Be a Tourist in Your Own Community - Part IV
Hancock County
It’s home to the cities of Bay St. Louis (the county seat), Diamondhead and Waveland, as well as the communities of Kiln, Pearlington, Clermont Harbor, Lakeshore and Napoleon.
Stennis Space Center
Establishment of SSC began in 1961 when NASA needed a place to test the Apollo rocket engines that were used in the race to the moon. More than 700 families were relocated in order to give the facility an enormous 125,000 acre acoustical buffer. Fabled rocket scientist Wernher von Braun often quipped "I don't know yet what method we will use to get to the Moon, but I do know that we have to go through Mississippi to get there!"
Today, Stennis Space Center is testing the RS-26 rocket engines that will help power manned missions to Mars and beyond.
INFINITY Science Center
On the grounds of INFINITY the 1,400 feet of Biome Boardwalk; this manmade boardwalk leads through the Stennis acoustic buffer zone. According to the INFINITY website:
Guests can now meander their way along our 1,400 feet of Biome Boardwalk to explore four diverse habitats found in this region - Bayhead Swamps, Lowland Pines, Pitcher Plant bogs and an Upland Savannah. Interpretive signage educates visitors on the flora and fauna found in and around the boardwalk, including otters, Great Blue Herons, a variety of snakes, carnivorous plants, and even alligators! Two observation decks offer ideal wildlife viewing opportunities, or simply a place to relax and take in nature.
Visitors can also catch the Tram Tours (6-mile) along the Possum Walk Trail. The Possum Walk Trail (part of the 100-mile Heritage Trail) is a trail that marks the history of the predominately African-American Possum Walk community and other towns that existed in the area before the establishment of SSC.
For more information, go to the INFINITY website.
The Hancock County Fair
The Hancock County Fair puts a spin on the food offerings by showcasing local restaurants, who serve up favorite dishes. Traditional fair food – funnel cakes, candy apples, and cotton candy – will be available too.
Games on the fair midway let folks test their skills and strength, while amusement rides promise to thrill both kids and adults – if they dare. Livestock exhibits give city folk a chance to gander at cows, pigs and exotic chickens, while an authentic rodeo keeps excitement high.
Live music this year by headliners Joe Diffie and John Anderson, includes a sizzling line-up with Category 6, Trent Ladner and Ross Grisham.
For more information on this event go to the fair website.
How many of these activities have you experienced in your community?