Birmingham Rejoins Woodward Dream Cruise
By Christy Strawser
BIRMINGHAM (WOMC) If you're cruising along the north end of the Woodward Dream Cruise in your classic convertible and it seems like a welcoming wind is blowing through -- you're right.
Woodward Dream Cruise Inc., all grown up in its 18th year, officially includes Birmingham again in 2012 after the city's three-year hiatus from the official organization brought on by construction along the route and lack of funding.
With construction over and a better financial picture, Birmingham City Commission passed a resolution to rejoin Woodward Dream Cruise Inc. earlier this summer and appoint representatives to the Board of Directors.
That cleared the way for downtown Birmingham to sell official Dream Cruise merchandise again, the proceeds of which go to local charities. Birmingham will also host a major display by Chevrolet, the cruise's presenting sponsor.
"We are pleased to re-join Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc. for 2012," said Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner said in a press release. "The Dream Cruise is an iconic event for cities along Woodward, for all of Michigan and anyone who loves automobiles. We believe that Birmingham's event will be strengthened by a renewed membership in WDC, Inc."
Greg Rassel, president of the Woodward Dream Cruise said Birmingham officially rejoining the cruise makes it better for all nine Woodward Dream Cruise member communities.
"Active participation by Birmingham enables nine communities up and down Woodward to truly work collaboratively and that's good for the event and great for the region," Rassel said
Birmingham's cruise event, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, features a car show with more than 300 classics on Old Woodward, live music, and displays including a Chevrolet military display, a graffiti mural creative live during the day by Detroit's own Shades and a super-sized Corvette timeline featuring the company's milestones.
And it all happens among the upscale eateries and shops in one of Oakland County's most iconic downtowns, not to mention it makes it easier for cruisers to visit Hunter House in Birmingham for a classic slider.
"This is great news on so many levels. Having Birmingham rejoin the Woodward Dream Cruise further extends our reach and interaction with passionate fans of this event," added Tony Michaels, executive director of the Woodward Dream Cruise.
