The city’s annual tours of the old Biloxi Cemetery begin Sunday, but you can get a preview Thursday evening at the Biloxi Visitors Center.
“Greetings from Biloxi” is the theme this year, with a nod to the early days of the city’s tourism industry. Visitors will hear from a lineup of period-garbed re-enactors portraying a host of notable Biloxians toiling in the infancy of the industry.
Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center you can get behind-the-scenes background on this year’s tour from the Biloxi Public Library Local History and Genealogy Department, which will offer its own unique period re-enactment.
“At this sneak peek, the Local History staff will share surprising research findings and samples of messages from the past,” local historian Jane Shambra said. “A few of this year’s featured characters will arrive to tell their stories and a special guest, Grandma Polly, will visit and reminisce through her attic treasures of Biloxi souvenirs from years ago as she waits for Aunt Josephine to arrive.”
The preview also will feature a number of exhibits, scrapbooks and a few of the actors: Edmond Boudreaux will portray Jean C. Delauney, who maintained many tourist cottages including the Creole Cottage. Clayton Pennylegion will portray longtime Biloxi chamber executive and a man known as “Mr. Biloxi,” Anthony Ragusin, and Kelly Norris Olin will portray Cora White, who brought fame to the White House Hotel.
The 11th annual Cemetery Tours, which are free self-guided, continuous tours through Biloxi’s beachfront cemetery, take place Sunday, Oct. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. The tours feature more than a dozen re-enactors presenting at several locations in the cemetery. The Biloxi city cemetery is at 1166 Irish Hill Drive. Those attending can park at the Biloxi Elks Lodge, which is immediately to the west of the cemetery.
See the cemetery tour flyer
Gallery: Photos from last year’s preview at City Hall
Gallery: Photos from 2016 tour, highlighting mayors
News and notes
Indian Nation homecoming parade: The Biloxi Public Schools homecoming parade rolls through downtown Biloxi Thursday at 5 p.m. The parade, consisting of 20 units, will head south on Caillavet Street, east on Howard Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, south on Lameuse Street and end at the Biloxi Town Green, where a prep rally will take place. To see a map of the route, click here.
Senior Halloween luncheon: On Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., adults age 55 and older are invited to attend “CarnEvil”, a free Halloween-themed luncheon with a host of activities. The event, organized by Harrison County, the City of Biloxi and Boyington Health and Rehab, will include health care vendors, music, games, door prizes, a photo booth, a costume contest and lunch. To see the flyer, click here.
Senior prom tickets: Tickets for the 11th annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Senior Prom, set for Thursday, Nov. 9 at the IP Casino, are on sale at various times and locations along the Gulf Coast. To see more information, click here.
