The annual Biloxi Fireman’s Day Parade, a tradition that dates back more than 130 years, rolls through downtown Biloxi on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The parade, which is expected to feature nearly two dozen firefighting vehicles from fire departments across the Coast, will begin at 10 a.m. at the foot of Lameuse Street. It will proceed north on Lameuse, westward on MLK Boulevard to Howard Avenue and end at the West End Hose Co. No. 3, where an open house will be held, with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks.
The tradition – the first recorded Fireman’s Day parade rolled in 1886 – was originally set for Sept. 19 by local fire stations, with firefighters competing in various drills and providing public entertainment. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney has worked to keep he tradition alive through the years.
“I felt it was important to continue the history and legacy of the department,” Boney said. “I was influenced in part by how intertwined the parade and the community were. I want to preserve the past and get firefighters involved again, as much as they had been in the past.”
Those interested in participating in this year’s parade should contact the fire chief’s office at 228-435-6200 or jboney@biloxi.ms.us.
See Fireman’s Day parades through the years
See the parade route
News and notes
Hula hoop for the heart:The Parks & Recreation Department will hold Hoops for Hearts, a fundraiser benefiting the American Heart Association, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Point Cadet Pavilion. The hula hoop-themed event is open to the public and includes a dance party with Nola Hoop Girl. To see the flyer, click here.
Festival Against Crime: The Biloxi Police Department hosts its annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Point Cadet Plaza, 121 Cadet St. The free event will include safety tips, demonstrations, and a chance for the public to meet the city’s police officers and firefighters. To see the flyer, click here.
