A Souper Second Saturday - March 14th
by Lisa Monti
This Month - Souper Mudfest takes the town by storm in one of the most popular events of the year, with Hot Spots Biz-zee Bee and Alternate Reality Artist Gallery!
This Month - Souper Mudfest takes the town by storm in one of the most popular events of the year, with Hot Spots Biz-zee Bee and Alternate Reality Artist Gallery!
| The March Second Saturday is always one of the most popular of the year. Local potters and Old Town merchants team up annually for the extremely popular event, Souper Mudfest. Starting at 4pm, participants purchase a hand-crafted bowl created by local potters. Bowls are $20 each and are sold from a booth on the city green at Main and Second Streets. Bowl buyers are provided with a list of local merchants where they’ll be able to sample gourmet soups throughout the evening - for free!  The bowls sell out very quickly, so it's advisable to go EARLY (sales officially begin at 4pm). Proceeds go to benefit the Hancock County Food Pantry, Hancock County Tourism and the Old Town Merchants Association. Old Town shops will be also ready to welcome the coming of spring with seasonal fashions, one-of-a-kind artistic creations and unique antique finds along with loads of gift items, home decor and keepsakes that the local merchants are known for. As part of the Second Saturday experience, Old Town’s restaurants will be serving up their fresh seafood along with other popular treats. And the sounds of live music will liven things up as the crowds go from shop to shop looking for special sales and seasonal merchandise. As always, two designated "Hot Spot" businesses are spotlighted. Meet the March Hot Spots and make sure to stop in on Second Saturday for live music, refreshments and shop specials! Biz-Zee Bee 111B Main Street Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 228.467.1104  Biz-Zee Bee, which sells stylishly classic clothing for children, has been open at 111B Main St. for almost a year. Owner Janelle Graham moved to Old Town last May from Highway 90 and immediately saw an increase in foot traffic at her shop. “We have more customers, more tourists now,” Janelle said. “Being down here has made all the difference.” The shop is celebrating its 10th year in business this year. “The time went by so quickly. My two kids have grown up in Biz-Zee Bee,” she said. As a mom, Janelle knows the importance of stylish, high quality children’s clothing and accessories offered at a good price. Her customers can see for themselves how well-made the clothing is, and that quality has turned many of them into return customers who help spread the word about Bizzee Bee. The shop is filling up with spring and summer merchandise that it’s known for. “We tend to carry more traditional smocked outfits and clothing with nautical themes: mermaids, sailboats and crabs,” Janelle said. Little boys' items include long-sleeved fishing shirts, shorts, and hats just like their dads wear. “We’re near the new harbor and we thought those things would be popular,” she said. Besides the nautical-themed clothing, the shop sells toys, dance outfits, and shoes. Biz-Zee Bee also offers a special touch to personalize clothing and accessories. Janelle and her aunt Janelle Hilliard use high-tech sewing machines to embroider names and initials on merchandise purchased at Biz-Zee Bee and elsewhere. Alternate Reality Artist Gallery 441 Main St. Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 228.343.1480  Another Hot Spot in March is Alternate Reality Artist Gallery at 441 Main St., which features artists from all walks of life. Combining all of their works under one roof, owner Nicholas Carter says, creates an eclectic and cohesive collection. “We are known as an Artist Gallery because the artist is our focus; the fingers holding the paintbrush, the eye behind the lens, the hands working the clay and the minds and hearts in which creativity is born,” Nicholas said. “All producing an array of art, which is truly a parallel universe of perspective, our own Alternate Reality…" The gallery has been open for two years in the distinctive building that houses the offices of unabridged Architecture, and now Nicholas is expanding with a new concept. He is joining forces with Kerrie Loya of 100 Men Hall to add Essential Elements to the gallery. It’s a concept boutique “with a highly curated collection of the best of the best items and products designed to help you achieve your personal wellness goals,” said Nicholas. There will be art, jewelry, clothing, organic yoga mats, body and hair products, literature and gifts. Everything is organic and available in limited quantities. Fitness guru Kerrie will offer personalized yoga sessions as part of the boutique experience. On Second Saturday Nicholas and Kerrie will kick off the Fabulosity Pop-up Boutique sale, which was such a great success last year. The pop-up tag sale will feature high-end fashions, accessories and more at low-end prices. Shop for shoes, skirts, dresses, coats, jeans, purses and more from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Christian Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabbana other top-tier fashion brands. At the Mockingbird! | Second Saturday |
