While COVID precautions have canceled parades this year, the spirit of Mardi Gras is making house calls.  

- Story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
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Mayor Mike Smith updates residents about ongoing projects in Waveland and gives a hint of things to come in 2021.
 
- by Mayor Mike Smith

The Hancock Chamber announces Business of the Year nominees and Outstanding Citizens for 2020.  The crew of this magazine is thrilled to find itself in excellent company! 

A bridal show with a fresh twist - a fun faux ceremony & reception - offers couples stellar ideas and local vendors for their own big day. So save the date:  November 20!
 
- story by Dena Temple

It’s going to be a BOO-tiful Halloween in the Bay and beyond, and there are lots of activities for frightful fun, including a new parade!
 
- Story by Dena Temple, photos by Ellis Anderson
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Longtime locals know that the return of a Brooks family barbecue joint means some great ‘Que lies just ahead.
 
- story by Lisa Monti

BSL resident Elise Epperson Deano transformed a happy memory into a community labor of love.
 
- Story by Lisa Monti, photos by Elise Epperson Deano

With this year's Arts Alive! Festival postponed until September and studios shuttered, artists are left wondering how to stay connected with their customers. This new web portal offers a solution.

- Story by Steve Barney

March 19 is St. Joseph's Day and as part of the tradition, special  - and edible - altars are built.  Learn more about how locals celebrate in Bay-Waveland.
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Although as of this March 12 publication, Our Lady of the Gulf and 100 Men Hall have cancelled their St. Joseph's Day altars, while St. Clare's is open for viewing on March 19 from 9am - 5pm.  

- story by Lisa Monti

"The Year of the Bay Ratz" is a very fitting theme for this year's Mardi Gras fundraiser dinner/dance and silent auction January 25.

- Story by Lisa Monti, photos by Lionel Haynes, Jr.

The Rihner family of Necaise Avenue takes pride in being the biggest – and brightest – Christmas display in the Bay.
 
- Story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
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​ 
Gradually, the neighbors moved away and the kids grew up, but Lance just keep buying lights and accumulating extension cords and finding new pieces to install in the yard.
 
“There’s something new every year,” he said. “This year there’s a new Disney display.”

​ 
Lance uses photos from the year before to see where everything goes and tweaks a few setups. If something major is out of place, he said, he’ll hear about it from regulars who remember it from years past. “Some of the older stuff like Santa on the light pole has been a staple for 25 years,” he said.
 

​ 
He figures he’s got close to 100 pieces of yard decorations, though he’s never actually counted. Ask how much he’s got invested in the display and Lance laughingly says, “Way too much.” He guesses he’s put several thousand dollars into the project over the 28 years. “I always say the more the merrier.”
 

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And it’s not just the decorations themselves. It takes more than 40 extension cords and some 200 smaller ones to power up all that Christmas stuff. After blowing a couple of circuit breakers early on, Lance upgraded all the wiring in the house and put eight receptacles outside to handle all those cords. “It’s like putting a puzzle together,” he said of assembling and unwinding and erecting everything.
 
Depending on the weather, it takes three to four weeks to install everything, starting before Halloween. His goal is to have everything in place to light up on Thanksgiving night, and if he’s running behind, his wife Melinda and grown children help him finish up. Each night the display is turned off at 10 p.m.
 

​ 
The takedown is faster, about three days. “It comes down pretty quick,” he said. “Everything is boxed up and goes back in the shed.”
 
Sometimes, he admits, the setup gets overwhelming. “But it does put me in the holiday mood. I put on CDs to motivate me. This is the best time of the year for me. We love Christmas."
 
The schedule is the same for Melinda, who handles the home decorations. “Inside it looks just like the outside,” he said.
 

​ 
Over the years, advances in technology have brought fancy laser lights and other improvements to Christmas decorations, but Lance stays mostly with the classics. “My lights are old school. They don’t dance to music.” He does have 3-D projectors, which have to be brought in if it rains.
 

