Dream Cruise Weekend
It's the most fun you'll ever have in a traffic jam. While the Woodward Dream Cruise doesn't officially start until Saturday, automotive enthusiasts, along with some annoyed neighbors, know that the classic cars lovers are already out cruisin' along M-1.
Friday, hundreds of lawn chairs were already set up along Woodward, as crowds begin to claim the prime spots to watch the classic cars roll by. Just north of 13 Mile seemed to be the most coveted position.
Kicking off cruise weekend Friday, the day of our 90th Anniversary in broadcasting, WWJ had a chance to speak exclusively with Bill Ford outside Duggan's Irish Pub in Woodward Ave. At WWJ's annual Dream Cruise Business Breakfast, Ford talked about electric vehicles and their role in Michigan's future. (More on this).
The official cruise kicks off Saturday at 9 a.m. Police urge classic car drivers and regular drivers to use caution because of the large number of people along Woodward.
Billed as the world's largest one-day automotive event, the Dream Cruise drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe — from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the former Soviet Union. North American cruisers from California, Georgia, Canada and all points in between caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer.
Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, CLICK HERE for LIVE VIDEO of the cruise, courtesy of our sister station, WOMC, the official station of the Dream Cruise. Be sure to check back here for the latest photos, too.
For complete Dream Cruise coverage and information from WOMC, visit this link.
Here's a list of participating cities and events:
Ferndale
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.
More:
Bill Ford: EVs Are Wave Of The Future
How Well Do You Know Your Classic Cars? Take The Test!
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