Final Preparations Underway for Cruisin’ the Coast

We are just three days out from America’s largest block party, Cruisin’ the Coast.
This year the anticipation is revving up for the 20th anniversary and as News 25’s Shelby Myers shows us preparations are nearing the finish line.
Twenty-two year Gulfport resident Harold Adair cranked up his leaf blower Thursday morning, doing his part to welcome the thousands of vintage and antique car lovers who will be rolling into town this weekend. “Those old cars are a part of me since I’m 81 now. It’s been part of me all my life. Being able to look back and see them now almost as good as they were then,” said Adair.
Just down the street, Realtor Michael James was putting some last minute touches on his family’s lot. “We’re just getting everything cleaned up, ready for the cruisers. We’re offering parking, camping, we’re going to be grilling out every day, drinks, just having a good time.”
Being the 20th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast, expectations are high and that means preparations are crucial to make sure everything runs smoothly. Gulfport Main Street Director Laurie Toups said, “We plan for this all year around, so we hope we’re ready. If we’re not ready by now, we should be.”
Toups tells News 25 other than a few last minute tune ups, the city is ready.
At Centennial Plaza, barricades are up and crews are busy installing lights and setting up shop. As Harrison County crews cleared out sand along Highway 90, making the ride smooth for cruisers, Adair couldn’t let the city out do him. He wanted his yard to look nice for cruisers as well. “Mowing the lawn, blowing the leaves and sprucing up the place. Want the visitors to see something nice.”
Cruisin’ festivities crank up Sunday at Hardy Court and in downtown Gulfport with View the Cruise, but from the sights and sounds along Highway 90, the welcome party is already well underway.