Pelican Pound Program Returns to Ocean Springs for Summer 2025
Shop Local, Spend Local, Support Local – May 27 through September 12
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS – May 26,2025 –The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce – Main Street – Tourism Bureau is proud to relaunch its signature Pelican Pound Program for summer 2025. This beloved buy-local initiative rewards locals and visitors alike for shopping, dining, and experiencing all that Ocean Springs has to offer — while supporting the small businesses that keep our community vibrant.
From May 27 through September 12, 2025, shoppers can use Pelican Pounds, $5 wooden nickels, at participating businesses throughout Ocean Springs. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, picking up a handmade gift, or exploring a local gallery, your Pelican Pound can help stretch your dollar and support hometown merchants at the same time.
“This program is all about community,” said Cynthia Sutton, President & CEO of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce – Main Street – Tourism Bureau. “It’s a fun and meaningful way to encourage people to shop small, dine local, and discover what makes Ocean Springs such a special destination.”
How It Works:
· Pelican Pounds are valued at $5 each.
· They are available for pick-up only at the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street/Visitors Center (1000 Washington Avenue) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
· The coins are accepted at participating local businesses — just look for the Pelican Pound window signs or visit www.oceanspringschamber.com for a full list.
· Coins must be spent by Sept 12, 2025. They will no longer be valid after that date.
The Pelican Pound Program also serves as a unique welcome gift for tour groups and conference visitors coordinated through the Chamber/Visitors Center office, offering them a taste of Ocean Springs’ charm and hospitality.
When you spend locally, more than half of every dollar stays in the community, creating jobs, funding public services, and investing in events and spaces that make Ocean Springs a great place to live and visit.
For more information, contact the Ocean Springs Chamber– Main Street – Tourism Bureau at 228.875.4424 or visit www.oceanspringschamber.com.
Media Contact:
Cynthia Sutton, President & CEO, cynthia@oceanspringschamber.com
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ABOUT OCEAN SPRINGS MAIN STREET
Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau is a three-tier, non-profit organization created in 1947 that promotes tourism, preservation, community vitality and local culture. In 1989, Ocean Springs became a national main street community. Today, the Ocean Springs Chamber– Main Street – Tourism Bureau located in the heart of downtown not only serves to promote and preserve, but also informs as the official town visitors center. Ocean Springs Main Street is a recipient of the 2013 Great American Main Street Award and voted as “One of America’s Most Charming Main Streets” for 2024.