Gautier, Miss. (WLOX) — Sunday’s Cruisin’ Through the Decades came to an abrupt end after rainfall compelled organizers to cancel both the live activities and the drive-in movie slated to follow.
Though the storm interrupted the event just under an hour in, many participants kept their spirits up. A handful even fired up their grills, making the most of a soggy situation.
“I love Cruisin’ the Coast and have been part of this for years. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, we’ll enjoy ourselves because life is short,” said Florentine King.
Numerous attendees, interviewed by WLOX, revealed they had planned for weeks to join. While Sunday’s festivities ended prematurely, some remain optimistic about Monday’s continuation of Cruisin’ the Coast.
“It’s disappointing, but we had a good time — it’s better than staying home doing nothing,” remarked David Chileress.
Safety, Equipment, and Decision to End Early
The cancellation wasn’t just about discomfort — organizer decisions prioritized both the stage infrastructure and the safety of everyone attending.
Gautier’s Mayor Casey Vaughan confirmed the event would not be rescheduled and shared that planning is already underway for next year.
“Our city staff poured their heart and soul into this, and it takes months of effort,” he noted.
In past editions, hundreds of people have joined the Cruisin’ festivities. Vaughan expressed disappointment: “It’s heartbreaking—so much work put in, and we don’t see it culminate in the enjoyment of the crowd.”
A little after 3 p.m. Sunday, Cruisin’ the Coast leadership officially announced that all remaining events for the day were canceled.
What’s Next: Monday’s Schedule
Events are slated to resume Monday morning at 9 a.m., beginning with KOTO Spins the Oldies at Cruise Central. Registration package pickup will commence at 11 a.m. in Jones Park.
Conclusion
Though rain brought Sunday’s Cruisin’ Through the Decades to an early and unexpected close, many cruisers remained resilient and upbeat. The decision to cancel was driven by safety concerns and infrastructure risks. While this year’s event won’t be rescheduled, city leaders are already looking ahead to next year. Attendees are hopeful that Monday’s planned lineup will recapture some of the festival spirit lost to the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the cancellation of the event?
Rainstorms forced organizers to pull the plug on both the main festivities and the drive-in movie due to concerns about safety and stage equipment.
Will the event be rescheduled for a later date?
No — according to Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan, the event will not be rescheduled. Planning is already underway for next year’s Cruisin’ events.
What happens next, and when does the festival resume?
The festival returns Monday at 9 a.m. with KOTO Spins the Oldies at Cruise Central. Registration packet pickups begin at 11 a.m. at Jones Park.
