@One

Co

nven

tion

Cen

ter

Plaz

aH

attie

sbur

g, M

S 39

401

601.

268.

3220

In this issue -• AAMHM• Fancy Nancy• Funniest

Housewives• New Wedding

Packages• Event Calendar

Servic

eYou

r

ServiceYour@H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

Pres

ort S

tand

ard

U.S

. Pos

tage

PAID

Hat

tiesb

urg,

MS

Perm

it #2

19

Hattiesburg’s favorite outdoor attractionis geared up to celebrate 64 yearsthis year with exciting announcementsand events for the whole family.

“Discover a Revolution” on May 24,as the Hattiesburg Zoo celebrates itsannual Birthday Bash from 10 am to 4pm. Opening its doors to the publicfor the first time, the Asbury

Discovery Center will be the center ofthe day’s curiously-themed eventsand activities.

Taking cues from the science fictionera which celebrates the early 20thcentury age of discovery and innovationin a futuristic whimsical style, theAsbury Discovery Center isguaranteed to offer Zoo guests anexperience unlike any existingeducation or outdoor attraction inthe area.

Discover a Revolution at theHattiesburg Zoo! Celebrating 64 yearsof Zoo fun

continued on page 2 >

Spring • 2014

H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n2

7

is the official newsletter of the HattiesburgConvention Commission.

To update your contact information or to sharecomments, please contact us at:

One Convention Center PlazaHattiesburg, MS 39401

601.268.3220

HattiesburgConventionCommission.com

ServiceYourHattiesburg Convention Commission

Andy StetelmanChair

Charles J. BrownSecretary/Treasurer

Bud KirkpatrickCommissioner

Charlie V. JonesCommissioner

Lewis MyrickVice-Chair

Clyde BryantCommissioner

Dr. Aubrey LucasCommissioner

Richard TaylorExecutive Director

F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t

@

[ Event Calendar ]

This is a sample of events. For more informationon events at any of the Hattiesburg ConventionCommission facilities, call 601.268.3220.

Upcoming

theSaengerAPRIL11-12 Stagestruck Performance Studio presents Seussical Jr.19 Fancy Nancy, The Musical

MAY8-11 HCLO presents Les Misérables15 Forrest General Hospital Spirit of Women presents

Funniest Housewives of Orange County30 Rick & Bubba 20th Anniversary Tour

APRIL11 USM presents Showbiz Showstoppers!

at Lake Terrace14 Passions of the Palate at Lake Terrace17 Spirit of Women Spring Luncheon

at Lake Terrace

MAY1 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

at Lake Terrace18 TNA Wrestling at Lake Terrace24 Birthday Bash at Hattiesburg Zoo

This is a sample of events. For a current andcomplete list of events at the Saenger, log ontoHattiesburgSaenger.com or call 601.584.4888.

“The Asbury Discovery Center will bring a newlevel of interactive learning to the children ofHattiesburg and the Zoo’s visitors of all ages,”said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the HattiesburgConvention Commission. “The Hattiesburg Zoois a source of pride in our community and theDiscovery Center will be a living classroom thatpromotes learning through fun.”

In July 2013, the Hattiesburg ConventionCommission announced that the Zoo wouldreceive a $277,000 grant from the AsburyFoundation for use toward this new educationfacility. The unique interior of the 2,200 square-foot facility is a collaboration between theHattiesburg Zoo and California design firm,“Because We Can.” The steampunk-inspiredbuilding will offer a one-of-a-kind educationalexperience for guests of the Zoo, featuringviewable housing for many of the Zoo’s never-before-displayed education animals, a newhome for the Zoo’s Galapagos Tortoises,viewable offices and laboratories for zookeepers

and a venue for zoo classes,camps, special events and

even corporate meetings.

This year’s Birthday Bashwill provide fun andexcitement for the whole

family. Starting at 10 am,Animal Encounters will be

held near the Eagle Habitatand in front of the Asbury

Discovery Center. The first

public unveiling ofthe much-anticipatedAsbury Discovery Centerwill occur at 11 am andguests will be invited totake guided tours of thenew facility throughout theremainder of the day.

