by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — The aroma of fresh coffee and camaraderie filled the Pass Christian Yacht Club on Friday morning, November 7th, as residents and community leaders gathered for the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce’s “Breakfast with the Mayor.” The crowd was all ears as Mayor Kenny Torgeson took the podium, ready to share updates, reflections, and a hopeful look toward the city’s bright future.
Chamber Director Anne Claire Perronne gave a warm welcome before 2025 Chamber Chair and Prosper Realty’s own Jolan Wedgeworth took the mic to introduce the mayor and present the morning’s awards. The energy in the room was unmistakable — a mix of civic pride, anticipation, and plenty of smiles coated with a few biscuit crumbs.
Mayor Torgeson began his State of the City Address with gratitude and good news. From strengthening senior services through a new partnership with Harrison County to preparing for a new performing arts center at the Pass Christian High School, his words painted a picture of progress. “There’s nothing but positive things happening in the schools,” he said proudly. Admitting that there simply was not enough time to praise all of Pass.
Torgeson also highlighted the city’s commitment to improvement projects, especially at the West Harbor, a longtime “eyesore” that’s finally set to receive the attention it deserves. “It’s one of the first things people see when they come into town,” he explained. “We want to make it something we can all be proud of.” Mayor Torgeson also took a moment to praise the city’s Board of Aldermen, noting their teamwork and dedication: “They’re not asking what I can do for them, they’re asking what they can do for me.”
As plates cleared and applause followed, the program turned to celebration, recognizing those who keep the heart of Pass Christian beating.
The LAD Project was named the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year for its unwavering work with area youth, helping students strengthen their reading skills and so much more. Mayor Torgeson applauded the organization, saying, “They’re making a huge improvement for the city. I wish we’d had something like that when I was in school.”
Local boutique Salty Kisses earned the title of 2025 Business of the Year. “It’s making a huge difference,” Torgeson added, reflecting on how local retail continues to transform the city’s downtown and west end.
But perhaps the morning’s brightest moment came with a dose of holiday cheer. Fire Chief Dia’Mond Woodman and Captain Andy Purchner took the stage to preview the city’s most beloved annual tradition, Christmas in the Pass, set for Friday, December 5th, from 4 to 9 p.m. Downtown will be decked out with a parade at 6 and fireworks lighting the sky at 8:30. The highlight of their announcement was the unveiling of the official 2025 Christmas in the Pass T-shirt, designed by 16-year-old Pass Christian High School junior George David Wedgeworth III. His artwork captured the spirit of the season, earning him a $500 scholarship.
“It felt fantastic,” Wedgeworth said with a proud grin. “I really like impacting the community and supporting the organizations in this community. I really appreciate the thanks that I’ve gotten and the check that I’ve received. But in the end, it’s really just about the impact that I can make on the community. I’m really glad I was able to make that impact.”
As the mayor noted, events like Christmas in the Pass show what sets the city apart. “It’s the largest and most beloved community event in Pass Christian,” he said. “It’s when our whole town comes together, the schools, first responders, local businesses, Main Street, everyone.” Mayor Torgeson looks forward to the future and cherishes the past. “I couldn’t have not grown up in a better place than the city of Pass Christian, it just had so much to give, and we’re going to get it there again.”
The morning ended on a high note, with a standing ovation and a collective sense that Pass Christian is moving full steam ahead.
As Ward 3 Alderman Kirk Kimball summed it up best: “God bless Pass Christian!” Going on to highlight what makes Pass Christian different, “We’re a family-friendly, small-town, coastal community. That’s our identity, and the sooner we embrace it, the stronger we’ll become. The future is bright here… There are so many aspects of this city that are great, we just need to enhance them.” For him, the key lies in “future-forward thinking,” for example: “economically, we need to be creative and smart about how we grow… The harbor is an economy all its own and within the next 10 to 15 years, it can become one of the best on the Coast… We have low taxes, beautiful property, and the right ingredients for investors. We just need to use every tool in our box to make it happen.”
This morning showed that the City of Pass Christian is in great hands. From harbor projects to holiday parades, there’s no denying it, the Pass is not just holding onto its history; it’s shaping its tomorrow.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
