Bon Temps for CASA

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

photo Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

The clever invitation to the inaugural Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon in December - Soak up the Run - is a hard one to turn down for runners looking for a venue with the promise of sun, sand and scenery.   With the 26-mile Pass Christian to Biloxi beachfront as its setting and a weekend full of fun activities, the marathon is having no trouble signing up participants.   “Registration is on the path to blowing away our goal of 3,000 participants,” said Danny Bourgeois, the marathon’s marketing director. Such enthusiasm for the marathon and its Coastal Running Fest weekend shows that this is sure to become a standout annual event.

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Pirate Day in the Bay 

A certain Captain Longbeard and his roving band of mateys will take over the city of Bay St. Louis once again on June 24-25 for the second annual Pirate Day in the Bay, thanks to the Bay’s own Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to go “full pirate” in celebration of Bay St. Louis pirate history and legend. Pirate Day in the Bay sprung from a 2014 restaging of the 1814 Battle of Bay St. Louis by the Bay’s then-new Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse. Marketing director of Pirate Day Margaret Rafferty Cantrell said that what started as Pirate Day — a small event with a poker run — in 2014 became something much bigger once organizers John Rosetti and Stephen Crawford “took the reins” and turned it into an annual event that would bring greater economic benefit the community.

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 The Bay High Tiger News Team Puts Art Into Action

Back row, from left: Mr. Franklin Williams, Zach Heitzmann, Maya Harris, Devareau Bell, Kimberly Collier, Matthew Garcia, Tarah Herbert Front Row: Tiana Harris, Keely Jones, Alyssa Juge, Jodi Bartlett

High schools offer so many activities and opportunities these days, it can make the head spin trying to keep up with the whirling array of upcoming and ongoing social, academic, and sporting events held every week at school.   But at Bay High School here in Bay St. Louis, students can remain calm and well informed, because the Tiger News Team is on the job!  The extracurricular club that formed just last September collects, writes, performs, records, and edits all of the high school’s breaking news.    The result of this innovative program is that the entire student body and faculty of Bay High is kept better informed (and entertained), while the students on the team have the chance to learn and practice valuable media skills and techniques and learn about opportunities in the broadcast and media industry.

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Festival Season Kick-off!

Mark your calendar for the "Cajun Party in a Box" on Sunday, April 3. This family-friendly event features the awesome fiddling of Waylon Thibodeaux!

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Winners of the Dolly Parton look-alike contest on January 9th in Old Town: LtoR: Jaimee Dorris (3rd), Karen West (2nd), Amy Robertson (1st).

Nereids' Parade in Waveland, January 31
all photos by Ana Balka

Rotary/Chamber Chili Cook-off, January 28, 2016

Dolly Should - a Themed Second Saturday Artwalk - January 9, 2016

Life:  Un Beau Bazar, a public floral art installation
January 2 - 5

The Cleaver's pick of events coming up!  You'll find these and dozens more on our amazing Community Calendar. Tweet More current Cleaver stories!

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2/5 - Friday

Krewe of Knights Parade Holy Trinity Catholic School 9:30am Kids and Mardi Gras!  Talk about cute! The route runs from the school on Second Street (in front of Old City Hall), down to Union, up to the Beach and then comes back up Court Street (parallel to Main).  The parade winds up at Bay Emporium (112 South Second Street) to toast the Krewe of Nereids reigning court!

2/8 – Monday - Lundi Gras Day

Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse 2016 reigning monarchs - King "Bubba" Wyly and Queen Yuki Northington. 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!"

Krewe of Seahorse Parade Downtown Bay St. Louis 5 p.m. Info: 228-547-4873 This year the Krewe of the Seahorse toasts Bars of the Past! So put on your Studio 54 outfit and head on out to Margaritaville via CBGB, right? It’s the only Lundi Gras parade on the Coast!  Reigning monarchs are King "Bubba" Wyly and Queen Yuki Northington.  Read an exclusive interview with Yuki here (and the Queen of Nereids) and find out what it's like to be Queen for a Day! The parade starts at Bookter Street near the Depot; turns right on Necaise Ave.; right on Main Street; left onto deMontluzin; right on Beach Blvd.; then turns back up Main Street to end at Cue Street next to the Hancock County Courthouse.

