Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
SUMMER SPLASH
GULFPORT -- As uncomfortable as this summer’s hot and dry conditions may be in South Mississippi, it’s ideal water-park weather, said Mark Moore, manager of Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport.
On a good, hot day as many as 1,500 people splash in the pools and ride the slides at the park just off Interstate 10 in Gulfport.
Moore is anticipating a busy Independence Day weekend. “You’re never going to compete with free fireworks,” he said, or family barbecues. But he can offer families a fun way to beat the heat.
AMANDA McCOY/SUN HERALD A woman relaxes Monday while floating down the Lazy Pearl River, one of the many water attractions at Gulf Islands Waterpark. The park has been a popular destination with high temperatures scorching the Coast.
“The kids love it,” said Terri Ardeneaux of Pearl River. Her group of four women and several girls was first in line at the park Tuesday to claim the best covered tables. “We come every year,” she said.
Last year the Gulf oil spill boosted local attendance at the water park. This year the hot weather has kept admission about the same, but the difference is the tourists are back, Moore said.
Tam Smith and her family drove over from New Orleans on Tuesday for her son Kyle’s seventh birthday. Other water parks in the region are too big for younger children, she said. “We’re probably going to buy season passes on the way out.”
A six-lane racing slide, the first new water slide for Gulf Islands since the park opened in 2005, should be ready in a few weeks. “There’s a lot of excitement surrounding it,” Moore said. The construction area, separate from the other operations, still provides a view of what is ahead.
Six years after Hurricane Katrina demolished Buccaneer State Park’s water park and wave pool in Hancock County and water slides on beach in Harrison County, Barnacle Bill’s water park and mini-golf course opened this summer at Coast Inn on U.S. 90 in Waveland. Along with two 25-foot water slides, Barnacle Bill’s has a lazy river, a pirate ship, water cannons and kiddie pool.
“The busiest time is 4 to 8 p.m.,” said general manager Deb Ruhr, when a twilight pass is only $10. It’s been a challenge to let people know the water park isn’t only for hotel guests but also is open to the public, she said. “We’re hoping to be packed this weekend.”
Susan Temples of Bogalusa, La., brought her family to Coast Inn for a mini-vacation. The four kids could safely play in the water park, she said, and the beach is only a mile away.
A proposal for another new water park, this one at Breakers Inn on Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, will be outlined today to the city’s Development Review Committee.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Biloxi Fais Do Do & Blessing of the Fleet - Mississippi Gulf Coast Updates - June 4, 2011
Susan LaBrecque visits the Biloxi Fais Do Do on Town Green for delicious seafood, entertainment and the crowning of the shrimp king and queen. It's all part of the 82nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet. The party continues Sunday with a ceremonial dropping of the wreath at 2pm, followed by the colorful and fun boat parade. It's another Coast tradition you have to experience for yourself! If you don't make it this year, put it on your calendar for 2012! And, make plans to attend all of our wonderful events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Start now at www.visitmscoast.org. Wish you were here!
For more information about the exciting festivals we have on the MS Gulf Coast go to www.visitmscoast.org or www.visitmscoast.xanga.com
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Bay Bridge Fest - Mississippi Gulf Coast Updates - May 21, 2011
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Susan LaBrecque knows where to find all of the best festivals and events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She reports from the Bay Bridge Fest in Old Town Bay St. Louis to tell you all about it. This annual event celebrates the local culture and businesses through amazing art, delicious food and three stages of entertainment. Also taking place this weekend is Smokin' the Lake drag boat racing on Gulfport Lake. There's always something happening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Discover it all at www.visitmscoast.org. Wish you were here!
For more information go to www.visitmscoast.org or www.visitmscoast.xanga.com.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Susan LaBrecque knows where to find all of the best festivals and events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She reports from the Bay Bridge Fest in Old Town Bay St. Louis to tell you all about it. This annual event celebrates the local culture and businesses through amazing art, delicious food and three stages of entertainment. Also taking place this weekend is Smokin' the Lake drag boat racing on Gulfport Lake. There's always something happening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Discover it all at www.visitmscoast.org. Wish you were here!
For more information go to www.visitmscoast.org or www.visitmscoast.xanga.com.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Hancock County tourism looking optimistic
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -
It's one of the most important industries in the State: tourism has a $5.5 billion economic impact in Mississippi according to state tourism leaders.
