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Bay St. Louis, Miss. May 22, 2023 – The Hancock County Community Development Foundation is proud to announce the unveiling of a Bay St. Louis Heritage Memorial Star honoring the late Jerry Dixon, a beloved local artist and community leader. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 26th, at 12 noon at 126 Main Street – the site of what was Dixon’s beloved art gallery, Serenity Gallery. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony.

Jerry Dixon was a cherished member of the community and left an indelible mark on Bay St. Louis through his legendary hospitality and kindness. Dixon had many nicknames, including the “Godfather of Main Street,” the “Mayor of Main,” and the “Father of the Arts.” He co-founded 2nd Saturday with friends and fellow gallery owners Keith Karlson and Tony Eccles – an event which continues to draw a crowd to Old Town Bay St. Louis to this day. He became known as the ultimate promoter and new resident recruiter all because he shared his love for the community and his vision of what it could be. His motto, “Something wonderful is always happening…” lives on through his spirit and through Serenity’s sign, which now hangs on the side of the Mockingbird Cafe on 2nd Street.

The Bay St. Louis Heritage Memorial Star will serve as a lasting tribute to Jerry Dixon’s artistic legacy and his immense contributions to the community. It symbolizes his unwavering passion for art and his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage that makes Bay St. Louis so special.

The Jerry Dixon Star will be the 9th dedicated as part of the Bay St. Louis Heritage Trust, a program of the Hancock County Community Development Foundation. Memorial Stars are placed around Bay St. Louis to honor those who have made lasting contributions to the community. For more information about the Bay St. Louis Heritage Trust, please contact the Hancock County Community Development Foundation at (228) 467-9048 or visit http://hancockchamber.org/foundation. 

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The Hancock Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization made up of businesses throughout the Mississippi Coast to promote the social, civic, and economic well-being of Hancock County.  The Hancock County Community Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that serves as a funding conduit for projects with a board community focus to support job creation, small business growth and workforce development.

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