2/9 – Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day

This year's Grand Marshall for Krewe of Diamonds is noted civic leader Maurice Singleton!

Krewe of Diamonds Parade Downtown Bay St. Louis 1 p.m. Info: 228-671-1471 and 228-493-2092 Lots of throws! Lots of fun! This is the only predominately African-American Krewe with Mardi Gras Indians to parade on Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Coast. Mardi Gras! It’s a big deal! Let’s all get out there and have BIG FUN. Line- up begins at 11 a.m. at Commagere Park on Bookter Street in Bay St. Louis, and will head South on Bookter Street to Necaise Ave.; Necaise Ave to Main Street; Main Street to Beach Blvd; Beach Blvd to Union Street; continue on Union to Blaize Ave/Third Street ; turn right on Sycamore Street; right onto Old Spanish Trail back to Bookter Street. For more information or to participate in the 228-493-2092 or 228-493-3822.

2/13 - Saturday

Second Saturday Artwalk Old Town Bay St. Louis 4-8 p.m. What better Valentine date than to spend the day in Old Town on Second Saturday?  It's lively all day, music and gallery openings from 4 - 8pm.  Celebrate Hot Spots Smith & Lens Gallery (106 S. Second Street) and Trapani's Eatery (116 North Beach)

2/13 - Saturday

Valentine's Day at the Little Theatre Bay Saint Louis Little Theatre 398 Blaize Avenue Expect a romantic evening of delicious food, romantic songs, poetry of the heart, and delightful, comical skits (of love, of course) at the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre! Truly an Evening to Remember!  Doors open at 6:15 $98/Couple or $50/Person  including Dinner and Show Click here for more info

2/26 - Friday

ALSO:   2/26 Friday-2/28 Sunday Photography Workshop plus Book Making, Encaustic, and Polaroid transfer classes Smith & Lens and satellite stations, Bay St. Louis Click here for registration, pricing and specifics! Unique opportunity! Visiting artist Deb Schwedhelm hosts an intensive weekend photography workshop in conjunction with Friday’s “From the Sea” show opening at Smith & Lens. Sunday morning guest-instructor classes by Stacie Smith, Kat Fitzpatrick, and Kim Turner-Smith. Optional afternoon portfolio review.

Show Opening at Smith&Lens Gallery Deb Schwedhelm ​S. Gayle Stevens Mr. Atticus's Night Market Mockingbird Cafe 106 & 110 South Second Street 5-8 p.m. Free "From the Sea": Japan-based American photographer Deb Schwedhelm opens this show that explores a sense of place and belonging. Also "Children of the Moon," a collection of dolls by S. Gayle Stevens. Also enjoy music and vendors' booths at Mockingbird's monthly night market!

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.

Bring It To the Bay Half-Marathon/Relay/5k Start and finish: Main Street and Beach Boulevard, Bay St. Louis 7 a.m. start;  Click here for athlete packet pick-up and other info Runners love the wide, well-paved beach boardwalk the goes for miles from BSL and east along the coast, so it’s no surprise that race organizer Fit First expects to beat last year’s 500-participant turnout.

3/5 - Saturday

Proceeds go to Hope Haven Children’s Services, so this benefits a lot more than your stomach.

Hope Haven Oyster Throwdown Knock-Knock Lounge 720 Highway 90 Waveland $15 donation adults, $6 kids 8-12, kids under 8 free 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: Hope Haven 228-466-6395 or Rhonda Sherwin 228-332-0842 Organizers anticipate more than 12 teams competing in a range of categories for the 4th annual Oyster Throw-Down at Knock-Knock Lounge in Waveland. You can bet there’ll be your grilled and stewed classics, but we also hear that past entries have included the likes of oyster spring rolls and oyster lasagna, and they were apparently AWESOME.