​ 
Early on, before the advent of energy-efficient LEDs, the Rihners’ power bill would jump up about $100 during the holidays. “But it’s all worth it when you see the kids,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
 

​ 
“I have been surprised with a load of carolers from churches in town who sang carols to us. That happened twice. It was pretty neat."
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With our state and local representative offices overwhelmingly held by men, it's a good time to get to know the women running for office here in Hancock County.

- by Lisa Monti

Editor's note: Kendra “KK” Necaise is running for the office of Hancock County Circuit Clerk, but without opposition so not listed below.  We wish her the best in her new job.  

The general election takes place Tuesday, November 5.  Click here to open a sample ballot PDF.  

• Wendy McDonald and Brent Anderson are vying for State House of Representatives District 122.
• Theresa Ryan is running against Buster Verdin and David Yarborough for Supervisor in District 1.
• Teresa Ehrlich faces Brian Necaise for Justice Court Judge 2.
• Lynn Smith and Eric Moran are running for Justice Court Judge 3. 

 
The Shoofly Magazine asked the local women candidates to answer three questions for the consideration of the voters. Their replies follow. (Since Kendra Necaise is running unopposed, she was not contacted for comment.)

Wendy McDonald
Candidate for House of Representatives, District 122

What are your top three goals if you are elected? 
My top three goals are education and workforce development, affordable health care and environmental action.
 
What unique experience will you bring to your constituents?
My knowledge and leadership skills in the field education and the eight years of experience on the Bay St. Louis city council provide a depth of knowledge that is acquired by doing the jobs. My dedication and commitment to Katrina recovery was extensive in Hancock County. For the last few months I have been studying the Bonnet Carré Spillway issue intensively and I will be announcing several major action items for the state to consider to prevent a repeat of this disaster.
 
Why is it important for women to run for political office?
I know that the conversation changes when women are in the room. Just as I believe in a two-party system and checks and balances, I know from experience that if women are not a part of the conversation then it’s not a balanced discussion or decision. Women do thousands of jobs now that were not available to them 50 years ago but it has taken longer to get women to run and get elected to office than I expected.

Theresa Ryan
​Candidate for Hancock County Supervisor, District 1 

What are your top three goals if you are elected? 
If elected I plan to provide the people of Hancock County and District 1 a fully engaged Supervisor. Hearing what is important to my constituents, and then acting on these priorities in a timely manner is critical. By attending the Supervisor meetings, representing our citizens and their needs, and by actively addressing those issues that come up in every Board meeting is my goal.
 
Next, I have heard on the campaign trail from many voters that transparency is important. So letting the people of Hancock County know what is happening – both good and bad – in our county in a timely manner, is very important.
 
Finally, as your county representative we have an abundance of economic opportunities that can, and should be pursued. This results in more jobs, a growth in economic development, and quality growth for our entire county. Working together with the other 4 Supervisors can result in a better Hancock County for all of our citizens. “A rising tide lifts all boats”!
 

What unique experience will you bring to your constituents?  
As a third generation Hancock County resident, I have lived in what is our greatest area of this state. Growing up here taught me what it is during the good and bad times. My work experience has provided me what a large and a small business can do for our county. As an owner of my own information technology company (Computer Solutions LLC), I know what it takes to run a successful business; just like the business of our county. I have also been fortunate to have lived away from home – first, for four years at the University of Southern Mississippi where I earned my degree in Computer Science. Also, my travels to different locations in this country, as well as internationally, for both business and personal reasons, have opened my eyes to what our community can be. Our county has many great natural resources, key federal, state and local government representation, as well as people resources second to none. Our unique geographical location is another advantage we should utilize in growing our economy for our constituents.

Why is it important for women to run for political office?  
Representation in any industry is maximized by tapping into all resources available. If we only look at 50% of any population a business, industry, government or any other entity will never reach its potential. Therefore, I look at diversity as looking for the best, most qualified; most motivated person to do whatever job is needed to be filled. I am proud to be a woman running for Hancock County Supervisor District 1, just as I am proud to be running as a life-long citizen, someone who cares very deeply for this community, and someone who puts the citizens of our county first at all times. 
​

Teresa Ehrlich
Candidate for Justice Court Judge 2

What are your top three goals if you are elected?
 My first goal is to ensure “A People’s Court” – one where everyone in the courtroom is fully aware of what is taking place. I want each person to be advised of their constitutional rights in a clear and comprehensible manner prior to any court proceedings.
 
