Posted on Fri, May. 09, 2008

-- Another week, another set of choices. To ease the decision-making process, here's a quick peek at a few things going on around the Coast. All right? All right.

Mayfest 2008

Mayfest 2008, an event hosted by several Ocean Springs businesses, runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday on Government Street in that scenic city by the sound. The fest features food, arts and crafts and music. Musicians and bands scheduled to play include Elley Duhe, May James Band, New Orleans-based Sticky Wig, Fort Walton-based Mosley Brown, Swamp Noise, BPM and Vibe Irie (both from Pensacola), The Dig and Fort Bayou Slim. Also, there's an after-party at 10 p.m. at Mosaic, featuring more live music.

Bluff Creek Bluegrass Festival

The 3rd annual Bluff Creek Bluegrass Festival, which kicked off Thursday, continues today and Saturday at the Mallette Multi-Purpose Arena (formerly the Vancleave Multi-Purpose Arena) on Ballpark Road in Vancleave. Featured artists this year include The Larry Wallace Band, Jason Boone Band, Harold & Ovaline Andrews, The Muleskinners and Red Roots, Railroad Creek, The New River Boys, Highway 63, Whistle-stop, and Vancleave-based Bluff Creek. The event also features crafts, and concessions. Admission is $10, and the fest runs from 12:45-10 p.m. both days. And, for comfort's sake, you may want to bring your lawn chair.

4th annual Seabee Day

Saturday also marks the 4th annual Seabee Day. Hosted by the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, the family-fun event is open to the public and features military displays and demonstrations, food, a softball tournament, a truck and car show, a military squad competition, music, games and a rock climbing wall. The event runs from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and admission and parking are free.

Mother's Day/Bike Month Bridge Ride

May is National Bike Month, and to commemorate the occasion, and to promote family-fun and a healthy lifestyle, the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club will be leading a Mother's Day/Bike Month Bridge Ride over the Biloxi/Ocean Springs Bridge on Saturday. Cyclists of all fitness levels, from kids to racers, are invited to join in by riding the dedicated bike lane on the Biloxi/Ocean Springs Bridge. The meeting time is 9:30 a.m. at Point Cadet Plaza.

"Our ride will be escorted across (U.S.) 90 to the base of the bridge by the Biloxi Police Department. We'll continue across the bridge to Ocean Springs. 'Little riders' will then turn around and return to Point Cadet Plaza. This ride will be approximately 3½ miles. Riders feeling up to a bigger challenge will continue up Front Beach, through the streets of Ocean Springs, through the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park and then return to Point Cadet Plaza," Gulf Coast Bicycle Club President Doug Heller explained via e-mail. "Upon return to Point Cadet join your moms for Mother's Day weekend hot dogs and hamburgers grilled for you by the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club. There will be a $1 donation per rider collected and helmets must be worn. Specially priced helmets provided by The Bicycle Source may be available at the event. Bring the family and join the fun!" Indeed, it does sound both healthy and fun.

Cajun Country Spring Fest

The first-ever Cajun Country Spring Fest, a benefit for Hope Haven, takes place today and Saturday at the Hancock County Arena on Kiln-Delisle Road. Featuring, according to organizers, music, food, fun and cold beer, the Broke Spoke Cookin' Team will also be boiling up crawfish. Gates open 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. Saturday. According to organizers, today's music includes Arron Foret, and Ryan Foret & The Foret Tradition Band with special guests T.K. Hulin and Steve Adams. And on Saturday, there's music by Next Generation, Easy Street, Gary T., Jr. & Sumtin Sneaky, and Cheap Shots featuring Damon Troy. Admission is $10 per day, or $15 for a weekend pass. Campsites are available, but organizers are asking folks to leave their coolers at home.

Liquid Blue at the Island View

San Diego-based band Liquid Blue, according to its Web site, boasts a sound that's "an exotic fusion of western pop melodies with ancient and modern eastern elements. The media has classified the music as 'electronic,' 'dance pop' and 'world pop.' Music to move your body and mind."

And, the seven-member act (including the Blue Girls trio), who together have reportedly performed in more than 100 countries on six continents, take the stage at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. today and Saturday at the Island View's View Bar. Admission is free.

South Mississippi Pro Rodeo

The 4th annual South Mississippi Pro Rodeo, an event sponsored by Budweiser and Champion Dodge, takes place 8 p.m. today and Saturday at the Harrison County Fairgrounds (15321 County Farm Rd.). Featuring bull riding, rodeo clowns and more, the event is hosted by the Klein Brother Rodeo Company, which according to organizers provides "a clean family event." Also, tonight is Military Appreciation Night. Members of the military receive a discount by showing their military I.D. at the gate. Tickets are $10 at the gate and $8 in advance, and kids 5 and younger enter free of charge (advance tickets available at Rodeo's Boot Outlet and Fazzio's Home & Farm Center).

Pete Tattersall can be reached at ptattersall@sunherald.com.