On Monday, April 25, 2016 Mayor Robert Craft proclaimed the first Saturday in June and the same annually hereafter to be “A Sunny Day” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Miss Sunny and her impact on tourism in Alabama.
Miss Sunny was introduced in 1966 in several advertisement billboards and signs for the Tourism Association. A large sign with her image fronted highway 59 at the location of the first tourism building in the state of Alabama. Today this building is known as the City Store.
“In 1972 Miss Sunny became a real life ambassador for Gulf Shores,” explained Brigette Reynolds, Programs and Events Manager. “Her duties included the ribbon cutting of the ICW Bridge, planting sea oats on the beach, and shaking hands and greeting guests at the Shrimp Festival.”
To celebrate Miss Sunny and her impact on tourism the Gulf Shores Museum unveiled a Miss Sunny exhibit on June 4, 2016. In addition, The City Store rolled out a retro campaign with select merchandise featuring the iconic character.
Click here to view photos from the exhibit unveiling.