Wednesday morning many of the Road Tourians made the short drive to downtown Biloxi for the famous Biloxi Block Party. Cruisers lined up before dawn to get a good parking spot for the get-together that ran from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Like so many of the hundreds of events during Cruisin’ the Coast Week people are up early to take part in a number of different activities during the day. People drive from location to location to participate in multiple events.
Wednesday afternoon our Road Tour participants were asked to lead the parade in Diamondhead for the annual Blessing of the Classics. This activity has its roots in the tradition of the fishing boats that for years have had a ceremony before they head out for the fishing season. We all gathered at the Harbor House Steamer seafood restaurant and enjoyed some great food as we prepared to lead hundreds of cars through the streets of Diamondhead. Folks gathered in their front yards along the route and cheered for their favorite vehicles. At the end of the route a priest says a prayer and blesses each of the cars. We all then gathered for some great music before heading back to our IP headquarters hotel in Biloxi.
Thursday was the first day that Cruisin’ the Coast could get their credentials “stamped” at the official stamping sites up and down the coast. This is how participants qualify to win some of the many prizes given to cruisers who fill out their card completely. It is a great way to get participants to the different areas of the beautiful Gulf Coast. Thursday is also the first day of the swap meet at the Coliseum. There were plenty of items for sale and lots of vendors on hand to display their parts and accessories. There were plenty of folks on hand looking for that special item.
Thursday night we had another get-together at the IP Road Tour parking area. We had a great turnout of folks who wanted to get a look at our vehicles. Earlier in the evening I took the Road Tour 1932 Ford pickup to the ET Motorgear party at the Doubletree Hotel. A live band entertained and Courtney Hansen was on hand to sign autographs. They asked me to park the Tour truck right up front at the festivities and I was happy to oblige.
Our great week at Cruisin’ the Coast is starting to wind down but we still have a few more days to enjoy the beautiful weather and take part in all of the activities up and down the Gulf Coast. Stay tuned, we’re not done yet.
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