Two holiday milestones take place this weekend – the Roy Meyers Christmas City gift show at the Coast Coliseum and the arrival of Santa Claus at Edgewater Mall – and Biloxi Police are asking shoppers to remember to take steps to be safe.
The 33rd annual Ron Meyers Christmas City Gift Show, touted as one of the largest gift shows in the South, returns to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum for three days, beginning on Friday. The holiday extravaganza features more than 300 vendors selling home décor, jewelry and accessories, scrapbook supplies, handmade heirlooms, fashions for children and adults, framed art, fragrances, and more.
The event has expanded this year from two to three days and takes place Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the adults only Shoppers Paradise from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 for single day pass, $15 for Shoppers Paradise and free for children age 15 and younger.
And Santa Claus will arrive Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Edgewater Mall, kicking off a visit that will run daily through Nov. 24. Santa will be on a stage near the entrance to Dillard’s, and on Nov. 18 and 19 he will be joined by a trio of actual reindeer.
But as you get caught up in the holiday shopping spirit, Biloxi Police Chief John Miller is asking holiday shoppers to remember the tips for safe shopping.
“Always be observant of your surroundings,” Miller said. “If something doesn’t look right or feel right, please don’t be afraid to call the police.”
While you’re out shopping, keep these things in mind
– Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
– Dress casually and comfortably.
– Avoid wearing loose-fitting, expensive jewelry.
– Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
– Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
– Pay for purchases with a check or credit card and avoid carrying large amounts of cash when possible.
– Keep cash in your front pocket.
– Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
– Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
– Membership in a credit card monitoring service is strongly recommended especially during the holiday season.
– Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded areas.
– Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion.
– Do not make multiple trips to load your vehicle with multiple packages. This could draw the attention of criminals.
– During the holiday season “con-artists” are working overtime and may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
Remember Veterans and salute their service
The 17th annual Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade along with the Red, White & Blue on the Green festival takes place on Saturday in downtown. The parade of 1,900 marchers rolls through downtown at 11 a.m., and the Town Green festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elsewhere, Dennis DeYoung presents “The Music of Styx” will be at the Hard Rock, and The Temptations & Four Tops and the Straight NO Chaser, the Speakeasy Tour will both be at the IP.
See a list of safety tips
City Desk: Listen to Chief Miller talk more about shopping safety
See the Community Calendar
See a complete weekend lineup
News and notes: City council, Veterans Day observed
City council: The next scheduled meeting of the Biloxi City Council is Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m. followed by a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance governing special events. Both meetings take place at Biloxi City Hall. To see the agendas and supporting documents for both meetings, click here.
Holiday closings: Non-emergency municipal offices in Biloxi will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day.
