Diamondhead hosts 14th annual Blessing of the Classics

DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WXXV) — Cruisers made their way out to Diamondhead on Wednesday for the 14th annual Blessing of the Classics parade.

Live music, good food, classic cars, and of course, many blessings. It is a fun day for Cruisin’ The Coast in Diamondhead. In a true Diamondhead tradition, pastors and preachers came together to pray over the classic cars—and the people behind the wheel—for a safe and blessed week of cruising.

“I think that we all need Jesus, and it’s just an opportunity to share the love of Christ, and to be able to pray over the people in their cars,” said Josh Fisher, Associate Pastor of Jacob’s Well Baptist Church.

“Well, it brings a lot of people who might have never been into Diamondhead. It’s exciting for the people of Diamondhead. It’s something that happens here that perhaps they might not get to see some place else,” said Pastor Harold Manning or Saucier United Methodist Church.

Hundreds of cars lined up and made their way across the city, showing off their classic rides while coming together for a special moment of prayer.

“It’s lovely to see people coming from all over the United States, having a good time. But also, they’re very sincere about coming for a blessing, and asking God to bless their automobile, and bless them,” said Pastor Paddy Mockler of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

According to these pastors, not only are the drivers needing blessings but so are the classic cars, because keeping a piece of history on the road takes a little extra help from above.

“Some of them… the engines are old, and they need some re-work. So, hey, you know, they need everything they can get,” said Deacon Rod Fonseca of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

We also caught up with Mayor Anna Liese, who says the Blessing of the Classics has become a cherished Diamondhead tradition — one the city is proud to welcome back year after year.

“It’s just one of those annual events we just look forward to every year, and it’s such a great opportunity to bring visitors to Diamondhead,” said Liese. “We get people from all over the country, and I can’t think of another event that brings such a varied crowd into the city, and we love to see all the people.”

And when the parade ends, the celebration continues. Cruisers gathered at Diamondhead City Hall for a block party with live music, food trucks, and plenty of classic cars taking the spotlight.