For two decades I have witnessed little change in the way criminal cases are handled in our Justice Court, therefore my second goal is to streamline this outdated system and introduce changes that will minimize the time spent waiting needlessly in the courtroom. This is a concern I have heard expressed repeatedly by both the citizens and the officers.
 
As your next Justice Court Judge Place 2, my third goal is to prioritize the duties of this position. I will be a “full-time” judge, making myself available 24/7, accessibility that is not currently available.
 
What unique experience will you bring to your constituents?
I have previously worked and served as vice president of American Bail Bond Inc. for a total of 19 years. I bring a unique ability to research current laws and proposed legislation and an understanding of how these affect the citizens of Hancock County. I am also familiar with the operation of our Justice and Municipal Court systems, having attended hundreds of docket calls and trials while logging over 1,000 hours of courtroom experience. My experience with the various elements of the judicial system, from incarceration to disposition, far surpasses that of my opposition. Moreover, by drawing upon my more than 30 years of experience in the government and private sector, I possess the ability to accurately follow rules, regulations and practices outlined under statutory law.
 
Why is it important for women to run for political office?
There are several reasons why I believe women should run for political office. First, there are not enough women currently serving in government. While there has been a recent upward trend in the number of women entering the political arena, the overall number is still extremely disproportionate, not only to the number of registered female voters but also the female population in general. Second, women bring a diversified and dynamic perspective to political office. There is no denying that politics is a male-dominated field, so it’s important that women contribute the much-needed traits of empathy, inclusiveness and an open negotiating style to politics. While I could provide many other reasons why it’s important for women to run for political office, one of the most important reasons is the impact of change women leaders contribute by breaking down the long-standing cultural and structural barriers.
​

Lynn Smith 
Candidate for Justice Court Judge 3

What are your top three goals if you are elected? 
If I were to be elected as Justice Court Judge for Place 3 in Hancock County my first goal will be to try to get more fines paid off through community service. My second goal would be to get folks that need drug and alcohol intervention more hope. My last goal will be listen to both sides. If you have to appear before me I will listen as an impartial decision maker.

What unique experience will you bring to your constituents?
I have been working as a volunteer for the Hancock County Amateur Radio Association and the Hancock County EOC for many years because I have a strong sense of service for the citizens in my community. I love my community and want folks to be safe. The laws are the laws; I will bring compassion, honesty, dignity  and fairness. I feel that a lay person makes for a better Justice Court Judge, not someone with a law enforcement background. As a lay person I would fairly judge both sides.

Why is it important for women to run for political office?
Our society has many voices, but for centuries policies and laws have been conceived and written by men. The Suffragette movement secured the right for women to be able to vote. Women should put out their ideas even more by running for office. We owe it to our sisters that made sacrifices for those rights.

Business owners Nikki Moon and Janice Guido were recently appointed to key posts with Coastal Mississippi’s Board of Commissioners and the Hancock County Tourism Development Commission, respectively.

- story by Lisa Monti

 
Nikki said she would like to see more revenue for Coastal Mississippi during her year as president to better promote the 12 communities in the three coastal counties.

“Once visitors experience the coast, you know they will return. They love the people, the hospitality, the food, the art - oh, did I mention the people?

​"Another hope is to make sure our locals believe in our coast as much as those who promote it do. Bring your family here, your high school reunion, your wedding. Let your friends and family experience what we know is the best of the South, maybe the best of America – the Mississippi Coast.”

 
Janice Guido, the owner of Bay Life Gifts in Century Hall, has been tapped to replace Nikki as the Hancock Chamber’s representative on the Hancock County Tourism Development Commission. Janice worked for 30 years in the hotel, hospitality and tourism industry in New Orleans. She and Nikki worked together all those years, promoting the city and its attractions.
 
As the Chamber's tourism liaison, Janice works with the other appointed members and Myrna Green, Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau Director. Members work to promote events and attractions and to support new events that will draw more people to visit the county.
 
Janice also was named to fill the newly created ex officio tourism liaison spot on the Hancock Chamber board.

