Electronic billboards and barricades have been positioned at high profile locations and intersections on U.S. 90 signaling the approach of the annual “Scrapin’ the Coast” and heavy traffic.
“Scrapin’,” a car show that bills itself as “the wildest show on the Coast,” returns to Biloxi Friday through Sunday, and Biloxi leaders are asking participants to be respectful of traffic ordinances and speed limits on Beach Boulevard, and they’re reminding residents to expect heavy and slow-moving traffic throughout the weekend.
The event is expected to attract about a minimum of 3,000 vehicles to Biloxi throughout the weekend and will include a number of activities such as burnout competitions, a mobile dynamometer which measure a vehicle’s horsepower, lip sync battles to involve the audience, live music and more.
Cars and trucks in the show have been customized to ride low to the ground, hence the name “scrapin’ the Coast.” The show attracts an audience younger than that of Cruisin’ the Coast.
Early registration for event participants begins on Friday and extends into Saturday morning. Coliseum gates open Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and the event continues until 5 p.m. at the Coliseum.
“We are excited for this year’s event and are expecting to break last year’s registration record,” the event organizer Greg Miller said. “We want families to come out and enjoy the festivities.”
The big attention, however, will be on the steady stream of cars on U.S. 90, with hundreds of spectators watching from along the highway.
“Vehicles will begin arriving Friday night, and we’ll see a steady stream from about noon Saturday and increasing into the evening,” said Biloxi Police Capt. Steve Patterson, who is police commander for the event. “The biggest advice we have for people is to be patient, be courteous. Give yourself plenty of time. Watch out for pedestrians. Remember that you can use alternate routes, including I-10, Irish Hill, Popp’s Ferry Road and even the new Lorraine Road Bridge if you need to.”
Another issue, Patterson said, is litter.
“We always get groups of people along Highway 90 watching the parade of vehicles,” he said. “What we’re asking people to do is please pick up after themselves. If people could do that, it would be great.”
See the Scrapin’ website
Margaritaville opens at 5 this afternoon
Margaritaville staffers are expecting huge crowds today at 5 when Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich cuts a ribbon to formally open the $100-million, family-oriented resort on Point Cadet.
“This unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols said before a taping of the city’s City Desk podcast at the resort before noon today. “This is going to go a long way toward attracting more families and a whole new audience to our city.”
Margaritaville developer Cono Caranna explained the background on the resort during the 18-minute program: “It’s all about fun and adding something new to the market.”
Listen to the City Desk podcast
Seniors dance to show patriotic spirit
The Parks and Recreation Department will host a “Salute to the Military” Seniors Patriotic Dance on Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Rd.
Adults ages 55 and older are invited to dress in patriotic attire, put on a pair of dancing shoes and enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fun.
“We are turning our monthly luncheon into a patriotic party,” Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl Bell said. “This is a fun way to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.”
The event will also include door prizes and prizes for best dressed.
The Parks and Recreation Department organizes monthly luncheons, activities and field trips for adults age 55 and older.
See the flyer
See more about the department’s senior programs
