News - Local

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

‘Walking’ commercials to feature Mississippi’s first lady, Ocean Springs

OCEAN SPRINGS — Don some sweats and sneakers and come walk with the state’s first lady. Marsha Barbour will be in Ocean Springs on Tuesday filming several scenes for a commercial promoting “Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi,” a campaign by Blue Cross Blue Shield encouraging families to get moving to get healthy. Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate in the filming, said Pam Cleveland, a spokeswoman for Communications Arts, the commercial’s producer. Walkers are needed for different scenes to be taped throughout the day, Cleveland said. To volunteer, call 601-953-2397 any time. Those who leave a name and phone number will be contacted with details about the schedule, she said. While producers prefer that walkers call first, they can also “just show up” at shooting locations, she said. A tentative schedule includes filming on the Jackson County side of the Biloxi Bay Bridge at 7:30 a.m., the Ocean Springs Marina at 10:30 a.m., downtown Ocean Springs at 1:30 and back on the bridge at 5 p.m. Barbour will be filming downtown at 3:30 p.m. and on the bridge in the afternoon. Mayor Connie Moran will miss walking with the first lady because of prior out-of-town commitments. She said she applauds Barbour’s campaign that promotes walking. “We’re delighted that Ocean Springs will be showcased in the commercial,” she said. “The walkway on the bridge has been a success and has inspired many people to get out and walk on a regular basis.” Moran said the city is building a walkway on the beach that will connect the bridge to the harbor. That project will be completed by April, she said. In the spring, the city is also building a sidewalk along Porter Avenue connecting the downtown area to the Biloxi Bay Bridge.