What started as a small exhibit of custom and classic cars a few years ago has grown into the largest parade and exhibition of classic cars in the world. These old beauties, carefully restored or maintained are paraded along Woodward Avenue, throughout the northern Detroit suburbs of Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield and Pontiac.
Over the course of time, the event attracts over 1,000,000 people who line both sides of Woodward to view and drool over these absolutely incredible oldies. It is estimated that somewhere well over 30,000 classics tour up and down the avenue, putting on a grand display for the appreciative audience. Officially, the Woodward Cruise is a two-day event, but participants begin arriving on Woodward a week in advance to "practice" so to speak their tour.
All the towns along the route are in a frenzy. Every restaurant along the way is packed to the hilt with eager car afficionados who turn out and make this a lively festival of the auto industry's best, and worst efforts. Corporate Sponsors representing all of Detroit's nameplate car builders are here to show off new concepts and talk to gear-heads along the way. There are also a few foreign auto makers here, but this is really about Detroit. Every available parking lot or Woodward frontage has been rented or otherwise spoken for.
Locals arrive to favorite spots along the 7 mile long route and set up tents, tables, chairs and refreshments along the way. Street hawkers are out in force selling T shirts, hats and other custom logo Woodward Cruise merchandise. As the event grows, more out-of-state and out-of-country visitors are evident. Compared to this event, sliced bread is nothing.
When cars are not cruising, they are in their reserved spots, hoods up, inviting passers-by to take a peek under the hood. The roar of old Chevy and Ford V8's fill the air waves and Classic Dodge Chargers, GTO's and Mustangs lay tracks along the asphalt.
If you like cars, you will absolutely love the sight and sounds of the assembled and parading wave of muscle cars, glass-pack mufflers and fun people. Detroit area has much to offer for car people in particular. This week in August is an opportunity to put away the troubles and trials of Detroit's bad times and celebrate with its proud residents from MoTown itself and from the nearby Suburbs where this event is staged.
Come on down for an unforgettable experience. Who knows, you might just spot Kid Rock and a host of other celebrities on the streets checking out the cars.After all, that's what it's all about, the cars.
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