The headline birthday celebrationwill take place at noon when guests willcelebrate 64 years of Zoo fun by singing“Happy Birthday” and enjoying complimentarycupcakes. The headline celebration will alsofeature an Explorer-Themed Animal Show. Thecuriously-good fun will continue throughout theday with mini-celebrations every hour on thehour, rotating among the Zoo’s four continentswhich include South America, Africa, Asia andNorth America’s Mississippi Habitat. For a fullschedule of events, visit HattiesburgZoo.com.

Admission to the Birthday Bash is $10 perperson and includes hourly celebrations, AnimalEncounters, Wildlife Shows, unlimited train andcarousel rides, birthday treats and so much more.

The Asbury Discovery Center is not the only newaddition to the Hattiesburg Zoo. The Zoo kickedoff 2014 with the welcoming of many new animalsto the Zoo family, including a second goldeneagle, Talon, and two Sumatran tiger brothers,Cinta and Kuasa. Visit all of our new additionsand enjoy a truly new adventure at theHattiesburg Zoo!

Ticketed Events

[ Cover Story ]< continued from cover >

The Hattiesburg Zoo is now open from 10 amto 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday. For information

on tickets, Annual Passes and Zoo programs,call 601.545.4576, or visit HattiesburgZoo.com.

A wedding is a celebration youwill always want to remember,even long after the last toast isgiven and the final bubble isblown. From the ceremony tothe reception, Lake TerraceConvention Center can helpcreate lasting memories for acouple and their guests.

Our new wedding packagesmake planning your big dayeasy and fun. Whether small orlarge, formal or informal, day ornight, the seasoned staff atLake Terrace can make yourevent unforgettable.

Booking your wedding atLake Terrace makes theplanning easy, with packagesthat include reception room,ceremony room, personalevent coordination, audio-visual

equipment, specialtydécor and a uniquemenu created byExecutive Chef,Carmen Hardy-Ford.Bringing togetherall of its tried-and-true methods, theConventionCenter is excitedto offer these newcomprehensivepackages thatfeature its best optionswhile taking all of the legworkoff of you.

Whether you’re looking for anelegant sit-down dinner or areception that will have yourguests dancing the night away,Lake Terrace has you covered.The most popular receptionroom opens up to a 41,000square-foot lake-front terraceand private courtyard. Ourmenu options offer somethingfor every taste and budget,including sit-down dinners,food stations and champagnetoasts. Enhancements andbeverage services can beadded to packages for a littleextra personalization.

The intimateatmosphere of ourgo-to ceremonyroom is perfectfor large andsmall weddings.Packages includechandeliers,staging, specialtylighting, draperyand simple

audio setup. Our eventprofessionals will work closelywith the bride and groom tocreate and execute every detailto perfection.

Make your dream weddinga reality at Lake TerraceConvention Center bycontacting our sales office at601.268.3220. Leave theworries to us so you can focuson celebrating this special timewith family and friends.

@ 6H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

[ Lake Terrace ]

For more information on the LakeTerrace Convention Center, call

601.268.3220 or visit LakeTerrace.com.

New Wedding Packages @ LTCCExpert planning foryour wedding

Through the violent wind andtorrential rain of the F-4 Tornadothat blew through the Pine Belton February 10, 2013, an iconiclandmark and pillar of history inthe heart of DowntownHattiesburg stood strong. Thebeloved African AmericanMilitary History Museum inDowntown Hattiesburg sufferedsignificant damage as a resultof the tornado, but hope wasnot lost and history was noterased. Now, a full year later,the African American MilitaryHistory Museum has reopenedits doors as a stronger-than-evertribute to the endurance of itsheritage – the history and legacyof the African American soldier.

