Cruisers enjoying the cars at Cruise Central in Gulfport

Those rolling in for Cruisin’ the Coast started their day at Centennial Plaza with food, music, fun, and a few classic cars sprinkled in for good measure.

Drivers came to Centennial Plaza to pick up registration packets but they stayed because even on day one the Cruisin’ the Coast atmosphere is in full effect.

Lining the road of Highway 90 were cruisers showing off their classic cars and spectators excited to see what this year’s cars will bring.

Cruiser Matt Maniscalco said, “It’s been wonderful that we come every year. We love sitting in the shade, beautiful weather today, the cars are unbelievable, just having a great time.”

Even though the cars are the stars of the show, Centennial Plaza had a little something for everyone including the seafood sampler of some of the best catches on the Coast.

Patrick Levine with Gulf Coast Mississippi Seafood said, “It’s such a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the phenomenal product we have on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We have so many people coming from throughout the country and literally from around the world that we can promote the phenomenal product we have.”

But at the end of the day, we’re here for the cars and day one didn’t disappoint.

From classic cars from the 1950s to more modern hot rods, there was plenty for car enthusiasts to enjoy. “This is a 1952 Pontiac tin woody. Big stereo, custom interior, and just rolls down the road listening to the Grateful Dead and cold air. This is probably my 23rd year. I’ve missed three Cruisin’ the Coast since it started. I have three boys, twins that are 19 and a 17-year-old. They all have a kick driving old cars and having fun. It’s a great time keeping the family together for some good clean fun.”

This is just the start of Cruisin’ the Coast. With fun events all week long be sure to check the Cruisin’ the Coast schedule by clicking here.