BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BRINGS CRAFT BEER TASTING TO BILOXI OCTOBER 21

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BRINGS

CRAFT BEER TASTING TO BILOXI OCTOBER 21

RESORT RAISES A GLASS TO OCTOBERFEST WITH ARTISAN BEER,

BAVARIAN BUFFET AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BILOXI, Miss. – Oct. 5, 2011 – Beau Rivage presents an evening of authentic German food and live music and more than 120 of the best artisan beers available during its inaugural Craft Beer Festival. This is an opportunity to sample beer from breweries including Samuel Adams, Abita, Sierra Nevada, Diamond Bear, Lazy Magnolia, Bayou Teche Brewing, Covington Brewhouse, Widmer Brothers and Stevens Point among dozens of others. Select brewmasters will be in attendance to suggest food pairings, answer questions and describe how each product is made. Each guest receives a limited-edition Pilsner glass to commemorate the occasion.

Enjoy authentic German music by the Polka Dots and save room for the Oktoberfest-themed buffet including giant Wiesnbrezn Oktoberfest pretzels with an assortment of mustards, Butterkäse, Bierkäse Korbkäse and Cambozola cheeses, Wurst-Bratwurst, Knockwurst and Wiesswurst sausages, Sauerbraten German Pot Roast, Knödel potato dumplings, Spätzle German pasta, Himmel und Erde (pan fried potatoes with apples and bacon), sauerkraut, rotkraut red cabbage along with an assortment of German pastries.

The 2011 Craft Beer Festival will be held Friday, October 21 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on the second floor pool deck. Tickets are $65. Members of the military receive a $10 off discount with military ID. Tickets are available online at www.beaurivage.com, ticketmaster.com, in person at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office or by phone at 888.566.7469. A limited number of Craft Beer Festival cabanas will be available for $800 each which includes 10 tickets. For cabana reservations, call 228-257-2017.

Take advantage of the Beer Fest hotel package which includes one night’s deluxe accommodations and one Beer Fest ticket starting at $170 per person, double occupancy. Book online or by calling 228.386.7111/ 1.888.567.6667 and mention promotion code BEERFEST.

After the festival, the party continues at Coast Nightclub for Ladies Night. Women do not pay a cover and drink complimentary well cocktails, domestic beer and house wines from 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Men wearing a Beer Fest attendance bracelet will be waived the $10 cover charge. New Orleans’ party band Karma takes the stage from 11:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. with DJ Avelon spinning the latest hits during band breaks. For more information on the 2011 Craft Beer Fest, call (228) 386-7111 or visit beaurivage.com.

# # #

CONTACT: Mary Cracchiolo Spain, 228-386-7134; mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS ON THE MS GULF COAST

FIND YOUR TRUE THRILL IN MISSISSIPPI’S GREAT OUTDOORS

Visit Mississippi to experience one-of-a-kind experiences in one of the nation’s last, unspoiled natural settings -


Jackson, Miss. (September 1, 2011) - There’s something about getting “out there” to experience the natural beauty of the world. The outdoors is a special place to reconnect with your surroundings, to learn something new about nature or to seek a new thrill. In September and all year long, the True South comes to life with outdoor adventures for everyone.


“This month, visitors can continue to enjoy summer activities while also exploring what’s coming in the fall, with hunting, fishing, nature trails, water sports, camping and lots of other outdoor opportunities,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “Mississippi retains some of the most beautiful, unspoiled, natural settings in America. And our outdoor spaces offer a variety of activities while being easily accessible and affordable.”


Mississippi has five distinct regions to help visitors better understand and plan your trip. All five regions offer a variety of RVing and camping locations, as well as other overnight accommodations.
Below is a snapshot of these five specific areas and a taste of what they have to offer:


HILLS REGION
With nearly 90,000 acres of public outdoor recreation lands, this region, in the rolling hills of northeast Mississippi, is home to some of the best hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in the state. The Holly Springs and Tombigbee National Forests, nine wildlife management areas and land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers make this area a haven for a variety of wildlife such as deer, turkey, wild quail, ducks and geese. A large variety of freshwater fish abound in the lakes and rivers of the Hills Region. Cyclists will enjoy the challenge, natural beauty and history of the 300-mile Natchez Trace Parkway or biking through J.P. Coleman State Park with views of Pickwick Lake. For birdwatchers, the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is home to the Audubon Society in Mississippi and an incredible annual hummingbird migration.