Sweethearts' Second Saturday

Bring it to the Bay!

photos by Ellis Anderson, compilation of past races across Bay Bridge

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.

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Rotary Chili Cook-off Surrender Art Show/Mr. Atticus's Night Market Krewe of Kids Parade Krewe of Nereids Parade Krewe of Seahorse Parade Krewe of Diamonds Parade

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1/22-24, 29-31 – Friday and Saturday nights,
Sunday matinee

Ransom of Red Chief Bay St. Louis Little Theatre 398 Blaize Avenue Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. matinee Tickets Settle into some poetic justice with this play based on a 1907 short story by O. Henry about two men who kidnap and attempt to ransom a wealthy Alabaman’s son, but then must deal with the consequences when their plan backfires.

1/28 – Thursday

BSL Rotary Club Chili Cook-Off Bay St. Louis Community Hall 301 Blaize Avenue 5-8 p.m. Tickets $6. See rotarybaystlouis.com or call Gary Knoblock at 228-216-0800 Yum! This popular annual tongue-burner promises live entertainment, a silent action, raffles, and more. The poster says the antacid is up to you, so throw it in your purse and get on down to the community hall for some CHILI, music, and fun!

1/29 – Friday

A short video from last year's "Surrender" show

Surrender Art Show & Mr. Atticus’s Night Market Smith & Lens and Mockingbird Café 106 & 110 South Second Street 5-8 p.m. Free Two really cool things rolled into one extraordinarily awesome evening:  A night market at the Mockingbird and an art show opening next door at Smith & Lens!  The show is a reprise on last year's wildly popular Surrender concept. Participants each “surrender” an unfinished piece at the beginning of January, so they each get to finish a piece by another participant over the month. Everyone brings their piece back to exhibit at the show opening, where all the pieces are put up for sale. The other really cool thing is the monthly Friday night Mr. Atticus’s Market, which features a band and craft-and-art vendors’ booths in the parking lot of the ‘bird. Grab a beer in the Mockingbird, turn the kids loose, and marvel that it’s Friday night and you are here in this fantastic town.

1/30 – Saturday

Krewe of Kids parade Dunbar Avenue 11 a.m. Dunbar Avenue to Highway 90 AND BACK, Bay St. Louis Fuh-reeeee Contact info: 228-463-9222 Kids’ parade and anything goes as long as it’s not motorized! That means skateboards, bikes, trikes, Bigwheels, feet, pogo sticks, rollerskates, wheelbarrows, wagons, and that dolly in the garage are fair game.

1/31 – Sunday

Krewe of Nereids Parade Hwy 90 Bay/Waveland 1 p.m. start This all-female krewe has one of the oldest and biggest of carnival parades on the coast. Last year had a record turnout, and this year is sure to be great as well!  Read all about how this fantastic tradition got started here! The parade begins in front of the Hancock County Governmental Annex Building in Bay St. Louis and rolls west on Highway 90, ending at the intersection of Auderder Street and Highway 90 in Waveland. Both lanes on Highway 90 in Waveland will be closed from the Bay St. Louis-Waveland city line to Waveland Avenue.

2/8 – Monday

2/8 – Monday Krewe of Seahorse Parade Downtown Bay St. Louis 6 p.m. Info: 228-547-4873 This year the Krewe of the Seahorse toasts bars of the past! So put on your Studio 54 outfit and head on out to Margaritaville via CBGB, right? It’s the only Lundi Gras parade on the Coast!

2/9 – Tuesday

Krewe of Diamonds Parade Downtown Bay St. Louis 1 p.m. Info: 228-671-1471 and 228-493-2092 Lots of throws! Lots of fun! This is the only predominately African-American Krewe with Mardi Gras Indians to parade on Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Coast. Mardi Gras! It’s a big deal! Let’s all get out there and have BIG FUN.

