The Gazebo Gazette

PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — On Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11am, the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) will designate the city of Pass Christian as an official Mississippi Main Street Community.  The ceremony will take place at the Pass Christian Historical Society building (201 E Scenic Drive) with a light reception following.

Working through the Mississippi Main Street Association membership pathway, Pass Christian Main Street became a network member of MMSA in 2022 and has met all benchmarks to achieve official designation.  Pass Christian Main Street previously was a MMSA member in 2011 and has been working in recent years to update the status again.

Pass Christian will become the 48th designated Main Street Community in Mississippi.

“The city of Pass Christian is very fortunate to have our Main Street achieve is certification,” said Pass Christian Mayor Jimmy Rafferty.  “Many thanks to all of those who played a part in helping us get the certification, which will make us eligible for grants.  Main Street has already had a positive impact on our community and we are looking forward to more enhancements in the future.”

“The city of Pass Christian’s commitment to its people, history, and growth is evident by their obtaining official Main Street designation with MMSA,” said Jim Miller, MMSA Executive Director.  “The MMSA team looks forward to working with Pass Christian Main Street to execute and implement their Downtown Road for continued preservation and economic vitality.”

Speakers at the designation will include Mayor Rafferty, Kelle Barfield – Vice President of MMSA Board of Directors, Jim Miller – MMSA Executive Director, Wendy Diaz del Valle – Pass Christian Main Street Board President, and Robin Rafferty – Director of Pass Christian Main Street.

“The Pass Christian Main Street Board of Directors is thrilled the foundation has earned the honor of becoming a ‘designated’ Main Street organization and looking forward to the additional opportunities this brings to the community,” expressed Wendy Diaz del Valle, Board President of Pass Christian Main Street.

The mission of the MMSA is to be a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and traditional commercial districts.