It’s not 1972, or the year that your grandfather or father bought their first car. It’s 2018 – the 22nd Annual Cruisin’ the Coast event. The America’s Best Car Show of 2018 has been named “Cruisin” and thousands of car lovers from around the globe will be able to enjoy a 30-mile-long party. The festival was established in 1996 to celebrate classic cars and music. It has become a cherished Gulf Coast tradition. Last year, over 8,000 hot-rods and antique cars were registered. After Saturday’s noon registration, more than 9,000 vehicles will be registered for this year. The annual show, which runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, allows cruisers and other enthusiasts to provide nostalgic entertainment for spectators. They will be displaying their vintage cars at a series of events that takes place in some of the state’s most sought-after beaches. Eric Shelton, Mississippi Today’s photojournalist, traveled to several of Cruisin’ the Coast’s event locations on Wednesday and Thursday, including Biloxi (Diamondhead), Bay, and Bay. Slideshows following the events were created by Pass Christian and St. Louis. Cruisers set up their cars in the area near the most popular casinos on the Gulf Coast and then opened the hoods to the public. Janet Henderson’s 1972 Chevelle Super Sport “candy apple red”, radiated during Wednesday’s “Biloxi block party”. There were over 100 antique cars in the graveled lot. Henderson attracted a lot of attention from the spectators. She wasn’t simply handing out wooden sticks fans to promote her hometown of Bowling Green in Ky. She was excited to share all about her convertible with them. (Not all car owners will be in the same area as their cars during events. Many owners are open to friendship and drifting with other cruisers. A friend introduced Henderson and her husband to Cruisin’ the Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Henderson stated, “We love the idea of being able go from one city to another.” “We fell in love with it, and have been coming since seven years.” Janet Henderson (We are not related) is your guide. Shows off her #CruisinTheCoast ’72 Chevell in Biloxi She was originally from Bowling Green in Kentucky. She is attending Cruisin’ for the 7th time. @MSTODAYnews pic.twitter.com/Zu78dfV9rT — Sereena Henderson (@SereenaOnSocial) October 3, 2018 Cruisers brought their registered vehicles to Diamondhead to be blessed on Wednesday afternoon. Each blessing was accompanied by a certificate with a special prayer. Bless the owner. All occupants. It must be protected from any harm or damage. It may bring you pleasure with its appearance, and fond memories of past times that it proudly displays to everyone who sees it.” The Vicari Auction is a multi-million dollar event. It features more than 400 000 cars and takes place at the Coast Coliseum Convention Center. The city’s bustling downtown is dotted with featured cars, set against the backdrop of the Bay St. Louis bridge. Music is an integral part of this nostalgic celebration, as are other events throughout the week. Pass Christian’s Second Street is more than just a starting point for the annual Pass Parade at Mardi Gras. This street is where classic cars are rubbed out. “Burn ‘Em Up In the Pass!” will be the main event tonight at #CruisinTheCoast. This burnout!
?????? pic.twitter.com/F4TIU2TX7R — Sereena Henderson (@SereenaOnSocial) October 5, 2018 For more information on Cruisin’ the Coast and a complete schedule of this year’s remaining events visit cruisinthecoast.com. To support this work, you can make a regular donation to us today as we celebrate our Spring Member Drive.