Second Saturday Art Walk, December 2023

December 9, 2023

Over the past 30 years, the Second Saturday Art Walk in Old Town Bay St. Louis has become one of the most popular events in the region. You'll find cool deals, fresh meals and lots of art and live music all day, but the action heats up 4:00-7:00 pm with gallery openings and live music keeping the streets humming with activity.
​

Shoofly file photo by Ellis Anderson

December's Second Saturday is always a magical one with holiday vibes and specials in Old Town BSL businesses. This Second Saturday brings the annual Harbor Boat Lighting, with participating boats decked out in their brightest holiday lights for all to view! ​

​Be sure to check out this month's Hot Spots: Biz-zee Bee Children's Clothing, 111-B Main Street; Good Earth Records, 212 Main Street, Unit D; and Ruth's Roots, 130 Court Street. Read more about these featured businesses below! 
​​
- Story and photos by McKenzey Northington

---

Biz-zee Bee Children's Clothing
111-B Main Street, BSL
Tues-Fri 10 am - 5 pm; Sat 10 am - 4 pm; Sun noon - 4 pm

 
Biz-zee Bee is more than just a shop; it's a hive of activity, fashion, and community spirit. Since its opening in 2005, Biz-zee Bee has buzzed with the laughter and excitement of families. Owned by the effervescent Janelle Graham, this store is a trove of children's fashion and accessories. From stylish clothing for boys and girls to essential items for special occasions like baptisms and dance competitions, Biz-zee Bee ensures your young ones are always in vogue.
 

 
Janelle, a discerning mother of two, curates her collections with a keen eye for quality, style, and affordability. The shop boasts popular brands like Properly Tied and the locally adored Sweet Bay Clothing and Little Tales.
 

 
At Biz-zee Bee, customization is key. Janelle and her team work magic on high-tech sewing machines, offering bespoke embroidery on everything from purses to newborn outfits. This personal touch is a testament to their dedication to customer service, a hallmark that has built a loyal clientele over the years.
 

 
In a nod to its excellence and impact on the community, Biz-zee Bee was honored as the 2023 Business of the Year by the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. This recognition reflects the store's contribution to the local community and its success in delivering an outstanding shopping experience.
 

 
Adding to the convenience for shoppers, Biz-zee Bee also offers complimentary gift wrapping, making it an ideal stop for thoughtful gifts.
 

 
This Second Saturday, Biz-zee Bee turns into a buzzing hotspot with the fun and funky Pop Brothers disco truck setting the mood from 3 to 6 pm. Be sure to join the festivities this Second Saturday at Biz-zee Bee, where fashion, fun, and friendly faces await.
​

---

Good Earth Records
212 Main Street, Unit D, BSL
Tues-Sun 11 am – 6 pm​

​ 
Located at the rear of 212 Main Street, Good Earth Records is a haven for music enthusiasts and collectors. Owned by the passionate duo Douglas Page and Erin Warfield, who relocated from New Orleans, Good Earth Records started during the pandemic in 2020.
 

​ 
What began as a personal record collection quickly transformed into a unique store that now thrives in Bay St. Louis. The owners’ journey, from navigating corporate accounting to embracing a life surrounded by music and creativity, underpins the store’s eclectic and welcoming vibe.
 

 
Good Earth Records isn’t just about selling records; it’s a multifaceted space echoing the owners’ diverse interests. From an impressive array of vintage clothing and jewelry to hand-picked plants and local art, the store is a treasure trove for various tastes. The owners’ commitment to supporting local artists shines through in their carefully curated local music section.
 

 
Expanding their reach into the local community, Good Earth Records has formed a notable partnership with the Bay Saint Louis Little Theater, hosting concerts and shows that bring the community together through music and performance. This collaboration enriches Bay St. Louis’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to enjoy unique and engaging live events.
 

 
Furthermore, owner Douglas Page, aka DJ Doug Funnie, contributes with his DJ services. Specializing in vinyl, DJ Doug Funnie brings a retro flair to events with his expertise in seventies and eighties funk and disco. This blend of retail, community engagement, and personal artistry makes Good Earth Records a standout destination in Bay St. Louis.
 

 
This Second Saturday, the store is set to host a musical treat with Jesse Loya and the House Katz performing live from 5 to 7 pm. Their presence promises to add a vibrant energy to the store’s already eclectic ambiance. Additionally, in celebration of their hot spot status, Good Earth Records is hosting a giveaway, where every purchase made on Second Saturday comes with a chance to win one of their “Good Earth Gift Bags,” each promising to be a delightful mix of the store’s eclectic offerings.
 

 
Good Earth Records has created an oasis for music lovers and collectors, a place where every visit is an opportunity to explore new sounds, styles, and stories. On December 9, Good Earth Records invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of music and art, making your Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis an unforgettable experience. Good Earth Records is more than just a record store; it’s a celebration of culture, art, and community spirit.
​

---

Ruth’s Roots Community Garden
130 Court Street, BSL

 
Ruth’s Roots community garden, located at 130 Court Street, serves as a beacon of community spirit and natural beauty. Known affectionately to Bay St. Louis residents as their “happy place,” Ruth’s Roots is more than just a garden. It’s a vibrant tapestry of local culture and artistry.
 
The entrance, marked by a vivid and eclectic fence handcrafted by volunteers, sets the stage for the magic within. The garden unfolds into a whimsical space filled with local artwork, interactive sculptures, and a diversity of flora and fauna. Highlights include a butterfly house, a fish pond, playful bunnies, the blessing box, and an array of free little libraries.
 

 
But the charm of Ruth’s Roots goes beyond its visual appeal. Founded in 2016 by Elise Deano, a then youth court judge in Hancock County, the garden was initially envisioned as a rehabilitative space for young people in the juvenile court system. Deano’s ambition was to offer these youths a chance to learn, grow, and contribute positively to their community. The success of her vision was evident, with over 30 teens completing their service hours at the garden.
 

 
Despite the conclusion of the court gardening program in 2017, Ruth’s Roots has continued to thrive. It’s a place where every day offers a new discovery, from families engaging with outdoor musical instruments to couples picnicking under the shade of the mighty oak tree. The garden’s ability to cater to all ages and interests, combined with its commitment to being a welcoming, free space for the community, sets it apart.
 

 
Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Ruth’s Roots relies entirely on private donations and grants. "The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive," shares Elise. "People contribute in so many ways - time, food, plants, books. It’s pure magic."
 

 
This Second Saturday on December 9, Ruth’s Roots extends an invitation to experience this enchanting community haven and to partake in an outdoor game day extravaganza in celebration of their Hotspot status. From 1 to 5 pm, attendees can enjoy classic games like cornhole, horseshoes, Jenga, croquet and more, making it the perfect family-friendly hotspot.

---

Enjoy this feature?