Cruisin’ the Coast, Nationally Recognized Classic Car Event Rolls Back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 10th Year
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST – Get ready for a classic blast at the 10th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast, a nationally recognized classic car event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast featuring an entire week of drag races, top-name ’50s & ’60s entertainment, automotive displays, casino activities and special events, Oct. 2-9, 2005.
From the first Cruisin’ the Coast event in 1996, this week long festival has grown from only 374 registered classic cars to more than 5,300, making it among the top classic car shows in the country with participants from 37 states and Canada. The festival generates more than 100,000 attendees and an estimated economic impact close to $20 million.
“In 10 years, Cruisin’ the Coast has matured into a festival that draws the best of the best antique and show cars,” said Gene Oswalt, executive director of Cruisin’ the Coast. “The event continues to grow each year, and we see more and more spectators and car enthusiasts as well as cars and drivers.”
Touting itself as the “world’s longest block party with non-stop bop,” Cruisin’ the Coast features military cruise-ins at the Gulfport and Biloxi Veteran’s hospitals, a sock hop with dance and costume contests, and the Vicari Motorsports Auto Auction, which sold more than $1 million in antique cars last year.
Entertainment at the Coast’s longest block party will include performances by headline entertainers from the ‘50s and ‘60s. “Cruisers” can also meet Dennis Gage, host of “My Classic Car.” For entertainment updates, check the calendar of events on www.gulfcoast.org or the official Cruisin’ website at www.cruisinthecoast.com.
“Cruisin’ the Coast is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to really get into the action. They can showcase their custom vehicle, view thousands of antique, classic and hot rod vehicles along 26 miles of scenic coastal beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention party with top entertainment that defined a generation,” said Stephen Richer, executive director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With designated cruising stops in Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Gulfport, D’Iberville, Biloxi, Waveland, and Ocean Springs, this is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy our Coastwide hospitality.”
Cruisin’ the Coast has received numerous awards including the Southeast Tourism Association’s Shining Example Award for Best Event, Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association, the AAA Southern Travel Treasure award, and Mississippi Governor’s Excellence in Tourism Award for “Festival of the Year.”
On-site auto registration begins a 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 at the Gulfport Rice Pavilion. For pre-registration information and more, please visit www.cruisinthecoast.org or call 888-808-1188. |
