Cruisin’ The Coast Flame Throwing Competition draws large crowds

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — An annual Cruisin’ The Coast crowd favorite took over Biloxi Tuesday night, as hundreds gathered at the IP Casino Resort for the flame throwing competition.

“Oh man. Just the excitement. Feeling everything from the crowd, but the energy these guys put into the evening, I mean the flames… who couldn’t like this? It’s amazing,” said Mike Allard from Houston, Texas.

Hundreds gathered hours before the competition began to secure the best spots, soak up the community atmosphere, and eagerly await the show. For some, it’s a yearly tradition. For others, its their very first time experiencing the excitement.

Gracelyn Farve: “I go like every year.”
Reporter: “What makes it so fun for you?”
Farve: “Probably seeing the flames go up high, and how cool they look.”

“This is my first year I get to see it, but I live on the Gulf Coast and I’ve been here for 30 years for every one of them. I’ve never seen one,” said Eddie Besancon. “Very exciting. It’s really great. Just great to be here, and I’m enjoying all the people. God bless all of us.”

And though this competition draws a large crowd, this year was a bit different. Only one participant registered to compete. He put on a show and took home every trophy and cash prize.

This marks the first year the event has seen only one entry, but organizers believe the change in venue may have played a role in the lack of competition this year. Either way, the crowds didn’t seem to mind.