Registration open for car-centric October events
By: Toni Miles
The Coast will once again welcome car lovers galore at the first part of October, as the 28th annual Cruisin’ the Coast rolls into town October 6. While “America’s Largest Block Party” has a multitude of events throughout the area during its eight-day run from October 6 through October 13, Long Beach will host its own special event for the second year, Trucks ‘N’ Tacos.
The two-day cruise-in debuted in downtown Long Beach last year and is returning to the Friendly City this year by popular demand.
Set for Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11, from noon to 10 p.m. at the Harper McCaughan Town Green, Trucks ‘N’ Tacos will feature classic trucks and hotrods that are models from 1998 and older.
Local vendors and custom merchandise will be available for those who plan to check out the free event. Other organizations, such as the Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, will have tents and booths set up at the event to help raise awareness and resources.
There will also be live entertainment both nights by bands set to play at the Harper McCaughan Town Green Pavilion off Jeff Davis Avenue.
While registration for Trucks ‘N’ Tacos is not necessary, it is required for Cruisin’ the Coast (CTC). While the popular South Mississippi tourism and classic car event is still over two months away, organizers say records are already being broken, suggesting that participation will exceed the 10,070 registered vehicles from forty-five states that broke previous records last year.
According to the latest reports, nearly seven hundred “first-timers” have already registered, representing more than forty states, plus Canada and England. Early bird registration is $75 and runs through midnight on August 15.
Again this year, Long Beach’s annual Cruisin’ the Coast Parade will take place on the first Monday of CTC, October 7, with the procession of classic beauties rolling down the streets of downtown Long Beach, starting at Long Beach High School, proceeding down Railroad Street, then south through the downtown area, heading east along the Long Beach shoreline and harbor and winding up at the Harper Mc Caughan Town Green. The parade is set to start at 5:30 p.m., and those who wish to attend are encouraged to stake out a spot early along the parade route for the best views and throws. The Tip Tops will play at Long Beach Harbor following the parade, from 6 until 9 p.m.
CTC is open to vehicles from 1989 and older, and entrants must be at least eighteen years of age. Early-bird registration includes a dash plaque, pin, t-shirt, two admissions into the Swap Meet, special offers from sponsors, a confirmation card to enter the early-bird drawing featuring ten prizes of $500 each, and (for the first 2,000 registrants only) a 2024 commemorative event poster.
Early-bird registration must be postmarked or completed online by midnight on August 15.
On-site registration opens on Monday, October 7, at Cruise Central, beginning at 11 a.m. It continues daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. through Friday, and from Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. On-site registration will cost $100 and includes a dash plaque and pin, two admissions into the Swap Meet, and special offers from sponsors. Ticketed concerts at the casinos are not included.
All registered vehicles may participate in Show ‘N’ Shine at all locations, controlled cruises, the parade and the autocross. The Long Beach parade will be open to the first six hundred cars to arrive, with lineup starting at 1 p.m. at Long Beach High School.
There’s still time for those who wish to sign up to volunteer to be part of this year’s “Cruisin’ Krewe.” Cruisin’ Krewe volunteers help with everything from traffic control and parking to administration, hospitality and vehicle registration. When applying, potential Cruisin’ Krewe volunteers can request to work at the venue of their choice, which CTC organizers say they will do their best to accommodate. Volunteers will be needed to serve at venues spanning all the way from Pascagoula in the east to Bay St. Louis in the West. To apply, visit CruisinTheCoast.com and fill out the Cruisin’ Krewe Application and Agreement.
Online and mail-in registration information is available at CruisinTheCoast.com. 