On February 6, 2014, theAfrican American MilitaryHistory Museum celebrated itsreopening in conjunction withthe Museum’s Black HistoryMonth Kick-off program. Theevent drew guests from all overthe Pine Belt as living WorldWar II veterans were honoredwith certificates of appreciationfor their military service. Also

during the ceremony,

the Museum unveiled a seriesof never-before-seenphotographs of the USOClub building, courtesy of theMississippi Armed ForcesMuseum at Camp Shelby.

Black History Month continuedwith the opening of a specialexhibit from the MississippiDepartment of Archives andHistory entitled, This is Home:Medgar Evers, Mississippi andthe Movement, detailing Evers’passionate life and continuedfight for justice. Medgar Evers,a native of Decatur, Miss. wasdrafted into the U.S. Armyduring WWII. Upon his returnfrom combat, he was catapultedinto the Civil Rights Movement,and on June 12, 1963, wasassassinated in front of hishome in Jackson.

The Museum also hosted a“Meet and Greet” with PFCJames Jones. Jones, a native ofLaurel, spoke to guests aboutthe trials he faced while servingin the 761st “Black Panthers”Tank Battalion. As a result ofthe Battalion’s heroism, then-President Jimmy Carterawarded the Battalion with thePresidential Unit Citation forExtraordinary Heroism. DuringPFC Jones’ presentation, theAfrican American Military

History Museum presented761st, a documentary on theinfamous unit.

To conclude theMuseum’s BlackHistory Monthactivities, an OpenForum titled, “RememberMedgar Evers and ClydeKennard” was held on Saturday,February 22. Led and moderatedby those who knew the menpersonally, including Sgt. MajorRalph Lindsey and Lt. Col.Raylawni Branch, a rich discussionon their lives and legacieshonored their mission for peaceand justice.

On May 23 at 2 pm, the AfricanAmerican Military HistoryMuseum will celebrate MemorialDay, as well as its fifth anniversary.The event will honor the sonsof the Museum’s Gold StarMothers with a special tributeand an exhibit focusing on thethree soldiers. The newestartifact to the Museum, a WWIIswitchboard, will also be unveiled.

The African American MilitaryHistory Museum is now openwith free admission eachWednesday through Fridayfrom 10 am to 4 pm andSaturday from 12 noon to 4pm. To schedule a tour or tolearn more about the Museum,visit HattiesburgUSO.com orcall 601.450.1942.

@

The African American Military HistoryMuseum is located at 305 E. 6th Street.For more information, call 601.450.1942

or visit HattiesburgUSO.com.

Museum reopenedits doors inFebruary 2014

African American Military HistoryMuseum Returns to Service

[ Historic 6th Street USO ]

F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t3

@[ Historic Saenger Theater ]

Fancy Nancy Comes to Lifeon the Saenger Stage

Beloved storybook characterFancy Nancy will be bringingher one-of-a-kind flair to theHistoric Saenger Stage withFancy Nancy the Musical onSaturday, April 19.

Fancy Nancy and her friends,Bree, Wanda, Rhonda andLionel are going to beperforming in their very firstshow, “Deep Sea Dances.”Nancy is positive (that’s fancyfor 100% sure) that she andBree will be named mermaidsin the show. However, whenanother girl gets picked for

the coveted role, Nancy isstuck playing a dreary, dull tree.A hilarious and exciting plotunfolds as Nancy tries to findthe “fancy” in this unfortunatesituation.

“The Saenger Theater is soexcited to present FancyNancy,” said Daniel Taylor,Saenger Theater Manager.“This upbeat and crowd-pleasing production will helpcreate unforgettable memoriesfor families.”

With two showtimes at 11 amand 3 pm, Fancy Nancy theMusical, is sure to entertainaudiences of all ages! Ticketsare $17 to $35 (plus applicablefees) and may be purchased bycalling the Saenger Box Officeat 601.584.4888 or visitingHattiesburgSaenger.com.

Beloved FancyNancy comes toHattiesburg

For more information on this event orfor a complete listing of events, visitHattiesburgSaenger.com or call the

Box Office at 601.584.4888.

