Cruise-in aims to raise awareness of DUI dangers

This event took place last weekend, but it will doubtless be an annual thing. Mark it on your calendars.

From : Cruise-in aims to raise awareness of DUI dangers
GULFPORT -- Sponsors of the Tie One On Cruise-In and Candlelight Memorial on Saturday expect to draw hundreds of classic cars, street rods, muscle cars and vintage vehicles for an event aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

The free cruise-in will be at Gulfport Premium Outlets from 4 to 8 p.m. The mall is at 10000 Factory Shops Boulevard, off Creosote Road just south of Interstate 10.

The cruise-in will feature an array of antique and collectible cars, live entertainment by the Doin’ Time Band, and drawings for prizes. The cruise-in will pause for a candlelight service to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured by drunken drivers.
The sponsors are Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Gulfport Police Department, Waffle House and Gulf Coast Motorsports magazine.

Prizes include $50 and $100 gift certificates from Coast stores and restaurants -- but there’s a catch. You must be present to win, and you must sign a pledge card vowing to drive sober through 2012. Entry slips must be turned in by 7 p.m.

There’s also a 50/50 cash drawing. The winner of that prize splits the cash with the local MADD chapter.

MADD will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. and will set up a “remembrance circle” to display pictures and memorabilia of victims of drunken drivers.

Bill Downs, who leads the MADD chapter of Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, said several people have contacted him who want to honor their dead or injured loved ones at the ceremony.

“I’ve also heard from people who have been injured and want to light a candle for themselves,” Downs said.

Downs lost his son, daughter-in-law and a family friend in a 2007 collision with a drunken driver, who also died.

Gulfport Police Chief Alan Weatherford said his department is a co-sponsor because of its long working relationship with MADD.

Weatherford’s daughter was killed by a suspected drunken driver in March, but Weatherford said his department’s participation has nothing to do with his personal tragedy.

“We are proud to support this effort to raise public awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving and to encourage drivers to plan ahead to designate a sober driver or arrange for another safe ride home before they drink alcohol,” he said.

Gulf Coast Motorsports is calling on car buffs from near and far to turn out. The magazine is promoting the cruise-in on its calendar of events.