Biloxi marks its 320th birthday Wednesday with a host of activities to commemorate the day – Feb. 13, 1699 – when the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville first set foot on the shores of present-day Biloxi. The occasion, which amplifies the point that Biloxi is one of the oldest communities in the country, is certainly not lost on Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “Anything that’s 320 years old has got to be good,” Gilich declared. “It has thrived and survived, and our efforts today are to make sure we have another 320 years of the city we cherish.” Added city Historical Administrator Bill Raymond: “Biloxi has a long and colorful history and is known around the world. This birthday is an opportunity for us to celebrate that history and remind people, and ourselves, of the significance of this community.”
Here’s the schedule of events:
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of the 1699 landing of Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville on the beachfront, south of the Biloxi Lighthouse, greeted by Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.
3:20 p.m.: Birthday party at the Biloxi Visitors Center with free cupcakes and a commemorative gift for the first 320 guests.
5:30 p.m.: Downtown Block Party at Biloxi Brewing Company, 186 Bohn St., featuring entertainment and complimentary barbecue. For the occasion, the brewing company will be selling a commemorative “Biloxi Blue” brew.
Admission to all events is free and open the public.
The Biloxi 320 celebration is sponsored by the city, Biloxi and Biloxi Bay Area chambers of commerce, Biloxi Main Street. Other supporters include Biloxi Brewing Co., the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, and re-enactor Edmond Boudreaux.
Read a quick history of Biloxi’s discovery