Festivals, parades honor veterans and local artists
Cooler temperatures may be eluding South Mississippi so far this season, but the Coast's residents are still heading outside to enjoy the weather during this week's festivals and parades.
Kicking off several Saturday events is the Long Beach Farmers Market Radish Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the First United Methodist Church. During the festival, Long Beach will observe its former position as radish capital of the world by offering cooking demonstrations, free tastings, local food and information on gardening, flower arranging and native plants. Details: 234-8732.
For its 37th year, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival begins this week to celebrate, art, artists and local crafts. Opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the festival will feature exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on marine education by the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, music, food and so much more. Details: 875-4424.
Though Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11, both Gulfport and Long Beach will be honoring veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces a little early this year:
n The 15th annual Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at 19th Street on U.S. 49 and travels to Jones Park, Gulfport. The parade will feature active and retired military marchers, floats, JROTC units, high school bands and antique military vehicles. Adj. Gen. Augustus "Leon" Collins of the Mississippi National Guard will serve as the grand marshal. Details: 669-4997.
n The Red, White and Blue Festival will follow the Gulf Coast Veterans Parade until 4 p.m. Saturday at Jones Park, Gulfport. Bring the family out to enjoy live music, static military displays, arts and crafts, food and vendors. Details: 868-3414.
n The fifth annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade and Concert begins at 1 p.m. Sunday on Jeff Davis Avenue, Long Beach. Active and retired military members will join local churches and service groups in marching to acknowledge veterans' service to the country. Following the parade, local bands, choirs and soloists will perform during the concert on the Harper McCaughan Town Green. Details: 332-1083.
This story was originally published November 1, 2015 at 8:40 PM with the headline "Festivals, parades honor veterans and local artists ."