City of Gulfport celebrates Amtrak’s return to the Coast

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Amtrak Mardi Gras service kicked off its new coastal route with block parties at each of its South Mississippi stops Saturday.

It’s not Mardi Gras, but it definitely looked like it on Saturday morning. Hundreds of people came out dressed in purple, green, and gold to celebrate the return of the passenger train here on the Coast.

The Gulfport High School marching band and West Harrison High School cheer team put on shows while attendees ate beignets and king cake as the Amtrak made its arrival.

Senator Roger Wicker was one of the notable figures aboard the train. He says the return of Amtrak on the Coast is a good sign for South Mississippi’s growth.