​“I report to the board to keep them aware of what’s going on and update them on tourism in general and about anything relevant they need to know.” She also works with the Chamber relocation committee that focuses on getting new residents to move to the county.
 
“My goal is to try to keep everybody in loop and not miss any opportunities,” Janice said.

​100 Men Hall hosts the inaugural Booker Festival in honor of a New Orleans music icon who spent time growing up in Bay St. Louis.
 
- story by Lisa Monti

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Booker came up in a conversation with Floyd Moseley when he was having his portrait taken for the 100 Men Hall People Project. “He said that Booker used to play at St. Rose and after would come to Floyd's grandma’s house because she was the only one with a piano,” Dangermond said.

Later she was talking with Bay St. Louis resident Lee Seal about his takeaways from putting together Bridge Fest and ideas for the Hall started “popcorning.” Seal said he liked the concept of the King Biscuit Festival because fest goers can camp out at the venue.
 
Seal also suggested Joe Krown for a piano tribute to Booker. Krown suggested Tom McDermott because he has a more extensive Booker repertoire. 
 
Dangermond called her friend McDermott, well known for his playing and compositions, and he agreed to play. McDermott also suggested that Josh Paxton perform as well – the pianist’s unique style brought high praise from Dr. John.
 
With the piano tribute in place -  along with a showing of “Bayou Maharajah,” Lily Keber’s definitive documentary on Booker -  Dangermond added a gospel element to the festival lineup. The celebrated St. Rose Gospel Choir agreed to perform and will bring another local connection to Booker.
 

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“It turns out some of the choir members remember Booker from back in the day when he played with the choir,” Dangermond said.
 
And when Mayor Mike Favre approved of primitive campsites on the Hall grounds, the festival was set for Labor Day weekend.
 
“It was one of those things,” Dangermond said. “When it’s right, it’s right.” Above all, she said,  “I want it to be fun and funky.”
 
The camping option will give first time visitors an introduction to the area and benefit local merchants. “The festival itinerary is very loose and we’re hoping people who come for the weekend will go out to have breakfast and lunch and go shopping while they’re here,” Dangermond said.
 
While the idea behind Booker Fest is to raise funds annually to maintain and preserve 100 Men Hall, the goal also is to attract regional, national and international attention to the African American landmark and its history.

The festival will open at 8 p.m. Aug. 30 with the indoor screening of Bayou Maharajah. Food by Chef Chris Hayes from the Smoking Oyster in New Orleans will be available for purchase on both nights of the festival. Hayes was named the winning contestant on a Food Network show. 
​

• On Aug. 31, the St. Rose Gospel Choir will perform on the Hall’s historic stage at 10 a.m. At 4 pm, there will be readings and talks by locals who knew Booker – including Ellis Anderson of the Shoofly Magazine, who worked with Booker in the French Quarter in the 1970s.  

• The piano tribute with McDermott and Paxton begins at 5 pm. An outdoor screening of Bayou Maharajah will be at 8 pm.

• Closing out the festival will be a dance party headlined by Cuban percussionist Alexey Martí with Jorge Perez, Paolo Castanogli and Oscar Rossignoli.

​

• Admission for all events will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Wristbands will be given on arrival. 

It's easy to purchase advance tickets online.
 
Primitive camping that allows (2) entry to all of the events is $75.
Contact Rachel at 100MenHall@gmail.com for details.
 
Purchase the camping ticket here.

Get ready for a weekend of great food, music and a "no-bull" fun run complete with roller derby girls -- all for a very worthy cause.
- Story by Lisa Monti, photos by Lionel Haynes, Jr. 

Prizes will be presented to the winners, and a DJ will play music for dancing throughout the evening. As part of the evening’s tip of the hat to Hemingway, Cigars in the Pass will host an outdoor cigar lounge complete with an air-conditioned cigar store trailer.

 
The Paris café setting also will feature a four-course “Moveable Feast” along with libations paired with each course. The menu is a secret, but everything will be French and expertly prepared by the Rum Kitchen. Chef Chappy and Starr Chapman are original sponsors of the Hemingway Festival, and it was their idea for the museum’s main fundraiser and to draw attention to the Coleman Avenue downtown district. Said Starr, “We invite everyone to ‘Live the full life.’”
 
