by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer

GULFPORT (GG) — The Mississippi Gulf Coast knows how to throw a car event. But on Saturday, April 4, something new rolled in, carving out its own lane. 

At Jones Park, the usual coastal calm gave way to chrome, color, and horsepower as trucks spilled out from the pavilion and stretched toward the harbor for the first-ever Truckin’ the South transformed the space into a full-blown truck lover’s playground. Hard bodies gleamed. Four-wheel drives stood tall. Metal grasshoppers bounced and flexed. 

If there is one thing the Coast has never been short on, it’s car culture. From the polished nostalgia of Cruisin’ the Coast to the custom low-slung flair of Scrapin’ the Coast and the rugged community of Jeepin’ the Coast, each event has its own flavor. Truckin’ the South now rides alongside these traditions. 

Friday set the tone with trucks cruising down Highway 90. Saturday, Jones Park was buzzing with music filling the air, and food trucks lining the pavilion, while a smiling face occupied every lawn chair. Even local firefighters joined in to catch a few hours of Truckin’ fun and community. For event organizer Ann Smith, that sense of community was the blueprint.

“Truckin’ the South started when Derrick, the founder, had a vision two years ago to bring people together who share a love for trucks and the culture that surrounds them. He then built a team that I am proud to be a part of. We wanted to create more than just a show—we wanted an experience and a sense of belonging. The process took a lot of planning, faith, and teamwork. From securing the location to coordinating vendors, sponsors, and participants, every detail mattered. There were definitely challenges along the way, but we stayed committed to the vision, and that’s what brought it all to life.” 

All of that work certainly paid off.

“The success of Truckin’ the South honestly exceeded our expectations. The turnout, the energy, and the support from the community were amazing. But more than anything, we didn’t just host an event—we gained a family. The connections we built, the love shown, and the unity in the atmosphere made it something truly special. Success for us wasn’t just numbers—it was the relationships and the culture we’re continuing to grow.”

That culture was on full display as old school met new school, lifted builds parked beside classic restorations, and first-timers stood shoulder to shoulder with seasoned builders, all sharing the same appreciation for the craft.

“Truckin’ the South is helping create a positive and inclusive space within car and truck culture. We’re bringing together old-school and new-school, different styles, and different backgrounds all in one place. It’s about unity, respect, and appreciation for the craft. We’re also giving people a platform—whether it’s builders, businesses, or creatives—to showcase what they do. That kind of exposure and community support is important for the culture to continue growing.” 

Even with Easter weekend and the threat of rain hovering in the forecast, Mississippi showed up and showed out, hauling in a crowd that proved this wasn’t just a one-time ride.

Justin Watson, Parts Manager for Turan Foley, saw it firsthand.

“Today’s been an amazing turnout,” Watson said. “It’s more than what anybody thought it was going to be.”

As a sponsor, Turan Foley leaned into the family-friendly feel, handing out prizes, coolers, frisbees, and even Cadillac teddy bears for kids. Showcasing that this wasn’t just about trucks, it was about connection. 

The show itself delivered. From vintage classics like a 1950 Chevy 3100 to modern builds like a 2016 Silverado, the range was as wide as the crowd. Categories like Old School, New School, and Best All Around gave trucks their moment, while the crowd-favorite “Best of the Best” turned spectators into judges. 

As the sun dipped, the energy didn’t let off the gas as burnout contests filled the night air with smoke and cheers at the Gulfport Dragway. The night rolled on with an after-party at The Sanctuary, keeping the night alive. 

And if there was any question about what comes next, Smith made it clear that this is only the beginning.

“We’re already gearing up for next year, and it’s going to be even bigger and better. We’re looking to expand in every way—more vendors, more categories, more entertainment, and more opportunities for people to get involved. We’re also focused on building stronger partnerships and creating an even smoother experience for everyone attending. We’re also extending an open invitation to sponsors, partners, and cities across the Gulf Coast to join us in this movement. Truckin’ the South is growing into something bigger than an event—it’s becoming a community, a platform, and a culture that people want to be part of. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.” 

Truckin’ the South didn’t just debut; it settled in for the long haul, with no signs of pumping the brakes anytime soon.

(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)