Jeepers across the nation know the drill, as captured by Jeepin the Coast’s catch phrase: “Ready…Set…Let’s Roll!” And that they did at the 2024 Jeepin the Coast (JTC) event held over five days, from May 29 to June 2, at various locations across the coast, including Jeep Central in Long Beach.
“This year was absolutely amazing,” said Jennifer Moran, one of the main organizers and driving forces behind JTC. “We doubled in size, and I can’t say enough great things about the City of Long Beach, from police to fire to City employees and City officials. The Jeepers loved them, and they love our Jeepers! Looking forward to bigger and better next year!”
Once again, Long Beach served as the main hub for this major summer tourism event, with Vendor Village located off Jeff Davis Avenue and the downtown area a hotspot for live entertainment, the annual JTC parade and other events. A small stretch of beach in east Long Beach also hosted two Beach Crawls, where Jeeps were allowed to drive along the Mississippi Gulf Coast shoreline on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1.
According to JTC organizers, 2,296 Jeeps in all registered for this year’s Jeepin the Coast event, but they say the number is nowhere near the total of all the Jeeps and Jeepers who rolled into South Mississippi, as many did not officially register for this year’s event. Repeat attendees observed that this year’s JTC appeared to be the biggest gathering yet.
The five-day event kicked off at the Pass Christian Harbor with a Hawaiian-themed Luau Kick Off Party, kids’ games, live music and more, followed by several fun-packed days across the coast, including a scavenger hunt, Light and Sound Competition, Show and Shine, Thankful Thursday, after parties, a concert in the streets and block party, and a church service on the final day of the event.
JTC organizers had their ducks in a row as this year’s event rolled out and up, raising $93,943 for JTC’s non-profit Costumes4ACause (C4AC). One-hundred-percent of the money will go towards helping local families battling cancer.
Attendees didn’t walk away empty-handed, either, as evidenced by a slew of social media posts praising this year’s event, recalling what a good time they had and memories that were made.
Some even rolled out with awards.
Chris and Beverly Copeland’s neon green Jeep, “High Maintenance,” proved to be a worthy investment, winning Best of Show 2024, although the couple reported that there were some major obstacles along their way as they traveled from Kentucky to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“Last year was our first year at Jeepin the Coast,” Beverly Copeland said. “The main reason we came was for the Show and Shine. On our way down, our rig that pulls the Jeep broke down about two hours from Mississippi, so we were stranded on the side of the road for about four hours.”
“We got a mechanic to come and tow us in and had to move everything from the rig to the Jeep to get into Mississippi,” Copeland reported. “We didn’t want to turn around and go home, since we had made it so far. I’m so glad that we didn’t turn back, because we had the best time!
This year’s event was the second time around for the couple, and these proud Jeep owners say they’re hooked and have already purchased their JTC tickets for next year.
“People in Mississippi are so nice, and the event is top notch! We entered the Show and Shine and placed in the top five last time; we knew when we left that we were coming back this year,” she said. “We invited some friends of ours to come, too, and they showed in the Show and Shine, as well. I’m happy to say - and honored - that we were awarded Best of Show this year. We came back bigger and better!”
“Jeepin the Coast has something going on for everybody,” said Copeland. “I have showed this Jeep all over, and this is by far one of my favorite events that we have been to. We’re looking forward to Jeepin the Coast 2025!”
Next year’s JTC dates are already scheduled, so those interested in Jeepin the Coast 2025 are encouraged to mark off May 28 through June 1, 2025, on their calendars.
In August, Jeepers will unite for yet another fundraiser, the Shriners’ Jeepin for the Kids on Sunday, August 11. The event will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Joppa Temple, located at 13280 Shriners Boulevard in Biloxi. The registration fee for the event is $25, and it will be a day of family fun and fundraising, with all proceeds benefitting the Joppa Shriners, who carry out numerous charitable events throughout the local community year-round, including the provision of orthopaedic, burn, spinal cord and cleft lip and palate care for local children. For more information about this event, call 228-392-9345.
For more information about Jeepin the Coast, visit their website at JeepinTheCoast.com.
