Media Release
For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tish Williams
Hancock Chamber
tish@hancockchamber.org

On Saturday, May 15th, a remarkable transformation will turn a plain parking lot in Old Town Bay St. Louis into a bustling food court for Bay BridgeFest 2010.  The Silver Slipper “Bay Café,” plans to tempt hungry festival-goers
with an outstanding selection of Coastal cuisine from 17 Hancock County area restaurants.

The Silver Slipper Bay Café will be located across from the Main Stage at Second Street and Main Street,
featuring a large tented area with bistro style seating and tables.  The concept was established last year when Hancock Chamber leaders and John Ferrucci, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of the Silver Slipper Casino got together during a brainstorming session to create a significant attraction for the festival that would
help local businesses.

“The Silver Slipper is sponsoring Bay Café booth spaces for the first 15 Chamber member restaurants that
signed up for the Food Court,”  Ferrucci said.

Ferrucci continued, “At the Silver Slipper, food is very important to us, so we wanted our role in BridgeFest to
revolve around it as well.  We believe that working with the Hancock Chamber to showcase the things that make Hancock County so special will help attract people from outside the area, boosting the economy.” 

Food offerings at the Silver Slipper Bay Café will range from traditional favorites like boiled seafood, BBQ and hamburgers to more creative dishes such as crawfish and meat pies.  Participating restaurants hail from all
areas of the county, including Lakeshore, Diamondhead, Waveland and Bay St. Louis. 

Beverly Fontenot and her husband Frank are owners of Benigno’s Restaurant in Bay St. Lous, an eatery they bought in 1994 and has established itself as an Old Town favorite.  Beverly expressed excitement at playing a
part in the Bay Café, where they’ll be serving up muffalettas and roast beef po-boys.

“The kind offer of the Silver Slipper got us to participate in BridgeFest for the first time last year,” she said,  “But we’re returning this year because it was such a great experience.  People were so appreciative of the food, we
had smiles on our faces all day long.”

Todd Gress, owner of Schaeffer’s Grocery in Lakeshore, will be offering alligator sausage on a stick and chicken tenders at the Bay Café.

“This will be our first year to be involved in BridgeFest,” Gress said.  “We’re new Chamber members and this
event gives us an opportunity to be more involved in the community.  BridgeFest showcases our
local businesses, talents and artists -  celebrating our unique culture and attracting new people to the area.”

The 4th Annual Bay BridgeFest will also feature a 5K Run & ArtWalk across the Leo W. Seal, Jr. Bay Bridge with registration at 7am, Pass side, and the race at 8am.  Walkers will follow runners.  During the main event in Old Town, there will be a children’s interactive art and performance area sponsored by Kreative Kids and MAP
(Music, Arts & Practicality), live music on three other stages sponsored by Hollywood Casino, www.yourocket.com, and The Arts, Hancock County.  There will be old fashioned politicking on the steps of the historic courthouse
from 11am-1pm, a showcase of area businesses and an ArtsAlive! Showcase -  plus a special “Salute to the Military”, Habitat for Humanity Build, and Hancock Medical Center Health Fair.  

The main event runs from 10am – 8pm in Old Town Bay St. Louis, concluding with headliner entertainment,
Bag of Donuts, from 5-8pm on the Hollywood Casino Main Stage.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Silver Slipper,” Ferrucci said.  “I’m planning for our sponsorship of the
Bay Café to be the Silver Slipper’s annual contribution to support BridgeFest.  We want to make
Hancock County better for everyone.”