Beautiful weather, a million-plus people (around 1.3 million, in fact) and, once again, 40,000 or so classic cars made for another fun, family-friendly, auto-centric day in Metro Detroit.
Blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in the very low 80s (no humidity in Michigan in August—are you kidding me?) and a light, cool breeze made the people and car watching more enjoyable than any year in recent memory. Many attendees, in fact, suggested to me that it might have been the best weather in our 14-year history.
From “Woodward Dream Cruise Day” at Comerica Park and Monroe Street in downtown Detroit to the inaugural Woodward “Dream Show” at Northwood Shopping Center (13 Mile & Woodward), the cars and chrome never looked better. For a good peak at the top show winners, click here and, then, once onto the Free Press site, the “Photo” links on the right of the page.
Our volunteers, judges and “Show” organizers were all incredible and, with the cars and competitors,
really made the day—they are all the best at what they do.
I also just heard from Goodwill Industries (who cleaned up in Royal Oak and Berkley this year) that all went well through the overnight hours and cleanup was completed by 8:30 a.m.
More photos (and video) from this year’s event to come in the next couple of days, including the amazing custom chrome trophies for our Show from Dick Ruzzin and Don Sommer.
5 responses so far ↓
Gary Solomons // August 17, 2008 at 9:48 pm |
I was quite a bit dissapointed. My son and I arrived around 11:00am and set up our chairs on the East side of Woodward just South of 11 Mile. Woodward was so backed up all day long that cars were 6 deep nonstop. Problem was that most of the traffic was normal everyday ma and pa cars and they were taking up the right lanes checking out the action. Majority of the classics ended up in the left lanes where the spectators could not view them. I also noticed a real lack of quality cars cruising. I saw many awesome cars parked through out the day as we walked around but I noticed many many of them did not partake in the cruise. Perhaps the traffic was to clogged for them…..
Ken Knight // August 18, 2008 at 4:38 pm |
Gary, That is the way the cruise has always been on Saturday. Do yourself a favor and stay home on Saturday but be sure to go out on Wednesday night, Thursday night and Friday night there are always more cool cars cruising. I go every year but have only been out on a Saturday one time. Reasons are there is no place to park on the Ave. and I will not pay to park, I can always find parking right on the Ave during the week and watch many nice cars.
Ken
Brian // August 20, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
I tend to agree with GAry. I live in the 14 mile and Woodward area. We walked down to the ave and I was dismayed to see so many ordinary, everyday cars driving along. In some years past the cruisers were directed to the right two lanes by signs, that way cruise goers got to see the classics fairly close.
As a second issue, living in the area, it does get to be a pain when the cruisers start on Wednesday or even earlier. Dream cruise is Saturday, why not keep it there. We love the cars and the carnival atmosphere but we really get a little tired of the blocked traffic and noise before the official cruise. I know they have the right to drive whenever they like, but please remember the residents in the area. I know on my sidestreet some of the “classic” cars were cruising way over the legal limit. Recipe for a disaster if someone gets injured by one of the irresponsible drivers, thinking with their car not their head.
Otherwise a fairly positive experience
H. Altheim // August 21, 2008 at 5:56 pm |
I just want to say that myself and many other folks were very disappointed that the shuttle buses were cancelled due to the cost of fuel. Everyone agreed that they would have each pitched in a few bucks if it meant the buses could run all day. We always park our classics at the Phoenix Center and then use ths bus to hop around thru the whole route down Woodward. Looks like next year the 8 of us are going up to the ‘Back to the Bricks’ in Flint . Its a great show and a better cruise due to much less everyday mom & pop traffic. Sorry Woodward
executivedirector // September 2, 2008 at 6:23 pm |
Thanks for the comments, all.
You are not the first to suggest that particular lanes be closed only to classic cars. As a state highway, this has always been a challenge, under jurisdiction of MDOT. It is worth a closer look.
Something everyone should check out is Berkley’s Friday night parade each evening before the Cruise. It is ALL classic cars, moving west along 12 Mile Road through downtown Berkley between Woodward and Greenfield. It is amazing.