A special part of Friday evening will be a live auction. “You can’t go to Paris and not have art,” Donna said. New Orleans auctioneer Sam Bell makes his Hemingway Festival debut this year, auctioning off original works of art.
 ​

​ 
One is an original acrylic of a French café scene by local artist Scharonne Herrington, who also is painting the backdrop for the bistro setting. Other pieces of artwork, framed and authenticated, were donated by a benefactor and will be revealed at the auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to the artist and the museum.
 
The festival fun spills over into Saturday, which is designed as a fun family day, with another new feature this year. All of the high school students in the county were invited to participate in a literary contest that required them to research and write a story set in Hemingway's Paris of the 1920s. Winners will read their original pieces starting at 4 pm, and prizes will be awarded.
​

 
On Saturday, July 20, the Before, During and After Party gets started at 6 pm with the DJ, food and beverages, then at 7 pm the festival’s signature parade will take to Coleman Avenue.
 
Look for decorated golf carts and representatives of the Krewe of Nereids, the Mystic Krewe of Seahorse and the ever entertaining Bay Ratz Marching Battery.
 
7:30 pm marks the start time of the 1.1-mile “No Bull Fun Run” featuring the New Orleans Brass Roller Derby Club, who will do their best to “tap out” the runners to eliminate them from the race. “It’s a fun run, Mississippi Gulf Coast style,” Donna said. “It’s so much fun to watch.”
 ​

 
Tickets for the July 19 Patron Party are $70 per person and $120 per couple. Tickets for the July 20 activities are $25 per person.
 
All the money for the Friday and Saturday festival events pays for special projects at the museum, which is dedicated to the resilience of the Coast’s residents and does not charge an admission fee.
 
This year the museum received Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage matching funds to produce a video collection of oral histories by Katrina survivors. The video will be unveiled on the August 29, anniversary of the hurricane, and a permanent exhibit will be added later this year.
 
“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities, which grow every year,” said Donna. “This is the only Hemingway Festival in this area, and it’s for a good cause.”
​

Avast, ye swabbies and scurvy dogs - don your swashbuckling finery and enjoy the parrrr-ty in the Bay St. Louis historic district! 

- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson and Lionel Haynes, Jr.

 
The event includes fireworks, the Pirate Play Zone kid’s playground and costume contest, a pub crawl and riverboat cruise for adult pirates, belly dancers, live music and craft vendors. The fest has become so popular that it has earned a spot in the Top 20 events in the Southeast. Organizers expect 3,000-plus people over the May 17-18 weekend. “Pirate Central” will be anchored at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Court Street, with vendors set up across Court Street.
 
As you might expect from the Seahorse Krewe, this bunch of pirates knows how to throw a party. The celebration starts on Thursday night with a special party for sponsors and members. The $25 ticket price includes drinks and food.
 
The general public festivities kick off at 4 pm on Friday, May 17 with the arrival of the pirates. On Friday evening you can buy a $20 ticket to the Pirate’s Pub Crawl, with a dozen local businesses participating, a scavenger hunt, and the Castaways playing music at 8 pm. This adults-only event requires tickets, which can be purchased in advance or at Pirate Central that day.
 

​ 
On Saturday, the Lil’ Buccaneers’ Parade starts at 11 am. Led by the Bay Ratz Marching Battery, the parade will begin at the corner of Main and Second Streets and end at Pirate Central. The costume contest, complete with prizes, begins at 1 pm. Kids can also enjoy the Pirate Play Zone, open from 11 am until 7 pm (fee required for entrance).
 
Saturday’s Pirate Cruise on the Betsy Ann riverboat is sold out, but you can enjoy the Pirate Invasion Parade when they come ashore around 5 pm.
 
Free non-ticketed activities in and around Pirate Central include performances by two local dance studios: Arabesque and the Studio of Classique Vibe and belly dancing by Amira. Vendors will be selling crafts all day, and Dr. Rock and the Interns will perform from 7 to 11 pm. Pirate Day wraps up at 9 pm with fireworks over the harbor, sponsored by the Silver Slipper Casino.
 