Old Town Turns "Dolly SHOULD" for Second Saturday

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

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Who's getting their 15 minutes of fame this month?  Scroll down for our awesome slide shows!    Tweet Free Cleaver Subscription!

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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: Snowflakes in the Bay Special Shopping Nights in Old Town Waveland Festival of Lights Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Christmas Bazaar BSL Christmas Parade Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival Library Holiday Tree Gala Holiday Tour of Homes Nutcracker Christmas in Waveland Second Saturday Artwalk Christmas Horse Parade in Kiln Live Nativity Scenes Dolly Should - a very special January Second Saturday! CASA Mardi Gras Ball

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Explore ALL the Holiday Fun with this Snowflakes in the Bay brochure!

Click on the brochure cover to open!

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!)

Thursdays: December 3, 10, 17 Special shopping nights in Old Town Participating Old Town merchants 3-8 p.m. Old Town hosts three special shopping evenings on consecutive Thursdays in December. First, educators come out and get your shopping done early and local for Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, December 3, 3-8 p.m. The following Thursday, December 10, all you firefighters, emergency professionals and military personnel can make your rounds in Old Town during First Responders/Military Appreciation Night (also 3-8 p.m.)

12/4 - Friday

Waveland’s Festival of Lights Coleman Avenue, Waveland Dusk Free Watch the oaks on Coleman Avenue become a wonderland of lights, sing some carols, then get a photo with Santa after he arrives at City Hall in a FIRE TRUCK! Also, snacks!!! This is just too much.

12/4 - Friday +
12/5 - Saturday

Christmas Bazaar Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Friday, 10am - 7:30pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm #1 Yacht Club Drive BSL This annual event is hosted by the BWYC Ladies Auxiliary and features more than 30 vendors.  Lunch, dinner and drinks are available.  The public is welcome!  Attendees are asked to bring a donation to the Food Pantry in lieu of an entrance fee.

12/5 - Saturday

Christmas Parade and Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival 11 a.m. Necaise Avenue and Main Street start; ends at Historic Train Depot 228-463-9222 It’s the 8th annual Christmas Parade in Bay St. Louis, and it all wraps up with the 3rd Annual Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival at the train depot. The Route:  Parade stages on Necaise Avenue, heads down Main Street to Beach Boulevard, Court Street, 2nd Avenue, Union Street, and ends at the depot.

12/5 - Saturday

Holiday Tour of Homes 1-4 p.m. Tickets at Maggie May's (123 Main Street, BSL) and Doggies Day Grooming $12 OR $15 day of event at any of the homes The Holiday Tour of Homes features historic homes in Bay St. Louis festively decorated for the Holidays.  All proceeds benefit Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County. Homes on Tour:  208 Leonhard; 134 Sycamore; 222 North Beach; 200 Carroll; 222 Felicity, and 211 de Montluzin Ave.

12/5 - December

Nutcracker Christmas in Waveland 1-4 p.m. Waveland Public Library 345 Coleman Avenue Santa strikes again, this time at the public library in Waveland! Have some refreshments and enjoy some Santa time while picking out your Christmas reading material.

12/6 - Sunday

Hancock County Library's Holiday Tree Gala 1pm - 4pm Bay St. Louis Library 312 Hwy 90 Bay St. Louis A breathtaking display of exquisitely decorated trees delight families while children get a personal audience with Santa. Performances by the Hancock County Children’s Choir at 1:30 p.m., and the South Hancock Elementary Children’s Choir at 2:30 p.m. Punch and cookies will be served. Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration that begins at sundown on December 6, will also be represented in the display case at the Bay St. Louis-Hancock County Library.   In conjunction with the gala event, the Bay-Waveland Garden Club will host a small standard flower show, Christmas Traditions, in the Seal Meeting Room.

12/12 - Saturday

Saturday, December 12 Second Saturday Artwalk Old Town Bay St. Louis 4-8 p.m. Second Saturday is always fun, and you know that December’s artwalk will be HO! HO! Hopping! Music, snacks, and plenty of holiday cheer as merchants stay open late. Shop local, and say hi to all your friends and neighbors at the Second Saturday Artwalk!  Hot Spots:  Clay Creations (220 Main) and Green Canyon Outfitters (108 S. Beach Blvd).

