The eccentric Mississippi Gulf Coast can be described in more than a few ways. And one term is prevalent this month: community. With a mixture of southern hospitality and coastal living, the region has many distinctive aspects for all to enjoy, but the highlight of local businesses at the first annual Long Beach Fourth of July Jubilee has proven the significance of giving back. Held on July 1, 2023, to commemorate the upcoming celebration of Independence Day, this event featured vendors from the coast with a passion for their work, in collaboration with the Long Beach Farmer’s Market, fostering a memorable experience for all ages.
     Locals and visitors alike attended in high volume to support the small businesses, with the Jubilee gaining traction for its debut on the Town Green in downtown Long Beach. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 20 booths, as well as food trucks and several kid-friendly activities provided by vendors grabbed the attention of patrons as they offered up tasty treats and shared stories and information about the products and services they had on display. There was also a patriotic parade along Jeff Davis Avenue at 1 p.m., followed by live music, and fireworks near Jim Simpson Pier later that night, ending the vibrant day with a bang.

     Jubilee event organizer Sawyer Walters coordinated with Long Beach Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas to make the magic happen during the Saturday event.
“I had this idea…Long Beach has never done anything for the Fourth,” Sawyer said.

     “I had this idea…Long Beach has never done anything for the Fourth.”

Sawyer Walters, Organizer, Long Beach Fourth of July Jubilee

    In an effort to celebrate small town America, the duo was very surprised and pleased with the outcome, especially the fireworks show in particular. There was overwhelming support from the community as well as several state officials, with the Long Beach city mayor saying how great it was to see two younger people organize such an event. In the future, the only changes they foresee are pushing the parade later into the evening due to the hot weather, and possibly adding more activities such as a watermelon or hotdog eating contest.
     Courtney felt the event was an overall success considering the combination of its multiple parts, including the amount of foot traffic through the Farmer’s Market and the number of participating Jubilee vendors, followed by the free parade enjoyed by families across the region and beyond, and then the live music before the fireworks, which were rumored to be many people’s favorite highlight. Taking place on the Saturday before the July Fourth holiday, organizers felt it was a huge hit.
     “We were blown away and humbled at the amount of support,” said Courtney, adding the City of Long Beach was grateful and that a lot of businesses prospered. Both Courtney and Sawyer agree they are looking forward to next year’s event being bigger and better.

     Collectively, there seems to be a consensus among the vendors and attendees when asked their thoughts on the Fourth of July Jubilee; despite the smoldering heat, the people within the community are what make both the event itself and life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast enjoyable.  Several vendors participating in the Farmer’s Market and Jubilee were new businesses hoping to expand and gain exposure while simultaneously making a positive impact on the City of Long Beach and abroad.
     Formally the Farmer’s Market at Long Beach has been an actively contributing source in its community since it began in January 2017. With a variety of original products and foods to offer, several businesses gather at the Town Green every Saturday from 8 a.m.to 12 p.m. Giving back to the local community in such a tight-knit environment is only one of several attributes that make the City of Long Beach stand out on the coast. Here are just a few standouts of participating booths from July 1:
    Known as one of the largest poultry farms on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Poppe’s Kitchen is a great local source for holistic homemade foods and products. Raising chickens, ducks, and geese, owners Dave and Linda DeRouen of Waveland, Miss., have been in business for over 10 years. They attend the Farmer’s Market at Long Beach weekly, serving a loyal customer base. “We’ve been at this Farmer’s Market since its inception,” Linda said.
     Dave emphasized the great impact their grandson had on inspiring the couple to start Poppe’s as a means to provide for him growing up. Consequently, today, the business sells a wide selection of the DeRouen’s infamous pepper jellies, goat milk soaps, elderberries, mayhaws, mulberries, muscadines, and more. They also sell unique flavored jams as well as natural lotions. Referred to by Linda as “Poppe” himself, Dave does the cooking and is experienced with Cajun food, both owners being from New Orleans. Their favorite aspect of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is said to be the people and peaceful community, which they enjoy giving back to in their retirement.