The event sponsors are Silver Slipper Casino, ABC Rental, Bayou Caddy Utility South, Rosetti’s Liquor Barrel, Vintage Lighthouse and Beacon Theater.
 

Rosetti said the Seahorse Krewe stays active all year and continues to grow, signing up locals and residents from Louisiana and north of I-10 as members on a weekly basis. Total membership stands at nearly 300.

Besides Pirate Day there’s the Seahorse Open, held the third weekend in October, the fun-packed Lundi Gras golf cart parade, and the Inspection Ball in June to announce the Krewe’s king and queen. “Then once a month we have a membership social at a business in town that has anywhere from 75 to 125 people,” Rosetti said.
 
Krewe members also take part in the Biloxi Shucker Halfway to Mardi Gras celebration and recently took second place in the Dancing with the Relay Stars in the fundraising division.
 
“Overall we went to continue to grow each year so we can give more and more back to the community,” Rosetti said.
 

 
The Krewe’s debut five years ago was part of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bay St. Louis, which featured a rousing reenactment between two Biloxi schooners. Look for another reenactment Dec. 12-13 for the 205th anniversary of the battle. Details can be found on the Krewe’s website or their Facebookpage.

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The Hancock Chamber finds new ways to improve the business lives of its members through continuing education and networking opportunities.

- story by Lisa Monti

 
The Power Hour Coffee Call, held on the first Friday of every month, gives members a way to hear updates from governmental officials or learn best practices tips to start their day. “We just did one on creating engagement on social media and will be doing another on email marketing basics in April,” said Tish Williams, the Chamber executive director.

​ 
Also new this year is the Power Hour Lunch Break where members meet from noon to 1pm at a different restaurant every month. Held the second Tuesday of each month, “This meeting helps to generate revenue for the hosting restaurant and gives members an opportunity to connect with people to grow their business,” Williams said. April’s Power Hour Lunch Break will be at Cuz’s.

  ​ 
The Chamber also has a major new event in the works that’s being spearheaded by the Relocation Committee chaired by Regan Kane of John McDonald Realty. The Hancock County Parade of Homes will showcase some 26 homes scattered throughout the county.

It’s set for noon to 5pm on April 13 to tie into the Second Saturday Art Walk. Williams said this inaugural home tour will bring potential home buyers to the county and also create more traffic for merchants during Second Saturday.
 
To sweeten the tour, participants will be eligible to enter into a drawing at each house to win a $2,500 new-home-owners package giveaway.

 
The Parade of Homes will be marketed throughout the region, from New Orleans to Hattiesburg.  To find out more go to hancockmsmyhome.com after March 29. 
 

The 17th Annual Arts Alive! Festival celebrates our Gulf Coast creative culture with all of Old Town Bay St. Louis as a venue.  
- story by Dena Temple

Arts Alive! began 17 years ago as a simple tour of artists’ private studios in the area. Today it is a free, multi-day, multi-venue event that draws young and old alike to admire the talent of our local artisans.  The celebration generates a high level of excitement from the community and area merchants alike.

The event, produced by the non-profit organization The Arts, Hancock County, will take place in multiple outdoor locations around Old Town Bay St. Louis. Venues are located on Main Street, Second Street, Court Street – even the lumberyard will host artists exhibiting their work.

​Displays will feature many different mediums, from paintings, wood creations, sculpture and pottery to photography and ceramics, among others.
​

​Bigger, and better

“This is the big show,” exclaims Steve Barney, president of The Arts, Hancock County, “and it gets bigger and better every year. This event really has stood the test of time. We’re putting our best foot forward and showcasing the best of Hancock County.”

Arts Alive! has expanded to two full days for 2019 due to the tremendous interest of the public and the enthusiastic support of area merchants and the artists themselves. Participation by local artists has exploded, with 30% more artists already registered at press time – and more still signing up to display their work.