4H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

5F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t

@[ Historic Saenger Theater ]

Fancy Nancy Comes to Lifeon the Saenger Stage

Beloved storybook characterFancy Nancy will be bringingher one-of-a-kind flair to theHistoric Saenger Stage withFancy Nancy the Musical onSaturday, April 19.

Fancy Nancy and her friends,Bree, Wanda, Rhonda andLionel are going to beperforming in their very firstshow, “Deep Sea Dances.”Nancy is positive (that’s fancyfor 100% sure) that she andBree will be named mermaidsin the show. However, whenanother girl gets picked for

the coveted role, Nancy isstuck playing a dreary, dull tree.A hilarious and exciting plotunfolds as Nancy tries to findthe “fancy” in this unfortunatesituation.

“The Saenger Theater is soexcited to present FancyNancy,” said Daniel Taylor,Saenger Theater Manager.“This upbeat and crowd-pleasing production will helpcreate unforgettable memoriesfor families.”

With two showtimes at 11 amand 3 pm, Fancy Nancy theMusical, is sure to entertainaudiences of all ages! Ticketsare $17 to $35 (plus applicablefees) and may be purchased bycalling the Saenger Box Officeat 601.584.4888 or visitingHattiesburgSaenger.com.

Beloved FancyNancy comes toHattiesburg

For more information on this event orfor a complete listing of events, visitHattiesburgSaenger.com or call the

Box Office at 601.584.4888.

4H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

5F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t

A wedding is a celebration youwill always want to remember,even long after the last toast isgiven and the final bubble isblown. From the ceremony tothe reception, Lake TerraceConvention Center can helpcreate lasting memories for acouple and their guests.

Our new wedding packagesmake planning your big dayeasy and fun. Whether small orlarge, formal or informal, day ornight, the seasoned staff atLake Terrace can make yourevent unforgettable.

Booking your wedding atLake Terrace makes theplanning easy, with packagesthat include reception room,ceremony room, personalevent coordination, audio-visual

equipment, specialtydécor and a uniquemenu created byExecutive Chef,Carmen Hardy-Ford.Bringing togetherall of its tried-and-true methods, theConventionCenter is excitedto offer these newcomprehensivepackages thatfeature its best optionswhile taking all of the legworkoff of you.

Whether you’re looking for anelegant sit-down dinner or areception that will have yourguests dancing the night away,Lake Terrace has you covered.The most popular receptionroom opens up to a 41,000square-foot lake-front terraceand private courtyard. Ourmenu options offer somethingfor every taste and budget,including sit-down dinners,food stations and champagnetoasts. Enhancements andbeverage services can beadded to packages for a littleextra personalization.

The intimateatmosphere of ourgo-to ceremonyroom is perfectfor large andsmall weddings.Packages includechandeliers,staging, specialtylighting, draperyand simple

audio setup. Our eventprofessionals will work closelywith the bride and groom tocreate and execute every detailto perfection.

Make your dream weddinga reality at Lake TerraceConvention Center bycontacting our sales office at601.268.3220. Leave theworries to us so you can focuson celebrating this special timewith family and friends.

@ 6H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

[ Lake Terrace ]

For more information on the LakeTerrace Convention Center, call

601.268.3220 or visit LakeTerrace.com.

New Wedding Packages @ LTCCExpert planning foryour wedding

Through the violent wind andtorrential rain of the F-4 Tornadothat blew through the Pine Belton February 10, 2013, an iconiclandmark and pillar of history inthe heart of DowntownHattiesburg stood strong. Thebeloved African AmericanMilitary History Museum inDowntown Hattiesburg sufferedsignificant damage as a resultof the tornado, but hope wasnot lost and history was noterased. Now, a full year later,the African American MilitaryHistory Museum has reopenedits doors as a stronger-than-evertribute to the endurance of itsheritage – the history and legacyof the African American soldier.

