Camp Shelby to celebrate its centennial year

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Camp Shelby will soon celebrate its 100th birthday.

Camp Shelby was created to train soldiers for World War I. Camp Shelby was also the largest training base during World War II.

Camp Shelby officials are encouraging people to come out and have fun, even if you are not a part of the military.

Camp Shelby Museum director, Chad Daniels said, "Most people that visit the museum and see what all has happened here since World War I are kind of amazed. We have tour guides now, so we're able to give you guided tours. But that experience lets people appreciate more about this thing that means a lot to the area."

Camp Shelby will have multiple events, including a black-tie gala, and a family day to help celebrate its big day.

"It's just a fun experience. I think more than anything to just let them know that they're welcome here and to kind of humanize the soldier aspect of what we do and how we served throughout our nation's history," said Camp Shelby’s Col., Greg Michel.

Camp Shelby's birthday is July 18, but the camp will celebrate its events a few days prior.

The "Centennial Salute" will be held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center Thursday, July 13. This will be a ticketed event. It is $60 per person, and military rates are $50 per person. Tickets include entertainment, dinner, and cocktails.

Camp Shelby will have its family-friendly festivities Saturday, July 15 at the museum, which is a free event and is open to the public.

You can purchase tickets online at the Lake Terrace Facebook Event page or in person at Camp Shelby’s Mississippi Armed Forces Museum.