“For many young artists, this is their big debut,” explains Barney. “It’s their very first experience exhibiting their artwork. They’ll set up their tents, hang their work, and share it with the public for the first time. That can be extremely exhilarating. We’re excited to give them that opportunity.”
​

​Show features

In addition to more than 50 of our best and brightest local artists displaying their work, this year’s show will also feature a Pottery Village, located on Second Street between Century Hall and the Mockingbird Café. Local pottery artists will display their creative, colorful wares, and visitors can have fun with live pottery demonstrations as well.

Acoustic musicians and other live entertainers will perform on the Shoofly Magazine Community Stage, located on the steps of the Courthouse (see schedule at the end of this story!). There will also be live music at the Mockingbird Café (110 S. Second Street).

On Saturday night, visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy a mini film festival on the courthouse lawn, weather permitting.

Participating local merchants be participating as well. “Our local merchants are supporting the Arts Alive! Festival in every way,” Barney confirmed. “They’re proud of our hometown, our artists, and our community's reputation as a mainstay of the arts in Mississippi.” 
​

The most innovative new feature of the festival, according to Barney and Aryana Ivey, event producer, is the brand-new Makerspace area. Here, many artists and makers will demonstrate their crafts and offer hands-on activities.

In addition, a number of area non-profit organizations are participating to provide art activities for children that incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as part of the art experience. Read more about the Makerspace area in this month’s Arts Alive column.

“There is a lot of excitement from our local non-profits to engage our youth with art, in a way that will help prepare them for high-paying jobs after graduation,” said Aryana Ivey.

Arts Alive! hours are 10am – 5pm on Saturday, March 23, and 11am – 4pm on Sunday, March 24. Admission is free. For the latest updates on the event, or for sponsorship or exhibitor information, visit the Arts, Hancock County website at www.hancockarts.org.

Folk pianist George Winston brings NOLA inspiration to his concert at Hancock PAC on February 25.
- story by Lisa Monti
Click here to purchase tickets online!

​Winston’s rural folk style is unique, but those who attend his Kiln concert will recognize the musical inspiration he draws from New Orleans R&B pianists Henry Butler, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Jon Cleary and his good friend, Allen Toussaint.
​

Winston has recorded 14 piano solo albums and has three awaiting release. His resume includes the solo piano soundtrack for “The Velveteen Rabbit” and the soundtrack for a Peanuts episode. The Kiln also audience can expect to hear some Vince Guaraldi-inspired Charlie Brown and gang pieces as well as Winston’s solo guitar and harmonica talents. He plays exclusively on Steinway pianos, and one is being brought in for the Kiln show.

​Winston, a Montana native, has a Mississippi connection: he attended junior high in Jackson, and he has played at venues in Ocean Springs. “It’s great to get back there to Mississippi,” he said, calling the state “an island all its own. It’s definitely not Tennessee, Louisiana or Alabama.”
 
His upcoming local performance came about as “a happy accident,” according to Catherine Tibbs, HPAC coordinator. When Winston couldn’t get an Ocean Springs venue booked, his agent found the HPAC’s website and got in touch. Winston, Tibbs said, “likes going to new places because he’s played so many different venues.”

​Winston said he’s “heard very good things” about the Hancock County facility which has 842 seats, state of the art equipment and brag-worthy acoustics and lighting. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Hancock High  School Education Foundation. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation of canned food to the concert to benefit the Hancock County Food Pantry.
 
Tibbs said the foundation supports Hancock High’s arts programs. “We have so many talented students in the district and the building was created for those underserved students. The proceeds will provide funding to purchase instruments, fund theatrical master classes to prepare the performers and to get the choir started up again.”
​

​Tibbs is hoping for a good turnout for Winston’s performance  “to show we have and appreciation for his music and we want him to return.”
 
Winston’s Hancock High performance will consist of two one-hour sets though he doesn’t yet have a set list. “I won’t know the song titles until that day or until I do it,” he said of his concert sets. “I have to really want to play the song. Otherwise, “I can’t do it.”

An evening with celebrated solo pianist 
George Winston 
Monday, February 25        7-9 p.m.
Hancock Performing Arts Center
7140 Stennis Airport Drive, Kiln
General admission seating: $25
Tickets available through Eventbrite or the Hancock PAC Facebook Page
For more info, or help buying tickets, call (228) 255 6247