Biloxi celebrates with parades, on land and on sea, and this weekend ushers in a new parade, the Woolmarket Christmas parade, which rolls Saturday beginning at 2:30 p.m.
“This is something that I’ve advocated for some time,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Nathan Barrett, one of the parade organizers. “I want to start something that is open to the community, to create unity and for everyone to enjoy.”
The parade will feature about a dozen units, including four large floats, antique cars, the Biloxi Tour Train, a Biloxi fire truck, and a handful of walking units and horses.
“This is our first event, so it is a little small but we hope for a good turnout,” said organizer Eva Black said. “We plan for this parade to get bigger each year.”
The parade will line up on Shorecrest Road south of the bridge at Eagle Point, travel north on Shorecrest, east on Lorraine Road, north on John Lee Road, and end at Woolmarket Elementary School on John Lee Road.
Once at the school, paradegoers will decorate the Christmas tree in the gymnasium, where hot chocolate and cookies will be served while Jolly O’ Saint Nick visits with children.
The parade is organized by Barrett, who is enjoying his first term on the Biloxi City Council, Eva Black and Jammie Hageman, and it’s sponsored in part by the City of Biloxi.
Added Barrett: “This is only the first of many things to come in this community.”
Elsewhere this weekend: The second annual Gulf Coast Marathon, spanning from Henderson Point in Pass Christian to MGM Park in Biloxi, takes place Sunday, along with a half marathon and the 5K and Kids Marathon on Saturday. The annual Excel By 5 “Come Learn with Santa” gathering takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lopez School. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum hosts its annual Christmas Open House and unveils its Heritage Hall of Fame exhibit Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beauvoir hosts Christmastime at Beauvoir this weekend. And at the casino resorts, the Hard Rock hosts the Rat Pack Christmas Show and an Elvis Christmas show by Brandon Bennett, the Brian Setzer Orchestra is at the Beau Rivage, and Joe Bonamassa performs at the IP.
See the parade flyer
See more about the Gulf Coast Marathon
See the Come Learn with Santa flyer
See the Christmas Open House flyer
See the Community Calendar
And, oh yeah, lest we forget: It’s cold outside
A hard-freeze warning has been issued for Biloxi and the surrounding area from 6 p.m. today until 10 a.m. Saturday. Those who must travel the roadways this weekend are advised to be leery of possibly iced-over bridges and should drive below the posted speed limit.
Also, protect the four Ps: people, plants, pets and pipes
See the current conditions and extended forecast
Video: See wintertime home safety tops from Fire Chief Joe Boney
News and notes: Council meeting, Holiday happenings
City Council: The next meeting of the Biloxi City Council is Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. To see the meeting agenda and supporting documents, click here.
Christmastime in Biloxi: Want to know about some of the upcoming holiday events in Biloxi such as the Holiday Open House at the Biloxi Visitors Center or the Oyster Ball Drop at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, well all you have to do is click here.
