America’s Largest Block Party showed up and showed recently during the annual Cruisin’ the Coast. The event was held from Oct. 1 through Oct. 8 on the coast of Mississippi.
This week-long event hosted classic cars of all kinds for guests to enjoy. The first day included the View the Cruise, Cruise-in with KOTO, Cruisin’ Through the Decades, Chris Jacob’s appearance, and the feature car appearances. With events from the 1st to the 8th, guests never had a dull moment attending this block party.
Cruisin’ the Coast is an event that takes place throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is one of the biggest events in Mississippi, spanning over 11 cities and 40 miles of the coast. The event celebrates antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles, nostalgic music, and related events. It has grown to become the largest event in Mississippi, with an economic impact of $36 Million Dollars.
With such an economic impact, business owners in the area make sure to prepare for this event. Sandra McRoy, the general manager at Daiquiri Bar and Grill located in Long Beach, shared her thoughts on the event and how it brings booming business.
“With such a large event, it brings in people from all over the country,” McRoy said. “For all the businesses on the coast, these guests stop in and bring in revenue for the community.
The economic impact is not the only reason the community enjoys this event, but it allows car lovers to get out and show off their prize joy and volunteer to make this event so great. From the Corvette Club to the Mustang Club, this event allows the community to come out and celebrate classic cars.
Volkswagen Wagon President Club Stuart Reigns tells why he comes out each year.
“All the different car clubs have a role in Cruisin’ the Coast,” Reigns said. “The Volkswagen club volunteers the Saturday before to help with the event.”
Reigns went on to say that it is also nice to get out and show off “Pearl” which is the name of his wife’s beetle from the ‘70s.
The School of Leadership, part of the College of Business and Economic Development at Southern Miss also joined in on the festivities with their own Cruisn’ event on campus that was open to everyone, including USM students and employees, local residents, and cruisers.
Dr. Heather Annulis, Director of the School of Leadership, stressed the significance of this event.
“Cruisin’ the Coast is the largest event of its type in the South,” Dr. Annulis said. “It’s a great economic generator for the region and a chance for us to show off our beautiful campus. We are thrilled to join in the party, and I can’t wait to see all those classic cars on the Southern Miss campus!”

For more information on Cruisin’ the Coast, visit the organization’s website at www.cruisinthecoast.com and follow them on their social media platforms. And if you missed out this year, do not forget these classic cars will be pulling up again next year.