PINES REGION
Known for its trophy white-tailed deer, large flocks of turkeys and coveys of wild quail, the nearly 200,000 acres of land open for public hunting, fishing and other activities make the Pines Region a place you’ll want to experience over and over. This area, in the east-central part of the state, includes two national wildlife refuges 11 state-owned wildlife management areas and the Bienville National Forest. Freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and canoeing are all popular outdoors activities here. From the Cypress Swamp on the Natchez Trace Parkway to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, birdwatchers will enjoy seeing the red-cockaded woodpeckers and orange-crowned warblers. The Okatoma Creek and Strong River are great places for canoers and kayakers to explore. Equestrians will appreciate the Shockaloe Horse Trail, a 23-mile trail listed in the National Register of Trails.


COASTAL REGION
The Coastal Region includes more than 375,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands ensuring plenty of access to the area’s wildlife. A national wildlife refuge, the DeSoto National Forest and ten state-owned wildlife management areas are located throughout this southernmost part of the state. The 40-mile Longleaf Trace from Hattiesburg to Prentiss is a favorite trail that attracts hundreds of cyclists each year. Saltwater fishing is a highlight here with light tackle backwater options as well as the true thrill of offshore deep sea fishing. Fishing off the Mississippi Gulf Coast with one of our charter boat captains is a wonderful way for friends and family to spend the day reeling in a memory of a lifetime. The Coast also boasts incredible sites for birding enthusiasts with the famous Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, the Crosby Arboretum and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Kayaking the Pascagoula River or to barrier islands off the mainland is a peaceful way to see it all firsthand. There are also more extreme outdoor experiences to be had in the Coastal Region with parasailing, skydiving, kite boarding and hang gliding.


CAPITAL/RIVER REGION
The area from the capital city of Jackson to the west and southwest is the Capital/River Region with rolling hills and wooded forests. The 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir, on the northeast side of Jackson, provides a huge area for fishing, boating and water sports. The entire region includes 82,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands with six state-owned wildlife management areas, one national wildlife refuge and the Homochitto National Forest. Biking trails through untouched wilderness settings and historical attractions such as the Vicksburg National Military Park give visitors an up-close view of the natural beauty and a glimpse into our state’s past. With more than 50 waterfalls, the Clark Creek Natural Area near Natchez is a unique place in the state for hiking and exploring. Jackson is home to many national and world-class equestrian events.


DELTA REGION
Traditionally known as the heart of Mississippi’s agricultural region, the Mississippi Delta is also internationally-known as the birthplace of blues music. Adventure seekers will also appreciate the Delta Region’s many outdoor possibilities. This area is the state’s premier location for waterfowl hunting and includes opportunities for deer, turkey and dove. More than 110,000 acres of public hunting and fishing lands are home to the Delta Region, including 12 state-owned wildlife management areas, five national wildlife refuges, the Delta National Forest and numerous lakes, rivers and streams. Biking the newly developed 300-mile Mississippi River Trail is a great adventure through the home of the blues. Other biking trails include the Great River Road State Park at Rosedale and the Delta National Forest at Rolling Fork. Birding and eco-trails are available at Tunica’s RiverPark and in the “oasis of trees” at Leroy Percy State Park. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Little Sunflower River, and hiking and equestrian trails can also be found throughout the area.


Learn more about these regions to help you plan your trip to the True South by visiting the official Mississippi Tourism website, http://www.VisitMississippi.org. Click on “GET OUTSIDE” to explore all of the details.

###

Contact: Jennifer Spann, Public Relations, Tourism 601.359.3505 jspann@mississippi.org

Free on the MS Gulf Coast - Facebook Photo Contest

FREE ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

With splash pads, parks, pier fishing, the beach, and more, there’s always something FREE to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our Calendar of Events, found at www.gulfcoast.org has a variety of free local attractions and upcoming events. So put your wallet away, and get ready to have fun!

August 6 – CCA Kids’ Fishing Rodeo in Biloxi

August 7, 14, 21, & 28 – Detox Pool Party at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi

August 12 – Blues at the Beach in Pascagoula

August 13 – South MS Horseshow & Rodeo Association in Gulfport
August 25 – Biloxi Farmers Market Festival
August 26 - Free Friday at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport
August 27 – National Barrel Horse Association Competitions in Gulfport

By participating in our August photo contest, we are giving you the chance to win lots of great prizes so you can continue to have FREE fun! When you submit your photo and your friends LIKE it, you have the chance to win FOUR tickets to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, TWO free buffets at Boomtown Casino, dinner for TWO (up to $100) at BT’s Steakhouse at Boomtown Casino, a Captain’s Crawl t-shirt, ONE ticket for the Biloxi Fishing Trip, and TWO rounds of golf at Grand Bear.


