In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew interviews Billy Lehman and Alicia Chambless about their roles in organizing events for the city of Gulfport. Billy, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services, and Alicia, the Special Events Coordinator, share their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the history and growth of the Harbor Lights Festival, a massive Christmas light display in Gulfport's Jones Park. The event has grown significantly since it started in 2015, featuring over 2 million lights, Santa's Village, and various food vendors. They talk about the planning process, which begins more than a year in advance, and how they manage the logistics. They also mention new additions and highlights for the upcoming season. Both Billy and Alicia express their passion and commitment to making Harbor Lights a beloved holiday tradition despite the challenges. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the possible future additions, like an ice skating rink and a dedicated train track, to make the event even better.

What You'll Learn:

1. The rich history and evolution of Gulfport's Harbor Lights.

2. Behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of this massive event.

3. The challenges and triumphs of creating a spectacular light display with over 2 million lights.

4. Sneak peeks into new attractions and what to expect in the upcoming 2024 season.

5. How the community comes together to make Harbor Lights a magical experience for visitors from all over the country.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

Continuous Improvement and Planning: The team begins planning for the next year's Harbor Lights Festival almost as soon as the current one begins, ensuring constant innovation and improvement.

Community and Family Involvement: Both Billy and Alicia emphasize the importance of community and family in their work, showcasing how they balance event responsibilities with personal time.

Future Aspirations: Exciting plans are on the horizon for Harbor Lights, including potential additions like an ice skating rink and dedicated train tracks, highlighting the team's forward-thinking mindset.

In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kristen Garriga, executive director of the Gulfport Main Street Association. Kristen shares her journey from volunteering to help businesses with social media during COVID to establishing her own LLC and taking a vital role in revitalizing downtown Gulfport. We learn about her work with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and her efforts in real estate marketing. Kristen discusses organizing events like ViewThe Coast, Gunbo Fest, and the upcoming concert series. She also highlights challenges like vacant properties and high insurance costs and outlines plans for more retail, residential spaces, and essential services downtown. Andrew praises Kristen's passion and her vision to transform Gulfport.

For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Revitalization Efforts and Collaboration: Kristen Garriga has been actively revitalizing downtown Gulfport by working closely with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and city officials. Through events like the "Commercial Possibilities Tour" and community engagement, world-class entertainment to transform downtown Gulfport into a vibrant, attractive area for both locals and tourists. A crucial aspect of this effort involves addressing perceived disconnects among businesses and fostering a collaborative environment.

2. Prominent Events and Community Engagement: Gulfport Main Street Association, under KrisKristen'sdership, hosts several major annual events designed to attract visitors and bolster the community spirit. Events like View The Coast, Gumbo Fest and Gulfport Harbor Lights draw significant crowds and offer opportunities for local vendors and entertainers. These events are not only about entertainment but are also strategic moves to promote and support downtown businesses.

3. Planning and Development Initiatives: Kristen has taken tangible steps to attract investment and development in downtown Gulfport, such as organizing tours for potential investors and consulting with real estate experts. These initiatives have already led to several new properties going under contract. Additionally, she is keen on adding essential services like grocery stores and residential options to make downtown a more complete living area. Plans for future activities, like a spring and summer concert series, are in the works to sustain momentum and community involvement, regardless of grant outcomes.

Episode Highlights


Kristen's journey: From assistant to real estate marketing expert.

The birth of Kristen's LLC during COVID-19 and her social media initiatives.

Involvement with Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Insights into the real estate market and virtual tours boom.

Key projects: Market analysis and the commercial possibilities tour.

The role of Gulfport Main Street Association in community events and downtown renewal.

Future plans: Boutique hotels, new retail spaces, and essential services.

Engaging community support and fostering a vibrant downtown atmosphere.

Exciting upcoming events: "Arts and Antiques in the Alley," "View the Cruise," "Gumbo Fest," and "Mistletoe and Main Street."

In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kiowa Walley, a seasoned hair colorist, landscaper, and Halloween enthusiast. Kiowa shares his love for gardening, growing tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons, and discusses the changing nature of outdoor activities across generations. He talks about running a landscaping business, stressing planning and relationships. Kiowa, who started in the landscaping field about ten years ago, also recounts organizing "WalleyWeen," a neighborhood Halloween tradition supporting local charities. He explains how the event evolved, involving themed rooms and volunteers. Finally, they touch on Kiowa's reputable career in hairdressing and his inspiration from lifelong gardening experiences. Enjoy the show!

Episode Highlights

1. Gardening and Outdoor Life: Kiowa shares his love for gardening, discussing the basic crops he grows, such as tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons. He reflects on his childhood, mainly spent outdoors, and how these experiences fostered his enduring connection to nature. Host Andrew Allen contrasts past generations who spent more time outside and today's tech-savvy kids.

2. Insights into Landscaping: With over ten years of experience in landscaping, Kiowa provides invaluable insights into the constant planning and adjustments necessary for running a successful landscaping business. Kiowa's expertise shines through, from precise grading and leveling to building strong local supplier relationships.

3. The Magic of WalleyWeen: Learn about the origins and evolution of "Wally Ween," an immersive Halloween event that started in Kiowa's backyard twelve years ago. The event has grown thanks to the community's support and collaborators like Alina Goldin and the Enrichment Center. Discover the intricate setups and themes like funeral parlors, morgues, and circuses that make Wally Ween a must-visit event every October.

4. Community and Charity: "Wally Ween" isn't just about thrills and chills—it's also a charitable event. Kiowa discusses how proceeds benefit organizations like the Anna Maria G. Sookman Foundation and "The Den," which support children with various activities.

5. Balancing Passions: Kiowa talks about balancing his dual careers in hairdressing and landscaping, revealing how he manages his time and maintains his creative edge in both fields. From his acclaimed work as a colorist to the meticulous details in his landscaping projects, Kiowa's dedication is truly inspiring.