GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisin’ the Coast marks its 30th anniversary this October with new events, expanded entertainment and a projected record number of vehicles along the South Mississippi coast.
Executive Director Woody Bailey said the event has grown from 374 cars at its 1996 launch to 10,334 vehicles last year.
“I was here when we started, and from 1996 to here has kind of been an amazing ride,” Bailey said. “We started off with 374 cars, and last year we ended up with 10,334. This year, we may be close to 11,000.”
View the Cruise expands in downtown Gulfport
This year marks the 17th annual View the Cruise in downtown Gulfport. Main Street Executive Director Kristen Garriga said the event is expanding with live music beginning at noon and continuing into the evening.
“With our event, View the Cruise, we grow year after year,” Garriga said. “I really think we’ll once again have to extend our footprint after this year.”
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New additions for 2026
Cruisin’ 2026 will also feature celebrity guests, a new drifting competition and a fireworks finale.
Registration Director Rob Sigler said registered participants receive an ID card granting access to all venues, swap meet tickets, a hat pin, window sticker, dash plaque and a free T-shirt.
1967 Pontiac GTO raffle
Organizers are raffling off a 1967 Pontiac GTO, nicknamed “Goldie.” Anyone 18 and older can enter through Oct. 11.
Cruisin’ the Coast runs Oct. 4-11. The Make-A-Wish raffle winner will be announced on the final day. Organizers are still seeking volunteers for various cruise sites throughout the week.
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