12/13 - Sunday

Christmas Horse Parade in the Kiln Bobinger Road to Fire Dept. Road 12-2 p.m. More info: 228-216-9424 Wait, there’s a Christmas HORSE PARADE with OVER 100 HORSES and wagons and Santa and Mrs. Claus in Kiln? We are THERE! Starts at noon at Bobinger Road, looping to Fire Department Road 6285, and ends back at Bobinger Road at 2 p.m. with Santa. WOW!

12/17 - Thursday & 12/19 - Saturday

Live Nativity Scenes 12/17 - Thursday First Baptist Church 141 Main Street Bay St. Louis 7 p.m. & 12/19 - Saturday Christmas Live Nativity Re-enactment Hosted by Bay St. Louis Little Theatre Historic Depot Grounds Bay St. Louis 7 p.m.

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 St. Rose Holy Spirit Center 313 S. Necaise Bay St. Louis Sponsor/Patron Party: 7pm Gala: 8pm - midnight General admission: $20 The Unity Gala will include a live band, food and cash bar. Africa attire is encouraged, but not required. This annual event will celebrate the Kwanzaa Holiday with a ceremony to acknowledge the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Works and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

1/8 - Friday

2016 King Mr. Kelly Cannon of Bay St. Louis and Mrs. Carol Shiyou of Kiln

5th Annual Krewe of CASA Mardi Gras Gala BSL Community Center 301 Blaize Ave Tickets $40 Tables available for sponsorship One of the premier events of the year, this Mardi Gras extravaganza raises money for the local CASA group (read more about their fine work in this Cleaver article!).  This year features live music by Category 6, dinner by Jimmie Ladner and friends, with a  silent and live auction.

1/9 - Saturday

Dolly Should Smith & Lens Gallery 106 South 2nd Street Bay St. Louis 4-8 p.m. Celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday at this Dolly-themed party and art extravaganza! Smith & Lens is known for throwing spectacular and fun art openings/parties, and this one’s clearly going to be a barn burner. Break out your largest blond wig, squeeze into your best dungarees, button up that western shirt, and head on down to where the music’s playing. We hear there is a Dolly look-alike contest, so start planning now! And who knows? Ms. Dolly herself HAS been invited, so there’s always THAT.

Welcome to our pics of November happenings, where you might find yourself or someone you know experiencing 15 minutes of fame!   THIS MONTH: 90th Birthday of BSL Rotary Barksgiving Tarts and Tramps Disco Ball

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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!

News With a Twist, broadcasting live from the Depot

Bay St. Louis during Cruisin' the Coast

Our pick of very-cool, don't-miss upcoming happenings! Waveland Christmas Bazaar Barksgiving Day Parade Tarts & Tramps Disco Inferno Ball 20th Annual Bay Artists Coop Studio Sale Snowflakes in the Bay begins Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Christmas Bazaar BSL Christmas Parade

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11/20 & 21 - Friday & Saturday

Second Annual Christmas Bazaar Ground Zero Museum, 335 Coleman Avenue, Waveland Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Vendors with gifts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, books, candles, soaps, and many locally made products!

11/21 - Saturday

Barksgiving Day Parade The Depot, Bay St. Louis Registration: 10:30 a.m. start 11 a.m. Cost: $10/1 dog; $5/each additional dog More info: Geoff at 228-467-5474 or 228-332-0257 It’s the second annual parade and festival by the Friends of the Hancock County Animal Shelter and the Sea Coast Echo! Bring your canines to the Depot grounds from 11-2. Pet parade with prizes for best float or wagon (please no motorized vehicles); costume contests with prizes for kid, pet, and adult costumes; spacewalks, food, games, raffles, and a DACHSHUND RACE called the Tail-o-Dogga! NOTE:  The date to this event was changed from Nov. 7th to the 21st due to weather.