On February 6, 2014, theAfrican American MilitaryHistory Museum celebrated itsreopening in conjunction withthe Museum’s Black HistoryMonth Kick-off program. Theevent drew guests from all overthe Pine Belt as living WorldWar II veterans were honoredwith certificates of appreciationfor their military service. Also

during the ceremony,

the Museum unveiled a seriesof never-before-seenphotographs of the USOClub building, courtesy of theMississippi Armed ForcesMuseum at Camp Shelby.

Black History Month continuedwith the opening of a specialexhibit from the MississippiDepartment of Archives andHistory entitled, This is Home:Medgar Evers, Mississippi andthe Movement, detailing Evers’passionate life and continuedfight for justice. Medgar Evers,a native of Decatur, Miss. wasdrafted into the U.S. Armyduring WWII. Upon his returnfrom combat, he was catapultedinto the Civil Rights Movement,and on June 12, 1963, wasassassinated in front of hishome in Jackson.

The Museum also hosted a“Meet and Greet” with PFCJames Jones. Jones, a native ofLaurel, spoke to guests aboutthe trials he faced while servingin the 761st “Black Panthers”Tank Battalion. As a result ofthe Battalion’s heroism, then-President Jimmy Carterawarded the Battalion with thePresidential Unit Citation forExtraordinary Heroism. DuringPFC Jones’ presentation, theAfrican American Military

History Museum presented761st, a documentary on theinfamous unit.

To conclude theMuseum’s BlackHistory Monthactivities, an OpenForum titled, “RememberMedgar Evers and ClydeKennard” was held on Saturday,February 22. Led and moderatedby those who knew the menpersonally, including Sgt. MajorRalph Lindsey and Lt. Col.Raylawni Branch, a rich discussionon their lives and legacieshonored their mission for peaceand justice.

On May 23 at 2 pm, the AfricanAmerican Military HistoryMuseum will celebrate MemorialDay, as well as its fifth anniversary.The event will honor the sonsof the Museum’s Gold StarMothers with a special tributeand an exhibit focusing on thethree soldiers. The newestartifact to the Museum, a WWIIswitchboard, will also be unveiled.

The African American MilitaryHistory Museum is now openwith free admission eachWednesday through Fridayfrom 10 am to 4 pm andSaturday from 12 noon to 4pm. To schedule a tour or tolearn more about the Museum,visit HattiesburgUSO.com orcall 601.450.1942.

@

The African American Military HistoryMuseum is located at 305 E. 6th Street.For more information, call 601.450.1942

or visit HattiesburgUSO.com.

Museum reopenedits doors inFebruary 2014

African American Military HistoryMuseum Returns to Service

[ Historic 6th Street USO ]

F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t3

H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n2

7

is the official newsletter of the HattiesburgConvention Commission.

To update your contact information or to sharecomments, please contact us at:

One Convention Center PlazaHattiesburg, MS 39401

601.268.3220

HattiesburgConventionCommission.com

ServiceYourHattiesburg Convention Commission

Andy StetelmanChair

Charles J. BrownSecretary/Treasurer

Bud KirkpatrickCommissioner

Charlie V. JonesCommissioner

Lewis MyrickVice-Chair

Clyde BryantCommissioner

Dr. Aubrey LucasCommissioner

Richard TaylorExecutive Director

F i r s t - C l a s s F a c i l i t y M a n a g e m e n t

@

[ Event Calendar ]

This is a sample of events. For more informationon events at any of the Hattiesburg ConventionCommission facilities, call 601.268.3220.

Upcoming

theSaengerAPRIL11-12 Stagestruck Performance Studio presents Seussical Jr.19 Fancy Nancy, The Musical

MAY8-11 HCLO presents Les Misérables15 Forrest General Hospital Spirit of Women presents

Funniest Housewives of Orange County30 Rick & Bubba 20th Anniversary Tour

APRIL11 USM presents Showbiz Showstoppers!

at Lake Terrace14 Passions of the Palate at Lake Terrace17 Spirit of Women Spring Luncheon

at Lake Terrace

MAY1 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

at Lake Terrace18 TNA Wrestling at Lake Terrace24 Birthday Bash at Hattiesburg Zoo

This is a sample of events. For a current andcomplete list of events at the Saenger, log ontoHattiesburgSaenger.com or call 601.584.4888.