     Finding healthy and affordable nutrition options, especially when it comes to meat, can be very difficult these days. However, Stonnington Farm Beef is changing the game. “We found our niche in grassfed beef,” said owner Katie Stonnington. “It’s 100 percent grass fed. It’s angus based. And it’s raised locally on our farms with no hormones or antibiotics.” The business sells meat containing no additives and has provisions for cleaner and healthier alternatives. Stonnnington Farm Beef originated around 15 years ago, with over 250 cows on site in Perkinston, Miss.
     Having attended the Long Beach Farmer’s Market weekly since it began, Katie’s business also attends the Ocean Springs Fresh Market as well as a few retail locations in the state. The farm is also owned by Michael Stonnington, and the grassfed cattle cuts can even be delivered depending on location in the Hattiesburg or Jackson, Miss., areas. The farm has been featured in several reputable publications, locally and nationally. Attributed for its award-winning beef, the business is highly acclaimed in its local community and abroad in several customer reviews.

   Cryer’s Family Produce has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from when visiting the Farmer’s Market. Owned by Aulton Cryer, the local business is based out of Mount Hermon, La., and travels with a large assortment to many areas, including St. Helena Parish and Baton Rouge, La., as well as in McComb and Tylertown, Miss.  Both Mr. Cryer and Angela Dyer attend the Long Beach Farmer’s Market weekly on Saturdays. They bring tomatoes, peppers, squash, cherries, and peaches, to name just a few. “My family has been farming for 50 years plus,” Aulton said. The legacy is carried on to this day, brought to Long Beach for about three years now. Cryer’s produce is grown on several farms in conjunction with family and friends.

    When looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, A&M Serious Sweets & More has you covered. Co-owner Alisha Landry said, “That’s my dream goal, to have a storefront here in Long Beach.” With a love for baking and connecting with family, Alisha provides an array of delectable treats to choose from, including scones, blondie cookies, muffins, and more.  Everything is made completely from scratch without preservatives.
    As a new business attending the Long Beach Farmer’s Market over the past few months, A&M also offers seasonal king cakes and different assortments of bread, including sourdough brioche and French loaves. Certain occasions such as the Fourth of July call for festive designs on the fresh baked goods that add a creative touch.

     All animal lovers would benefit from paying a visit to For Pet’s Sake Rescue. The nonprofit owned by Vanessa Cruz of Long Beach, Miss., gives all proceeds to the welfare of rescue animals in need. Cruz started her business four years ago out of her own home before creating the commercial location in Long Beach. With over 200 cats and around 40 dogs, the organization started attending the Farmer’s Market recently in May.
     For Pet’s Sake Rescue fundraises for this phenomenal cause with auctions and original merchandise for sale. It is 100 percent volunteer led. And operating expenses are solely accounted for through fundraising, according to board member Mary DeGraw. Profits also go towards rescue transport as far as Connecticut and other Northeastern areas monthly. “Basically, all the money goes straight back into the rescue,” DeGraw said. Merchandise includes tumblers and even original children’s books written by Mary DeGraw herself. The business is actively seeking volunteers within the community to participate, and they plan to continue attending the Farmer’s Market in future years.

     Princess Paws Bakery is another necessary stop for families with furry friends. Owned by Stephanie Cisneros of Long Beach, Miss., the bakery has been at the local Farmer’s Market every Saturday since January of this year. Homemade treats with all natural ingredients as well as handcrafted accessories, toys, shampoos, and more are available for sale. When looking to give your pup some style or spoil them with canine delicacies, this is the spot!
     Stephanie moved to Long Beach from New Orleans, La., two years ago. “We moved over here to enjoy the beach life,” she said. Stephanie thoroughly enjoys the vibrant coastal atmosphere as well as the community support and friendly demeanor of its people. Most of all, though, she has built strong relationships with the animals, even knowing some of them on a first name basis.

     All Things Creations was started by Cynthia Ogilvie in November 2022. Inspired by her previous work with resin jewelry in Hattiesburg, Miss., Cynthia began creating her own assortments of custom earrings, cups, shirts, and even beautifully crafted bookmarks. She plans to attend the Jubilee next year.
     “This is one of the best (events) down here at the Town Green,” Cynthia said. The large turnout made for an overwhelming amount of support in the community for the small business. There was a wide selection of red, white, and blue earrings along with specially catered tumblers for teachers and lovers of positive affirmations. When asked her favorite thing about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Cynthia said it is – you got it—the people!