Send us a picture of you enjoying free fun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Any related photos will be accepted! All pictures must show you (or someone you have permission to use in a photo.)

All you have to do to enter is submit your picture as an attachment, along with your name to taryns@gulfcoast.org. Once your photo is received, it will be uploaded to the FREE IN MS – August Photo Contest album on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb. For each LIKE your photo receives during the contest, you will have one entry in to the contest for the drawing that will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. The contest officially ends at noon, with the drawing to be held shortly after. Good luck!

By submitting your picture via email, you authorize the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB to use your photo on their Facebook page for this contest and consent to your name being published as a winner in the CVB’s E-newsletter, on facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb, and on Twitter at twitter.com/msgulfcoastcvb. Only one entry per person/email address. Further, you hereby covenant and agree to waive, release and hold harmless the Harrison County Tourism Commission d/b/a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from and against any and all claims, demands, charges, liabilities and damages, if any, of every type or nature whatsoever, now or in the future, which arise out of, relate to or may be associated with your submission of any photograph in connection with the contest described herein.



Enjoy live music at DREAMFEST

Gulf Islands Waterpark News Release


Enjoy live music at DREAMFEST, a benefit to help Youth of the Gulf Coast, Saturday June 18 at Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Announced by Gulf Islands Water Park, L.L.C.
WHAT: Enjoy great music at DREAMFEST and support youth of the Gulf Coast. Live performances start at 10 am on Saturday June 18 including…… Racecar Racecar, Hindsight, The Evil Minions, Enjoy the Weather, Liberty Road Band, Greg Griffin & the Dry Creek Band, rising star Elley Duhe and the Sea Lion Splash Show.

$1 per person that enters with a ticket goes to the Chris Driebergen Foundation. Funds raised through the concert will support organizations that protect, inspire and encourage youth through child advocacy, music & arts enrichment, athletic development & academic development. Partners include CASA for Children, Mississippi Surge Hockey Team, Myhres School of Music, and Gulf Islands Waterpark.

There is no extra charge for the concerts or Sea Lion show. It’s all included in the Regular Admission or Advance Ticket. Go online to www.thelittleblackbird.com for discounted tickets or call 228-806-0322 for more information about tickets, T-shirts, Donations, or the Foundation.
WHEN: Gulf Islands Waterpark gates open at 10am and close at 6pm.

COST: $20 in advance at www.thelittleblackbird.com. Full-Day Pass is $28.99 at the gate. All is included (attractions, concerts and donation). $19.95 for those under 42” tall. Price also includes free parking, free life jackets and free inner tube usage.
WHERE: Gulf Islands Waterpark is the largest water park on the coast, featuring an island theme with miles of slides and cool summer fun for all ages. The attractions are named after local landmarks, including the one and only Horn Island Blaster. Other attractions include the Waveland Wavepool, Lazy Pearl River, Cat Island Catapult, Deer Island Express, Ship Island Wreck and Lil’ Pelican’s Bay kiddy area.
Gulf Islands Waterpark is located on I-10 in Gulfport, Mississippi in the Gulfport Sportsplex. Exit Highway 49 north to Landon Road and turn left at the Sportsplex entrance. Call (note the name Racecar Racecar is not an error) 228-328-1266 for details.
MEDIA WELCOME: Best opportunity for photos and interviews of the DREAMFEST event will be
Saturday June 18 (11:00am-3:30pm) at Gulf Islands Waterpark. Call the Chris Driebergen Foundation at 228-806-0322 for interviews prior to the event.

For the Child…or the Child at Heart!

