Photo credit: MS Gulf Coast CVB

They may be shouting, “laissez les bons temps rouler!”  in New Orleans, but the party is also underway on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Peter recently sat down with the locals in Biloxi, Mississippi, to learn about the events that define this Gulf Coast city, from Mardi Gras traditions to cruising classic cars to power boat racing.

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Peter Greenberg: Tell me what’s different about Mardi Gras here than you’d find in New Orleans?

Woody Bailey: It’s one of the safest Mardi Gras that there is. Mobile and New Orleans have outstanding Mardi Gras and most people think about New Orleans, but Biloxi has a tremendous event. People don’t know much about it and we need to get that word out there.

PG: What makes it different other than that it’s safer?

WB: It’s the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the hospitality. The red carpet is always out here for folks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and for Mardi Gras it’s not an exception.

PG: Are the floats different here?

WB: Floats are somewhat similar.

PG: And you’ve got the king cake.

WB: Oh, we got the king cakes all over the place.

PG: And what happens when you get the baby?

WB:  You’re in charge of getting the next king cake.

PG:  That’s the problem. So nobody really wants to get that baby cause now you’re buying.

WB: Right. Well it’s still a little fun to hunt for the baby while you’re sifting through the cake.

PG: The thing about Mardi Gras is you’ve got 23 different parades going on.

WB: Yes, yes we do. There are lots of things going on. People can come here for the weekend and stay from Mardi Gras to Fat Tuesday and just have a great time. It’s easy to get around, the crowds are manageable, the parade comes right by the Beau Rivage—what more could you ask?

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