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Phone campers pleased, area benefits from rally
BY ELLIS CUEVAS
i It is estimated some $400,000 was spent in the area i by members of the Telephone Family Pioneer Campers International Rally held at Buccaneer State Park last week.
Jay Lagasse, representative of the Gulf Coast Council of the ' Telephone Pioneers reports the rally held at Buccaneer was a huge success and well received by members of the international organization.
?The cooporation of the officials of the county and cities, chamber, NationaKJuard, civic organizations, businesses, RSVP, park, and interested citizens, all helped make this one of the most successful rallies ever held by the Telephone Pioneer Family Campers,? Lagasse reported.
Since the rally, the Pioneers plan on having their monthly meeting at Buccaneer Park,
instead of in North Mississippi, Lagasse said.
?The cooperative efforts of so many folks helped make the rally run smoothly from beginning to end, and this included all of the extra events,? Lagasse said.
There were 426 camping units registered at Buccaneer and six families lodged at local motels, for a total of some 1,103 people.
The tours of New Orleans included 419 campers, while 43 golfers participated in a Pass Christian tournament.
The dinner and dance held at the Hancock County Civic Center had 712 people in attendance. Foods were provided by a local caterer.
The campers in turn visited many of the local food establishments during their stay which in some instances was over one week at the Waveland park.
The catfish dinner at Bucca-
neer had 796 campers in attendance while the red beans and rice dinner sponsored by the Chamber with the help of several local food outlets, served 775 plates.
The ?July-Mardi Gras/St. Patrick?s? parade sponsored by the Waveland Civic Association was a big success, Lagasse said.
Lagasse said, ?Many of campers reported to him that they would be returning to Buccaneer Park because of the ?good old? Southern hospitality shown them while here at the rally.? "
Homer Hall, wagonmaster'* for the rally, on Saturday reported his organization estimates members spent over $400,000 during the stay with the majority being in the Hancock County area.
Hall reports he is looking forward to his next visit to the park.