In recent years, the industry on the Coast has taken a hit from Katrina, then the down turn in the national economy and most recently the BP oil spill.
Leaders in Hancock County tell us why they have reason for optimism for a good summer tourism season.
Some well known local faces from the world of politics traded their days jobs Wednesday afternoon to become tourism ambassadors like: Democratic Senator David Baria of Bay St. Louis and Representative Dirk Dedeaux, (D) District 93 Hancock County
"We want to entice you to go down and hit the Gulf Coast," Baria said. "It's beautiful down there."
"We're here today to promote tourist attractions in our local community ranging from Stennis Space Center to the Gulf Of Mexico and everywhere in between," Dedeaux said.
As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Hancock County I-10 Welcome Center rolled out the red carpet for visitors to the state who made a stop here.
Welcome Center Manager Bobbie Tate said, "National Travel and Tourism week is a week where we let our tourist know how much we appreciate them visiting our area, and we just show them a little extra special hospitality while they are here."
Tourism leaders say last year's summer season suffered greatly by the BP oil spill, the national economy and post Katrina infrastructure work in Hancock County.
"We are much improved over how we were, how we looked, the quality of our product before Katrina, so we are wide-open ready for visitors to come," Hancock County Tourism Director Beth Carriere said.
Tourism leaders said the increasing numbers give them reason for optimism. In the first five months of last year, 101,000 tourists visited the Hancock County Welcome Center. In the same time frame this year, 107,000 tourists passed through.
"We've seen approximately 2,000 more tourists per month as opposed to last year. So I think more and more people are traveling this year," Tate said.
Carriere said what Hancock County has to offer tourists continues to grow, too.
"Barnacle Bill's is a new attraction that's being added to our area and should open in a week or two," Carriere said. "We're very excited about that! So between fishing, crabbing, playing in the sand, going in the water, going to Stennis, enjoying the restaurants and the shops and the whole historic aspect of this area, there's not much more than a little family could ask for."
Tourism leaders are hoping to capitalize on the current gas crisis. They are hoping residents from neighboring Louisiana will opt for shorter distance vacations and choose Hancock County for their summer fun.
http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=14629573
It's one of the most important industries in the State: tourism has a $5.5 billion economic impact in Mississippi according to state tourism leaders.
In recent years, the industry on the Coast has taken a hit from Katrina, then the down turn in the national economy and most recently the BP oil spill.
Leaders in Hancock County tell us why they have reason for optimism for a good summer tourism season.
Some well known local faces from the world of politics traded their days jobs Wednesday afternoon to become tourism ambassadors like: Democratic Senator David Baria of Bay St. Louis and Representative Dirk Dedeaux, (D) District 93 Hancock County
"We want to entice you to go down and hit the Gulf Coast," Baria said. "It's beautiful down there."
"We're here today to promote tourist attractions in our local community ranging from Stennis Space Center to the Gulf Of Mexico and everywhere in between," Dedeaux said.
As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Hancock County I-10 Welcome Center rolled out the red carpet for visitors to the state who made a stop here.
Welcome Center Manager Bobbie Tate said, "National Travel and Tourism week is a week where we let our tourist know how much we appreciate them visiting our area, and we just show them a little extra special hospitality while they are here."
Tourism leaders say last year's summer season suffered greatly by the BP oil spill, the national economy and post Katrina infrastructure work in Hancock County.
"We are much improved over how we were, how we looked, the quality of our product before Katrina, so we are wide-open ready for visitors to come," Hancock County Tourism Director Beth Carriere said.
Tourism leaders said the increasing numbers give them reason for optimism. In the first five months of last year, 101,000 tourists visited the Hancock County Welcome Center. In the same time frame this year, 107,000 tourists passed through.
"We've seen approximately 2,000 more tourists per month as opposed to last year. So I think more and more people are traveling this year," Tate said.
Carriere said what Hancock County has to offer tourists continues to grow, too.
"Barnacle Bill's is a new attraction that's being added to our area and should open in a week or two," Carriere said. "We're very excited about that! So between fishing, crabbing, playing in the sand, going in the water, going to Stennis, enjoying the restaurants and the shops and the whole historic aspect of this area, there's not much more than a little family could ask for."
Tourism leaders are hoping to capitalize on the current gas crisis. They are hoping residents from neighboring Louisiana will opt for shorter distance vacations and choose Hancock County for their summer fun.
http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=14629573
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