative new program teaches team-building and cutting-edge technical skills while promoting communication and school spirit at Bay High. It's an artistic win-win.
- story by Karen Fineran
Festival Season Kick-off!
Warmer weather means outdoor festivals with music, food and family fun straight through to winter on the Mississippi Coast! April happenings are just the beginning!
Nereids' Parade in Waveland, January 31
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The Cleaver's pick of events coming up! You'll find these and dozens more on our amazing Community Calendar.
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Upcoming Events
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2/5 - Friday
Krewe of Knights Parade
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2/8 – Monday - Lundi Gras Day
One of the parade highlights will be the Raw Oysters Marching Club, watch for choregraphed dance routines and new lighted disco costumes! 2016 Queen Evangeline II of the ROMC is Ellis Anderson, editor of the Fourth Ward Cleaver! The Oyster throne will be set up in front of The French Potager at 213 Main Street, so stop by and say "hi!"
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Krewe of Seahorse Parade
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2/9 – Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day
This year's Grand Marshall for Krewe of Diamonds is noted civic leader Maurice Singleton!
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Krewe of Diamonds Parade
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2/13 - Saturday
Second Saturday Artwalk
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2/13 - Saturday
Valentine's Day at the Little Theatre
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2/26 - Friday
ALSO: 2/26 Friday-2/28 Sunday
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Show Opening at Smith&Lens Gallery
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3/5 - Saturday
For $5 anyone can enjoy the afterparty, which will have music and awards presentations. Proceeds support Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Pass Christian police departments, and Hancock and Harrison County Sheriff’s departments.
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Bring It To the Bay
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3/5 - Saturday
Proceeds go to Hope Haven Children’s Services, so this benefits a lot more than your stomach.
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Hope Haven Oyster Throwdown
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Sweethearts' Second Saturday
- story by Ana Balka, photos by Ellis Anderson, Ana Balka
Bring it to the Bay!
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
If this year’s Bring It to theBay Half-Marathon/Relay/5K on March 5 is anything like the previous two races, participants and spectators can count on a spirited, fun competition along a scenic beachfront course.
More than 500 people from 18 states registered last year, and Fit First, the race organizer, predicts a larger turnout this year. Runners from more than a dozen states are expected to walk or run all or part of the 13.1-mile route that starts and ends at Main Street and Beach Boulevard. |
Beach to Bayou
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The route crosses the Bay Bridge and into Pass Christian before looping back to the Bay. At the finish line there will be an after-party with food and beverages for the participants. Friends and family can join in the fun for $5 to enjoy DJ music and the awards presentations.
There are three running categories: the half-marathon, the two-person relay and the 5K category. Walkers can pick any of three options but will be limited to four hours. Starting time is 7 a.m.
Lawhead said the Bring It to the Bay route is especially appealing for its beautiful waterfront setting. “There are very few places in the world where you can run along the water,” he said. “A waterfront race is very rare.”
Last year’s competition drew compliments from runners who called the race fun and challenging, the course gorgeous, and the volunteers wonderful and friendly.
Joining the runners and walkers who come for the event are their friends and families who fill the local restaurants, shops and accommodations over the race weekend.
Again this year, the race will raise money that goes directly into the reserve funds of the Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Pass Christian police departments and the Hancock and Harrison County sheriff’s departments.
For more information and to register, go to www.fitfirstbsl.com/half
1/22-24, 29-31 – Friday and Saturday nights,
Sunday matinee
Ransom of Red Chief
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1/28 – Thursday
BSL Rotary Club Chili Cook-Off
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1/29 – Friday
A short video from last year's "Surrender" show
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Surrender Art Show &
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1/30 – Saturday
Krewe of Kids parade
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1/31 – Sunday
Krewe of Nereids Parade
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2/8 – Monday
2/9 – Tuesday
Krewe of Diamonds Parade
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Old Town Turns "Dolly SHOULD" for Second Saturday
- story by Karen Fineran, photos by Ellis Anderson
Prepare to flaunt both of your inner divas — Country AND Western! — during a themed Second Saturday Artwalk in Old Town Bay St. Louis on January 9. “Dolly Should,” a festival celebrating the great Dolly Parton’s 70th birthday, has been organized by Smith & Lens Gallery, 106 South Second Street.
Click here for a full schedule of special happenings! The day’s events include a 5k costumed Run, a Dolly themed art show, hay rides, a petting zoo, pie-tasting and edible sculpture contests, live bluegrass music and – the day’s finale - a Dolly Look-Alike Contest. In addition, the two monthly Hot Spots will be hosting special receptions to strut their stuff! The January honorees are bijoubel (126 Main Street) and Blue Rose Estate Sales (442 Main Street). The Second Saturday Artwalk is sponsored by Hancock Bank & People's Bank |
Second Saturday
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Who's getting their 15 minutes of fame this month? Scroll down for our awesome slide shows!
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15 Minutes
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Un Beau Bazar
-Floral Installation in Old Town
Kwanzaa Unity Celebration - December 26th
Bay St. Louis Christmas Parade
The Bay Lights Up for the Holidays!
Library Holiday Tree Gala, Patron's Party
Our pick of very-cool, don't-miss upcoming happenings!
This month:
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Upcoming Events
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Explore ALL the Holiday Fun with this Snowflakes in the Bay brochure!
Snowflakes in the Bay, Waveland, Kiln and Diamondhead!
A series of joy-filled family events throughout the month of December. Click on the cover of the brochure to open for a list of all the Holiday Happenings!
The event series takes it name from the illuminated snowflakes that transform the historic live oaks of Bay St. Louis and Waveland during the month. Lights continue during the evening hours through Jan. 1, 2016. |
12/3 & 10 & 17 - Thursdays
And finally, all you last-minute-shopping Men get the red carpet treatment at Men’s Shopping Night on Thursday, December 17, 3-8 p.m.! (Some of you may qualify for all three events!)
