Cruisin’ the Coast Motorists Arriving this Weekend

By Keith Burton - GCN  10/4/08

The first wave of Cruisin’ the Coast visitors and their spectacular hotrods are expected to be tooling on area streets this weekend in anticipation of Sunday’s kickoff of the 10-day extravaganza.

Nearly 3,500 vehicles from across the country have registered, and more are expected during registration, according to organizers. Cruisin' headquarters is again at Jones Park in Gulfport. From there, cruisers will be traveling all around the Coast, visiting cities from Pascagoula to Waveland. Key events are in Long Beach, D'Iberville, Biloxi and Ocean Spring starting with their annual kickoff parade in Long Beach on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The Coast casinos and area motels and restaurants are also ready for the annual event. (GCN photo right - 2006 Cruisin')

Cruisin' the Coast is not only a big draw of hotrod enthusiasts, it is also a major draw for additional visitors to the Coast who want to be a part of one of the biggest automotive events in the country. While the Coast's main highway, U.S. 90 is still in rough shape from hurricane Katrina and its ongoing rebuilding, the Coast can handle the event. Only the immediate affects of Katrina in 2005 stopped Cruisin' the Coast. It was back for 2006 and 2007 in successful visits.

Biloxi Police Chief Bruce Dunagan, meantime, is advising motorists to avoid U.S. 90 if possible because of the expected increase in traffic. “We’re asking people to consider using Pass Road, Irish Hill or even I-10 unless they want to be a part of the Cruisin’ procession,” said Dunagan, a car aficionado himself. “We’re asking people to have fun, but be patient and obey traffic ordinances.”

The Cruisers will be in downtown Biloxi on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To see more about Biloxi's event, click here.