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:  Disco Inferno Ball benefit for The Arts, Hancock County 100 Men Hall 303 Union Street Bay St. Louis Tickets:  $25 in advance, $30 at door Grab your platforms and get ready to shake your groove thang at this grand event celebrating The Arts, Hancock County. The non-profit organization is putting on a disco-themed costume ball to benefit their outstanding community art programs and events. The event will feature food by the Silver Slipper Casino, a cash bar, disco dance-off, and costume contest. The entertainment line-up includes DJ Disco Dave Mayley spinning groovy tunes from the 70s and a performance by the ladies of Raw Oyster Marching Club. Disco attire is highly encouraged.

11/21 - 11/22 - Saturday and Sunday

The 20th Annual Open House/Studio Sale Bay Artists Co-Op 415 South Necaise Ave. Bay St. Louis Saturday from 10am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 3pm The studio, not normally open to the public except by appointment, opens its doors one weekend each fall for an up-close look at the works of the artists inside.  A wide array of striking art will be on display, including pottery and clay sculptures, paintings, and jewelry.  You will have the opportunity to speak with the artists about their inspirations and techniques, and learn from live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Refreshments will be on hand, as will live blues and folk music by Ivory Bill, featuring Billy Ray Hammons and David Sallis. Read more about Bay Artists Co-Op in this month's Arts Alive column!

11/27 - Friday thru 1/1

Click on the brochure cover to open now!  You'll find all the local holiday events!  Click on the picture to open the brochure and see ALL of the events planned!

Snowflakes in the Bay & Waveland Dusk Various locations Bay St. Louis and Waveland are transformed with illuminated snowflakes in the beautiful historic live oak trees throughout Mississippi's West Coast.   Lights continue during the evening hours through Jan. 1, 2016.

Christmas Bazaar Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Friday, 10am - 7:30pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm #1 Yacht Club Drive BSL This annual event is osted by the BWYC Ladies Auxiliary and features more than 30 vendors.  Lunch, dinner and drinks are available.  The public is welcome!  Attendees are asked to bring a donation to the Food Pantry in lieu of an entrance fee.

12/5 - Saturday

Christmas Parade and Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival 11 a.m. Necaise Avenue and Main Street start; ends at Historic Train Depot 228-463-9222 It’s the 8th annual Christmas Parade in Bay St. Louis, and it all wraps up with the 3rd Annual Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival at the train depot.

The Tarts and Tramps Ball 2014 was a smash success.

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.

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Out and About Town

Dedication of Habitat's Anniversary House

Cruisin' 2015

Crusin' into Fall!

Octoberfest Business After Hours St. Rose de Lima Heritage Festival ​Cruisin' the Coast Second Saturday Art Walk Sangha Sunday Coastal Clean-Up Marcia Ball Show Swing for the Cause Hope Haven Masquerade Ball & Costume Contest Cedar Rest Cemetery Tour​ Tweet

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10/1 - Thursday

Octoberfest Business After Hours Hancock Medical Center 5435 Gex Drive Diamondhead 5-7 pm Hancock Medical, Coast Electric, and the Hancock Chamber of Commerce present Oktoberfest Business After Hours in Diamondhead. Come ring in autumn with brats, burgers, and knockwurst served with sauerkraut and plenty of cold beverages.

10/3 - Saturday

St. Rose de Lima Heritage Festival Holy Spirit Center 301 S. Necaise Avenue (across from church) Bay St. Louis 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission and parking Enjoy a full day of music, food, and fun at St. Rose de Lima! Plenty of toys for the kids like water slides and castles, great food, a raffle, and bands all day and night, with headliners the Starz Band!

10/8 - 11 in the Bay!

