SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - As the sun set on Cruisin’ the Coast 2025, cruisers flocked to Cruise Central in Gulfport for one last celebration before hitting the road.
With a new year came new changes, and those running the show say it was a success.
“It’s just really working out well for us, and I’m really excited about what we’ve accomplished this year, Cruisin’ the Coast Executive Director Woody Bailey said. We broke our records, and we’re heading on into our 30th anniversary next year. It’s pretty amazing. Cruisin’ the Coast is here for 30 years, so looking forward to that.”
The event shattered expectations, drawing 10,334 registered cruisers, with some experiencing the celebration for the first time.
“I have a four-year-old, and he is a car guy 100% through and through, so we decided to bring him down to see the cars, and we’ve gone down to the parades. He’s not over it yet, so I think we’ll be back to do it again,” Long Beach resident Lexi Nolen said.
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“You can’t see these anywhere else. Any American-made classic muscle car that you think is rare, they’re here,” Slidell, Louisiana native Jim Agar said.
For six straight years, the celebration has been voted the best car show in the U.S. After beginning in 1996 with only 374 vehicles, the event continues to grow, drawing in car enthusiasts from all over the country.
“This is a living, breathing event from state line to state line,” Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating said. “It’s unlike anything in the country. We’re very, very blessed to have this on an annual basis.”
“It’s like a block party. My family lives here, so we get together with them and friends I don’t see all the time. We just enjoy cruising up and down the Gulf Coast, I mean, it’s beautiful, the weather; you can’t ask for anything better,” Columbia, Mississippi native David Hammons said.
During the finale ceremonies, a nondenominational service was held before drawings were held for early bird cash winners, along with a donation from Cruisin’ the Coast to Make-A-Wish Mississippi for $39,000.
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The Cruisin’ the Coast Raffle Car was also unveiled for 2026: a 1967 Pontiac GTO.
As of now, 1,056 cruisers are registered for 2026. Next year’s 30th anniversary event is scheduled for October 4-11.
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