Talk about a jam-packed weekend: There’s the Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival up the beach, high-speed boat races up and down the beach, there’s an outdoor movie on the Town Green, the Biloxi 5K and 1-Mile Trek downtown, and the Great American Cleanup taking place throughout the city.
Also in town this weekend are comedian Bill Engvall, singer-songwriters B.J. Thomas and Gary Puckett, and the British rock group The Cult.
This evening from 6 to 9, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts a free junior prom for those with special needs, with a king and queen chosen by drawing. You’ll also find carnival eats and treats in the affair, which takes place at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center on Pass Road.
See the online entertainment listings
Downtown to turn into a sea of red Saturday morning
“We’re just so excited about what we’re going to see in downtown Biloxi Saturday morning,” Biloxi Public Schools chief Arthur McMillan says of the inaugural Biloxi 5K Run and 1-mile trek. “We’re going to be seeing a sea of red, and it’s not too late for people to get involved.”
Already more than 750 participants have signed up for the event, which is part of Biloxi Public Schools Month. Those who have not registered can do so Saturday morning at 8 in front of City Hall, where the race will begin. Parking is available behind City Hall or in nearby public parking lots.
“We’ve seen a good mix of involvement from students, parents and staff, and the community in general,” says McMillan, superintendent of Biloxi Public Schools. “We’re going to have the pep band there tomorrow morning to help generate some pre-race excitement.
“The big things we’re telling people right now is to wear red, come down and register if you haven’t done so already, be there at 8 a.m., and plan on having a great time.”
 Get a registration form to fill out now
Development: Yet another active week
In this week’s report, the Community Development director touts work on the downtown baseball stadium, expansion at the Golden Nugget Casino Resort and the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Plus, there’s news of a new Smoothie King and a new ice cream parlor.
See an archive of the weekly Development Reports
Lovelace named volunteer of the year
Shirley Lovelace, a retired special needs teacher who has been a Special Olympics volunteer for more than 20 years, has been named the City of Biloxi’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year.
Lovelace, described as a “behind-the-scenes worker” who has volunteered  hundreds of hours, topped a list of dozens of individuals, civic groups and non-profits recognized in the city’s annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony on Tuesday at the Biloxi City Civic.
Other award winners:
Community volunteer:Â Katherine Doyle
Youth volunteer:Â Katie Miller
Health volunteer:Â Biloxi Regional Medical Center Auxiliary
Arts and history volunteer:Â Bill Collins
Sports volunteer:Â Lauren Koops
Education volunteer:Â Amy Pullin
Adult group volunteer:Â Biloxi Lions Club
Youth volunteer group:Â Biloxi High School Campus Security Council
City of Biloxi employee volunteer:Â Roy Matthews
Non-profit organization:Â Coastal Women for Change
Military volunteer:Â Senior Airman Sharla Starks
Military group volunteer:Â Fishbowl Student Ministry Center, White Rope Program
Senior Citizens volunteer:Â Ethel Curry
See photo album from city’s Facebook page
Read background on all the winners
Fire Academy for Kids opens registrationÂ
The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications from youngsters for its hugely popular Fire Academy for Kids.
The program is a free, five-day participatory program for children ages 7 to 12 and is conducted at the at Fire Station No. 1, at 170 Porter Ave., and at the West End Hose Company No. 3 Fire Museum, at 1046 Howard Ave.
The academy will be conducted from June 9-13, with an advanced academy from June 16-20.
The sessions allow campers to learn life-safety skills in fire safety and first aid through classroom activities, hands-on training and homework. They are also introduced up close and personal to firefighters, the equipment they use and the jobs they perform. Each day snacks and a beverage will be provided to the children.
See registration forms
News and notes
Got drugs? The Biloxi Police Department is again taking part in the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Those with unused or unwanted prescription drugs can drop them off in the lobby of the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To see a flier, click here.
I-110 reminder: The section of I-110 south of Division Street will be closed to all traffic Sunday morning between 7 and 10 while Mississippi Power Co. crews adjust power poles and lines as part of the work related to construction of MGM Park at Beau Rivage. To learn about street improvements and infrastructure work t4hroughout the city, and to see a connection to MDOT traffic cameras throughout the city and state, click here.
Fireworks: The Biloxi Planning Commission, during its meeting next week, will hear public input on a ordinance that would each year permit the sale of fireworks for three weeks before and three days after Christmas, New Year’s and the Fourth of July. The shooting of fireworks, incidentally, would continue to be prohibited in the city. To see the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting, click here.
Flood insurance: Do you have flood insurance? Now is the time to take action, with hurricane season around the corner. To see a postcard about the importance of flood insurance — it was sent to all Biloxi residents this week — click here.
Webcast: Chief Adminstrative Officer David Nichols discusses the issues du jour in this week’s City Desk webcast. To listen to the 10-minute program, click here.