     When on the coast, it is only fitting to hydrate with premium juices at a local business such as The Juicy Caboosy. Owner Tomeka Bryant of Long Beach, Miss., offers not only cocktails, smoothies, and fresh squeezed juices, but a large menu consisting of food and snacks as well. The open atmosphere of the shop based in Long Beach is also pet friendly with an outdoor bar.
     All juice products are made fresh and on site, according to Tomeka. At the Jubilee, there were also delicious charcuterie cups for sale that made a big hit as well as activities for children. Since launching in February of this year, the business has been very successful and gained great exposure from the event on the Town Green. With healthy and fun options to choose for all, even those with paws, this business is a must see when on the coast.

   Launched before Memorial Day this year, ‘Sip Paddle Rental is now available for those seeking adventure on the Mississippi Gulf Coast waters. As a paddleboard delivery service from Waveland to Biloxi, ‘Sip will cater to you anytime you’d like to book a day on the beach. That also includes the Diamondhead and Kiln areas of Mississippi as well.
     Owner Arianna Ryker of Long Beach, Miss., created the business out of love for the water and coastal living. The woman-owned business plans to attend the Jubilee next year as well, in hopes to continue sharing the benefits of nature and exploration of the Gulf Coast. Just getting started this summer, ‘Sip plans to expand in the future and become as involved as possible within the community. The business received a lot of support from attendees at the event, and Arianna was happy to bring kid-friendly activities to her booth.

     Despite the blistering heat at the Jubilee, Serendipity Creamery had everyone covered by offering coupons for a free ice cream. Owned by Jennifer (MJ) Fleming and daughter Brailey Wilson from Saucier, Miss., the business was created about a month ago and is now based out of downtown Long Beach. The local community heavily sponsors and supports Serendipity, according to Jennifer. After working in Hattiesburg for a beloved ice cream shop and devastated by its closing, the mother and daughter duo sought out to continue their own work.
     The business has vegan, sugar free, and dairy free options to choose from. The owners value their close relationships with the customers and enjoy making people feel special. They’ve been a part of several life milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and proposals, which is what makes the work meaningful, according to Jennifer. The business plans to attend the Jubilee next year and felt the event was beneficial for exposure and support.

     The Daughters of the American Revolution, Friendship Oak Chapter, offers a priceless insight into history locally in Long Beach. As a service organization that assists veterans and schools, as well as supports historic preservation and genealogy studies, the DAR gives back to the community in several ways. To become a member, women must prove their lineage back to a patriot who fought in the American Revolution with records. The organization collectively began in the late 1800s, and the Long Beach Chapter started in 1984.
     Just a couple community events led by the chapter include Backpack for Buddies, providing and collecting food for homeless veterans, and putting out wreaths and flags at the national cemetery in Biloxi. In October, they plan to honor Vietnam veterans and families as well. The chapter meets on the second Wednesday of every month from September to May and is always welcoming new members.

     Other participating vendors and artists featured at this year’s Fourth of July Jubilee in Long Beach are: Off the Grid Snowshack, Salty Jax Seafood Co., White House Candle Company, High Voltage Wood Art, Petals and Pages, Sweet Sips, Jewelry Love by Jill, Smoke & Geaux BBQ, Down by the Sea, Kona Ice, Haute Designs By Nate, Nora Childers, Dapper Darling Boutique, Chris’s Critters, Papillon Craft Room, River City Fudge, as well as additional businesses offering free activities for children such as Forget Me Not Florist, Color Me Monti, Dolce Bakeshop, and Michelle Harrison Real Estate Agent.
    For details about next year’s Jubilee event and/or to sign up to participate, contact organizer Sawyer Walters, sawyerwalters96@gmail.com, or Courtney Cuevas, Community Affairs Director, City of Long Beach, at 228-863-1556, courtney.cuevas@cityoflongbeachms.com.

On the cover: Arianna and Kyle Ryker of Long Beach, Miss., owners of ‘Sip Paddle Rental, joined other local businesses for the first annual Long Beach Fourth of July Jubilee on the Town Green July 1, 2023, in commemoration of Independence Day.