Cruisin' the Coast Phone: (888) 808-1188 or (228) 385-3847 Old Town Bay St. Louis Free admission It’s back! The 19th annual classic car fest, the biggest of its kind featuring cruise-ins, rock ‘n’ roll, drag races, sock hops, swap meet, CTC/Vicari auto auction and so much more.!  Over 7000 entrants cruise up and down Highway 90 from Ocean Springs to the Bay all week, with the biggest crowds hitting Bay St. Louis from Wednesday through Sunday. Here in Bay St. Louis we’ll have afternoon bands Wednesday through Saturday, capped off with Vince Vance and the Valiants! See the website for more info!

10/10 - Saturday

Second Saturday Art Walk Old Town Bay St. Louis Lively All Day Gallery openings and live music  4-8 p.m. Come early to check out the Cruisin’ the Coast festivities, then stay for Bay St. Louis’s monthly art walk and evening hangout! Stores stay open late. Kelsey Moran will be playing on the street down by this month’s hotspot Southern Accents, the Mockingbird Cafe hosts music on their outdoor stage as well, and shops and galleries stay open until 8 p.m.

10/11 - Sunday

Sangha Sunday Treehouse Yoga 110 South Second Street (upstairs at the Mockingbird) Bay St. Louis 5 - 6pm By donation You’ve been intending to slow down, but you haven’t had the time. Well, set the irony of that conundrum to the side for an hour on Sunday evening, and get back to your center before starting the week with mindfulness meditation and breathing at the Treehouse. Sangha means a kinship or community coming together with a common purpose, and the intention of this monthly second Sunday gathering is to cultivate peace and connection in our community.

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.

Coastal Clean-Up Hancock County Coastline 8am - 11am Every October, thousands of concerned citizens take to the streets and beaches all along the Gulf Coast to pick up trash that can pollute our waterways and endanger the lives of countless animals. Join the more than 65,000 volunteers who over the past 27 years have been making a difference one bag at a time, removing more than 1.6 million pounds of trash from Mississippi's coastal landshores, waterways, and barrier island beaches. 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.

10/17 - Saturday

Marcia Ball Show 100 Men Hall 303 Union Street Bay St. Louis 8 p.m. $30 Gulf Coast AND Louisiana Hall-of-Famer Marcia Ball is back at the 100 Men Hall: an icon in an iconic venue on a night not to be missed! Ball is a roadhouse soul rocker and Grammy-nominated piano storyteller whose style veers between R&B, Gulf Coast blues, Louisiana swamp ballads, and Texas zydeco. Put it all in the legendary 100 Men Hall and you’ll be dancing all night.

10/20 - Tuesday

Swing for the Cause The Bridges golf course, Hollywood Casino 711 Hollywood Boulevard, Bay St. Louis 11 a.m. lunch and registration, 12 p.m. shotgun start Fundraising golf classic to benefit the Hancock Community Development Foundation. The foundation serves as an umbrella 501(c)(3) non-profit for organizations that enhance economic development and quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Contests, refreshments, exhibits, and door prizes! Corporate sponsorships available. Contact (228) 467-9048 for more info on registration.

10/31 - Saturday

Hope Haven Masquerade Ball & Costume Contest Bay St. Louis Community Center 301 Blaize Avenue Bay St. Louis 9 p.m. $40 advance, $50 door, Tables of 8 for $280 RSVP (228) 466-6395 Exciting inaugural Halloween Masquerade Ball for Hope Haven, non-profit advocates for abused and neglected children. Food from local eateries, costume contest with $1,000 in prizes, (best single, best couple and best group costumes), music by Pat Murphy and the Jumpin’ Jukes, cash bar and silent auction! Adults 21 and over.

10/31 - Saturday

Cedar Rest Cemetery Tour Cedar Rest Cemetery Second Street, between Main and Union 5:30-8:00 p.m. Bay Saint Louis Contact Charles Gray (228) 467-4090 A Halloween favorite in the Bay! Hosted by the Hancock County Historical Society, tour features locals dressed as historic Bay figures who tell their spooky tales to guests walking the candlelit paths. Stop into the Kate Lobrano House at 108 Cue Street afterward for refreshments.