“The Asbury Discovery Center will bring a newlevel of interactive learning to the children ofHattiesburg and the Zoo’s visitors of all ages,”said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the HattiesburgConvention Commission. “The Hattiesburg Zoois a source of pride in our community and theDiscovery Center will be a living classroom thatpromotes learning through fun.”

In July 2013, the Hattiesburg ConventionCommission announced that the Zoo wouldreceive a $277,000 grant from the AsburyFoundation for use toward this new educationfacility. The unique interior of the 2,200 square-foot facility is a collaboration between theHattiesburg Zoo and California design firm,“Because We Can.” The steampunk-inspiredbuilding will offer a one-of-a-kind educationalexperience for guests of the Zoo, featuringviewable housing for many of the Zoo’s never-before-displayed education animals, a newhome for the Zoo’s Galapagos Tortoises,viewable offices and laboratories for zookeepers

and a venue for zoo classes,camps, special events and

even corporate meetings.

This year’s Birthday Bashwill provide fun andexcitement for the whole

family. Starting at 10 am,Animal Encounters will be

held near the Eagle Habitatand in front of the Asbury

Discovery Center. The first

public unveiling ofthe much-anticipatedAsbury Discovery Centerwill occur at 11 am andguests will be invited totake guided tours of thenew facility throughout theremainder of the day.

The headline birthday celebrationwill take place at noon when guests willcelebrate 64 years of Zoo fun by singing“Happy Birthday” and enjoying complimentarycupcakes. The headline celebration will alsofeature an Explorer-Themed Animal Show. Thecuriously-good fun will continue throughout theday with mini-celebrations every hour on thehour, rotating among the Zoo’s four continentswhich include South America, Africa, Asia andNorth America’s Mississippi Habitat. For a fullschedule of events, visit HattiesburgZoo.com.

Admission to the Birthday Bash is $10 perperson and includes hourly celebrations, AnimalEncounters, Wildlife Shows, unlimited train andcarousel rides, birthday treats and so much more.

The Asbury Discovery Center is not the only newaddition to the Hattiesburg Zoo. The Zoo kickedoff 2014 with the welcoming of many new animalsto the Zoo family, including a second goldeneagle, Talon, and two Sumatran tiger brothers,Cinta and Kuasa. Visit all of our new additionsand enjoy a truly new adventure at theHattiesburg Zoo!

Ticketed Events

[ Cover Story ]< continued from cover >

The Hattiesburg Zoo is now open from 10 amto 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday. For information

on tickets, Annual Passes and Zoo programs,call 601.545.4576, or visit HattiesburgZoo.com.

@One

Co

nven

tion

Cen

ter

Plaz

aH

attie

sbur

g, M

S 39

401

601.

268.

3220

In this issue -• AAMHM• Fancy Nancy• Funniest

Housewives• New Wedding

Packages• Event Calendar

Servic

eYou

r

ServiceYour@H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

Pres

ort S

tand

ard

U.S

. Pos

tage

PAID

Hat

tiesb

urg,

MS

Perm

it #2

19

Hattiesburg’s favorite outdoor attractionis geared up to celebrate 64 yearsthis year with exciting announcementsand events for the whole family.

“Discover a Revolution” on May 24,as the Hattiesburg Zoo celebrates itsannual Birthday Bash from 10 am to 4pm. Opening its doors to the publicfor the first time, the Asbury

Discovery Center will be the center ofthe day’s curiously-themed eventsand activities.

Taking cues from the science fictionera which celebrates the early 20thcentury age of discovery and innovationin a futuristic whimsical style, theAsbury Discovery Center isguaranteed to offer Zoo guests anexperience unlike any existingeducation or outdoor attraction inthe area.

Discover a Revolution at theHattiesburg Zoo! Celebrating 64 yearsof Zoo fun

continued on page 2 >

Spring • 2014