Letter from Mayor Eddie Favre

The city of Bay St. Louis welcomes all of you to Bay BridgeFest 2009! We’re delighted that you’ve joined us for a celebration that has become a symbol for our city’s rebirth.

When the new Bay Bridge first opened in 2007, it gave us transportation across the bay, but more than that, it gave us a bold visual reminder of what can be accomplished by working together.

It’s a better bridge than the old one. It’s stronger. It’s more beautiful. It’s also symbolic of the direction Bay St. Louis is headed. Our goal as a community is to rebuild the city on those same principles - all the while preserving the character and charm we hold so dear.

During the next year, we’ll begin to see more buildings taking shape across our city. The groundwork has been laid, now we’ll see the fruits of those labors. The new fire station, the new community center, the streetscapes, the restoration of the old city hall, these are just a few of the on-going projects. All stronger, better, more beautiful. Yet none of this could have been accomplished without an incredible amount of community spirit.

That same spirit will be honored by the official naming of the bridge on May 16th.

Folks, from now on, it’ll be the Leo W. Seal, Jr. Bridge. Leo Seal grew up here in the Bay and his loyalty was unwavering. Whenever the city had problems, he would always come forward and ask a simple question: What do you need me to do?

His generosity and dedication won’t be forgotten. It will continue to inspire us as a city for generations to come.

This BridgeFest finds us all grateful for the sacrifices made by many. Leo Seal. City employees who have gone the extra mile. Volunteers from our own civic organizations and from across the country. Every man, woman and child who has patiently taken a detour as our streets and infrastructure are replaced.

I ask you to use BridgeFest as an opportunity to take a collective community bow. Thank your neighbors and your friends, your public servants and our volunteers. While you’re at it, pat yourself on the back. We’ve been through an awful experience and proven that when people reach out to one another and join together, we find a strength that can build something better, stronger and more beautiful than ever before.

Bridgefest 2009 is sponsored by Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, City of Bay St. Louis, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, City of Waveland, Hollywood Casino, Silver Slipper Casino, Coast Transit Authority, Sun Herald Multi Media, The Sea Coast Echo, South Mississippi Living, and the MS Department of Transportation.

Listing of All BridgeFest Pages:

Bridgefest Artists

BridgeFest Art Village

BridgeFest Artwalk

BridgeFest Bay Café

BridgeFest Family Art (Artrageous!)

BridgeFest Family Fun

BridgeFest Letter from the Mayor

BridgeFest Letter from the President

BridgeFest Music Line-Up

BridgeFest Official Poster / Art Auction

BridgeFest Run / Walk

BridgeFest Salutes the Military

BridgeFest Schedule of Events

BridgeFest Vendors