by Gordon P.
Every August, Woodward Avenue
in suburban Detroit becomes Mecca for automotive enthusiasts from across the US
and Canada. The Dream Cruise, stretching 16 miles and passing through 9 towns
becomes a bumper to bumper rolling car show with everything from tubbed out hot
rods to classic American muscle cars and exotics. The sound of open headers and
rock and roll assault the ears while exhaust fumes burn the eyes of spectators
and cruisers alike. Much rubber is laid down on Woodward Avenue. Greenpeace
weeps. It's an experience not likely to be found outside of North America.
What started out as a way to
raise funds for a children's soccer field has turned into the world's largest,
most anticipated one day automotive event. In 1995, the first year of the Dream
Cruise, only 30,000 to 40,000 spectators were expected. 250,000 came. In 1999, a
milestone was reached as 1 million spectators and 35,000 vintage and classic
cars participated. In 2004 attendance swelled to 1.7 million spectators and
40,000 cars. Both local and out of town spectators stimulate the economy and
support nearly 100 charities with purchases of refreshments and official
Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise.
I attended my first Dream
Cruise in 2005. My brother owns a 1981 De Lorean and he was chomping at the bit
to do the cruise in it. Arrangments had been made with the owner of a local Mc
Donalds restaurant on Woodward and he cordoned off several parking spots for a
group of De Lorean owners to park and display their cars. 9 De Loreans made it
to the cruise from Michigan, Ohio and Canada. It's rare to see one De Lorean. 9
creates quite a sensation and the restaurant owner was reaping the benefits in
sales. 5 cars made the 16 mile trek down Woodward, all with their gull wing
doors open and A/C blasting. One in particular was the star of the show. It was
an exact replica or the De Lorean seen in the film Back to the Future. If you
want to get up close and personal with thousands of street machines there no
better way to do it then sitting 5 inches off the pavement in an open car.
Anyone with an interest in the
automotive culture should make the trip to the Woodward Dream Cruise. You won't
be sorry!
JAlbum 5.1