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to many family friendly activities for children and the child at heart. Gulfport is home to the first children’s museum in the state – Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Our Gulf Coast has many parks, splash pads, museums, and beaches for children to have a blast on. Because of this, in the summer month of June, we are celebrating FUN FOR KIDS Month. Enter our Facebook Photo Contest, and you can win a prize package including the following –
     4 tickets to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
     4 rounds of putt putt golf & 4 go-cart rides at Big Play Family Fun Center
     1 child & 1 adult ticket to the Biloxi Sunset Cruise
     Biloxi Shrimping trip kids t-shirt
     4 passes to Gulf Islands Waterpark
     2 passes to Scranton Nature Center
     2 tickets for Ship Island Excursions
     4 tickets to the Ringling Brothers Circus in July 2011
To be entered, send a picture of your kids enjoying things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast – whether it is at our beach, playing putt-putt golf, going bowling, enjoying a splash pad, or just taking it easy in their own backyard enjoying the warm weather. If you have any photos relating to kids having fun, SHOW US! All pictures must show someone you have permission to use in a photo.
All you have to do to enter is submit your picture to taryns@gulfcoast.org along with your name and a short sentence about the photo. Once I receive your photo, I will upload it to the FUN FOR KIDS album on our Facebook page. For each LIKE you receive on your picture, your name will be entered in to the drawing held on Thursday, June 30 at noon. GOOD LUCK!
By submitting your picture via email, you authorize the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB to use your photo on their Facebook page for this contest and consent to your name being published as a winner in the CVB’s E-newsletter, on facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb, and on Twitter at twitter.com/msgulfcoastcvb. Only one entry will be submitted for the drawing, however, you can submit as many photos as you'd like. Further, you hereby covenant and agree to waive, release and hold harmless the Harrison County Tourism Commission d/b/a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from and against any and all claims, demands, charges, liabilities and damages, if any, of every type or nature whatsoever, now or in the future, which arise out of, relate to or may be associated with your submission of any photograph in connection with the contest described herein.

Time for a contest ~ It’s MUSIC month on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

It’s MUSIC month on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

It’s true: Mississippi is the True South. It’s also true that Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music. Country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll...they all started in Mississippi. No place in the state is that more evident than on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To celebrate MUSIC month, I’m giving away TWO free buffets at Boomtown Casino, dinner for TWO (up to $100) at BT’s Steakhouse at Boomtown Casino, a Captain’s Crawl t-shirt, TWO tickets to Coast Big Band at The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, and a can huggie from The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs.

To be entered, send a picture of you enjoying Mississippi music – whether it be at a concert, a local performance of a band, a recital, rockin’ out at the Crawfish Festival or past CPR Fest. If you have any photos relating to music and fun, SHOW US! All pictures must show you (or someone you have permission to use in a photo.)
All you have to do to enter is submit your picture to taryns@gulfcoast.org along with your name. Once I receive your photo, I will upload it to the MUSIC album on our Facebook page. For each LIKE you receive on your picture, your name will be entered in to the drawing held on Tuesday, May 31 at noon. GOOD LUCK!
By submitting your picture via email, you authorize the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB to use your photo on their Facebook page for this contest and consent to your name being published as a winner in the CVB’s E-newsletter, on facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb, and on Twitter at twitter.com/msgulfcoastcvb. Only one entry will be submitted for the drawing, however, you can submit as many photos as you'd like. Further, you hereby covenant and agree to waive, release and hold harmless the Harrison County Tourism Commission d/b/a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from and against any and all claims, demands, charges, liabilities and damages, if any, of every type or nature whatsoever, now or in the future, which arise out of, relate to or may be associated with your submission of any photograph in connection with the contest described herein.

It's MUSIC month on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

HEAR THE SOUNDS OF THE TRUE SOUTH ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

Biloxi, Miss. (May 5, 2011) – It’s true: Mississippi is the True South. It’s also true that Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music. Country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll...they all started in Mississippi. No place in the state is that more evident than on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Mississippi Blues Trail continues its incredible journey of bringing to life the history of blues music all across the state. Blues Trail markers have been placed at sites where blues musicians lived and entertained. Others are situated at historic streets, train depots, blues clubs, cemeteries and even churches where blues musicians made their mark.

While there is a wealth of blues heritage and numerous Blues Trail markers throughout the Mississippi Delta, there are Blues Trail markers in many other parts of the state, including here on the Gulf Coast. To plan a true Mississippi Blues Trail journey, go to www.msbluestrail.org to discover where all of the markers are located across the state and visit the three local markers.

Mississippi also has a new Country Music Trail currently in development. From country greats such as Conway Twitty, Charley Pride, Marty Stuart, Faith Hill, Paul Overstreet and others, the Country Music Trail is already giving country music lovers more to enjoy and explore than ever before in Mississippi.

Yes, Mississippi is in tune with music—its past, present and future. May is the perfect month to journey through the state where America’s music was born or hear a local band play and relax. Mississippi’s impact on music is incredible and indisputable. It’s a truth that’s literally heard around the world with so many talented musicians on display. Find your True South in Mississippi and hear it for yourself.

To learn even more to help you plan your musical trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in May, go to www.gulfcoast.org or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msgulfcoastcvb.

###