Cruisin’ the Coast kicked off Sunday

It is that time of year again! Cruisin’ the Coast is finally here.

Cars and visitors from all over the country traveled to Gulfport for the first day of Cruisin’ the Coast. The community gathered at Centennial Plaza for the kickoff event, View the Cruise, to catch a glimpse of rare and unique automobiles that will be cruising along the Gulf Coast all week long.

Angela Palermo and Doug Bedeaux are the proud owners of a 1931 Ford Coupe. They say it isn’t just a ‘retirement toy.’ It’s also a way to make new friends. “I told her I was buying me a car before I retire. I’m retiring. So, we can go to Cruisin’ the Coast and car shows.” “We’re meeting so many people and so many are all here to be with others and look at the beautiful vehicles.”

Car enthusiasts from around the world have been attending the annual car festival since it began in 1996. Cruisin’ the Coast is described as America’s Largest Block Party. When Eddie Anderson retired, he knew he needed a hobby. Restoring his 1965 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 convertible was a way for him to relax, but he says it took a lot of patience. “When I bought the car. I paid $10,000. It didn’t have a motor, transmission, it was ragged out and had holes in the floor. It was pink and the interior was black. The top was black. So, I redid the whole car within a matter of three years. So, it’s pretty much patience and time. It was a lot of work.”

Cruisin’ the Coast will hold festivities for the community to enjoy all week long. Cruisin’ is the biggest special event in the state of Mississippi and received the Governor’s Excellence in Tourism Award as the Festival of the Year. You can find a full list of Cruisin’ the Coast here.