As many as 10,000 classic cars of all shapes, sizes and values will descend on the Mississippi coast Oct. 1-8 as Cruisin’ the Coast gets underway Sunday.

Now in its 27th year, Cruisin’ is one of America’s top car shows, having been voted “Best Car Show” in the U.S. by USA Today readers in four of the last five years (coming in second once). The event not only thousands of registered Cruisers for the weeklong event, but tens of thousands of spectators who turn out to see the vintage cars and enjoy the nostalgia, music and other offerings.

Cruisin’s longtime executive director Woody Bailey said part of the event immense popularity stems from everything it offers, not just the classic cars.

“Cruisin’ the Coast is just such a fun event,” Bailey said, “whether you have a car or not. Whether it’s the music, the nostalgia, the scenery of the Mississippi coast, the cars, the beaches, the hospitality — you’ll have a great time. Every coast city has its own personality and character.”

Cruisin’ the Coast — now known as “America’s Largest Block Party” — began in 1996 with 374 registered vehicles. Last year, Cruisin’ set a new registration record with 9,618 registrations.

Bailey said they are prepared to hit the 10,000 mark this year. By the end of preregistration, there were 8,515 registered Cruisers from 43 states, Canada and Great Britain.

Registrations won’t begin again until onsite registration begins Monday, but Bailey said there were 1,600 onsite registrations last year.

“We had what we call our packing party last Saturday and we packed 10,000 registration bags,” he said. “Whether we get there or not, we’ll have to see.”

And those bags don’t pack themselves. Cruisin’ is supported by 12 local car clubs who provide some 700 volunteers for the event each year.

Cruisin’ registration is open to model year cars from 1989 and older. Bailey said this year’s registrations include a car from as far back as 1913 — a Cadillac touring car.

With Waveland at the west end of the coast returning to the Cruisin’ lineup for the first time since 2006, all 12 Mississippi coast cities will host Cruisin’ events. Each venue serves as a self-contained festival, with live music, vendors, special parking for Cruisers, spectator parking, and event merchandise.

There are surprises each year, such as longtime Tonight Show host Jay Leno turning up in Ocean Springs during Cruisin’ last year. The Beach Boys are an annual visitor, performing at the Beau Rivage Resort during Cruisin’.

Casinos up and down the Mississippi coast will also offer live entertainment throughout Cruisin’ week-long run.

The full schedule of events, entertainment and other information can be found at the Cruisin’ the Coast website, www.cruisinthecoast.com.