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Thursdays: December 3, 10, 17
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12/4 - Friday
12/4 - Friday +
12/5 - Saturday
Christmas Bazaar
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12/5 - Saturday
Christmas Parade and Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival
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12/5 - Saturday
Holiday Tour of Homes
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12/5 - December
12/6 - Sunday
Hancock County Library's
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12/12 - Saturday
Saturday, December 12
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12/13 - Sunday
Christmas Horse Parade in the Kiln
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12/17 - Thursday & 12/19 - Saturday
12/26 - Saturday
The ceremonial lighting of the symbolic candles during the gala will feature elders of the community and youth dancers.
This event is a fund-raiser for the NAACP Hancock County Chapter. |
Unity in the Community Kwanzaa Celebration
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1/8 - Friday
5th Annual Krewe of CASA
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1/9 - Saturday
Dolly Should
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If you're featured in one of the pictures below, feel free to copy it onto your computer and share. If you're posting it somewhere like Facebook, a nod to the Cleaver is much appreciated. These images are low resolution for faster internet loading - which means they won't print to best advantage. Click on the link below the slideshow title to purchase prints or high resolution files (if available).
Tarts and Tramps Ball - November 21, 2015
Barksgiving - November 21 2015
November 19 2015
90th Anniversary Celebration
Founding of the Rotary Club and the Hancock Chamber
Business After Hours
Saturday, November 14th
Cruisin' With A Twist!
- by Latonja Ervin, photos by Ellis Anderson
These events were advertised on radio and TV by the Hancock County Tourism Bureau with a grant from Visit Mississippi.
We kicked off October with a live broadcast of WGNO’s “News with a Twist.” This broadcast covered the greater New Orleans area and south Louisiana. The show aired live at the Bay St. Louis Train Depot on October 7 after the production crew spent several weeks filming highlights of Bay St. Louis attractions. Some of the highlights were dining on the bay overlooking our award-winning municipal harbor, inspiring art in St. Rose Church, and charter fishing in the bay.
This event was sponsored by the Hancock County Tourism Bureau through a grant from BP.
This annual event brings over seven thousand cars to the area and generates revenue for gas stations, restaurants, retail business and car repair shops. This year’s event broke the record with over 7,600 cars. We can’t wait to top the record next year!
Bay St. Louis events were sponsored by the Hancock County Tourism Bureau and Cruisin’ the Coast.
Next we look forward to the holiday season with the Christmas parade on December 5. The parade will take you on a magical holiday ride though all the snowflakes in Old Town Bay St. Louis, ending in the Depot District with the “Snowflakes and Sugarplums” festival. The fest will be from noon–5 p.m. and will feature holiday music, Santa Claus and live music by Roman Street. For more details go to www.mswestcoast.org, on the Cleaver Community Calendar page - and on the Cleaver's Upcoming Events page!
Our pick of very-cool, don't-miss upcoming happenings!
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Upcoming Events
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11/20 & 21 - Friday & Saturday
11/21 - Saturday
Barksgiving Day Parade
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11/21 - Saturday
Advance tickets are available locally at Bay Emporium and The French Potager.
They can also be purchased online securely and easily at: www.BrownPaperTickets.com Tickets will also be available at the door. |
Tarts and Tramps:
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11/21 - 11/22 - Saturday and Sunday
The 20th Annual Open House/Studio Sale
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11/27 - Friday thru 1/1
Click on the brochure cover to open now! You'll find all the local holiday events!
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Snowflakes in the Bay & Waveland
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12/4 - Friday +
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Christmas Bazaar
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12/5 - Saturday
Scroll down for dozens of pictures of October happenings! If you're featured in one of the pictures below, feel free to copy it onto your desktop and share. If you're posting it somewhere like Facebook, a nod to the Cleaver is much appreciated!
These images are low resolution for faster internet loading - which means they won't print to best advantage. Click on the link below the slideshow to purchase prints or high resolution files (if available). All images © Ellis Anderson unless otherwise attributed. |
15 Minutes
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Click here and scroll down for archived 15 Minute photo albums
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Out and About Town
Dedication of Habitat's Anniversary House
Cruisin' 2015
Crusin' into Fall!
- story by Ana Balka, photos by Ellis Anderson
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Upcoming Events
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10/1 - Thursday
Octoberfest Business After Hours
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10/3 - Saturday
St. Rose de Lima Heritage Festival
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10/8 - 11 in the Bay!
Cruisin' the Coast
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10/10 - Saturday
Second Saturday Art Walk
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10/11 - Sunday
Sangha Sunday
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10/17 - Saturday
Register at the website, and see the poster for cleanup sites, which in Hancock County include almost 20 sites in Diamondhead, Kiln, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Lakeshore.
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Coastal Clean-Up
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10/17 - Saturday
Marcia Ball Show
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10/20 - Tuesday
Swing for the Cause
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10/31 - Saturday
Hope Haven Masquerade Ball & Costume Contest
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10/31 - Saturday
Cedar Rest Cemetery Tour
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Scroll down for dozens of pictures of August happenings! If you're featured in one of the pictures below, feel free to copy it onto your desktop and share. If you're posting it somewhere like Facebook, a nod to the Cleaver is much appreciated!
These images are low resolution for faster internet loading - which means they won't print to best advantage. Please contact Ellis Anderson for print quality files. |
15 Minutes
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Night Market and Art Opening
Mockingbird/Smith & Lens - September 25, 2015
Moonlight In the Bay - September 11, 2015
A Taste of the Future - September 10, 2015
- by Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke
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