Businesses Ready For Dream Cruise

The countdown is on to the 16th annual Woodward Dream Cruise, but the cruising and some activities are already underway.

The official cruise runs from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday. Organizers are expecting as many as two million people and 40,000 classic cars running along Woodward Avenue from Eight Mile Road to Pontiac.

WWJ's Ron Dewey reports there are more and more cruisers parked along Woodward Avenue and people will also see more white canopies starting to go up along restaurants and other businesses.

The Hunter House restaurant in Birmingham is preparing for what is considered their Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July all rolled into one. Along with the main restaurant, their mobile grill and tent will have three grills and six fryers going non-stop.

The president of Hunter House, Susan Cobb, says they see a ten percent increase in people ordering their sliders, fries and shakes from one Dream Cruise to the next.

"I think they way the economy is going, people are sticking around town to enjoy....it's too bad we don't have something like this throughout the year," she said.

Manager Eric Wilson is getting ready for tonight's bike night..."It will be going full steam by 7:00 tonight...we've been learning to anticipate the crowds earlier and earlier," he said.

New for this year's Dream Cruise...a food drive in downtown Pontiac Friday and Saturday at the Phoenix Center, with hopes of up to 40,000 pounds of fresh produce and canned goods being donated by cruisers. All being given to area shelters and needy individuals Sunday afternoon.

Communities along Woodward will host events nearly every day this week, including a Royal Oak Kids Cruise today in downtown with concerts in Ferndale on Thursday. But most of the action will be Friday and Saturday along Woodward between Ferndale and Pontiac.

The cruise started as a small fundraiser to raise money for a Ferndale soccer field.

The event is free and there is no fee to drive in the Woodward Dream Cruise, but those who are not driving a classic car are asked to stay out of the two right, or curb lanes.

Here's a list of cities and events:

*Ferndale

On Thursday, from 1 to 9 p.m. it's kid's day in downtown Ferndale and there will be plenty of kid friendly activities. There will be free helium balloons, kids DIY cupcake decorating, Xbox 360 Kinect Experience Tour and a sidewalk sale.

On Friday in Ferndale will be the official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. And from 1 to 8 p.m. is the 10th Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show. The Lights and Sirens Cruise starts at 5:30 p.m. and the Beehive Jive Contest featuring hairstylists creatively designing piled-high hairdos hosted by Paul Mitchell Schools runs from 1 to 5 p.m.9
Also Friday, there will be Rock'n Live Entertainment stages featuring the Rich Satterfield, Full Tilt Band, SRB Band, and many more.

On Satuday, in Ferndale the Rock'n Live Entertainment continues on two stages, and the Xbox 360 Kinect Experience Tour continues. There will also be vendors and merchants, and a kids' play zone.

The Mustang Alley gears up on Saturday as over 400 original, restored and customized
Mustangs show off and shine in downtown Ferndale.

*Berkley

Downtown Berkley, located on 12 Mile Road between Coolidge and Tyler Road, will also be participating with their Cruise Fest 2010.

On Friday, from noon to 5 p.m. there will be sidewalk sales, business sponsored activities tents, an acoustic music tent, and a food court.

At 6:30 p.m. the Cruise Fest Parade begins on 12 Mile Road with Grand Marshal George Barris, the "King of Kustomizers."

From 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Griffifth and 12 Mile Road, the Tri-Community Coalition is sponsoring a street dance with Sereioux, a Motown group performing. Then from 9:30 to 11 it's a 70's and 80's party.

*Bloomfield Township

On Woodward just south of Big Beaver in Bloomfield Township is the Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show and community party.

Admission is free and open to the public and general parking is available for $5 for Dream Cruise spectators at 36700 Woodward Ave.

The Bloomfield Classic Car Show features the sale of official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise, a DJ playing 50s and 60s music, bleacher seating to view the cars, and food provided by Coldstone Creamery and the Marian High School Dad's Club.

In addition to the Classic Car Show is the Car Club, an event that showcases the work of automotive engineering students from area universities displaying cars they have designed and built.

*Huntington Woods

The Woodward Dream Cruise Family Party in Huntington Woods will feature a great party band, strolling entertainment, slot car racing, a climbing tower, tattoos and free treats. It's located at the Chase Bank parking lot at the corner of Woodward and Salem.

Pre-registration is required to attend. To register in person visit the Huntington Woods Recreation Department at 26325 Scotia, Huntington Woods or call (248)541-3030.

*Pontiac

On Friday, plenty of live music will be featured at the Phoenix in downtown Pontiac, beginning at noon and running until 11 p.m.

There will be a jazz tribute to Hank Jones, a food drive and a kids corner on Friday.

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. DJs Beth Shaddock, Phil Brown and Bill Young rocking and cruising. And on the Motor City Casino Stage Black Jack Persia, Motor City Beat, Dal Boucy, and Serieux will perform.

And the Oakland Press Cruisin Car Show Lot #9 opens at 8 a.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

*Royal Oak

From August 13 to the 22, the National Shrine of the Little Flower Conference Center will display a Route 66 exhibit. Featured are 166 20 inch by 30 inch photographs taken during an eight day drive on Route 66 in 2002. This includes all eight states and more than 2,000 miles.

On August 17 is the Roayl Oak Kids Cruise at 6th Street and Main Street in downtown Royal Oak. Activities include Explore-a-Truck where kids can climb in, around and through police cars, fire trucks, dump trucks and more, family friendly music from the Detroit School of Rock and Pop and others to be announced, face-painting, inflatable slides, and more.

And on Saturday, August 21 is the Performance Park at Memorial Park where classic cars will be showcased and food will be available.

Click here for more information on the Dream Cruise.

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