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USA Today
an hour ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
How the Woodward Dream Cruise still drives Detroit's car culture forward
Michael Lary isn't sure what the Woodward Dream Cruise will be like in 30 years, but he knows who will keep the wheels spinning. 'Loyal auto enthusiasts are going to keep it alive. Young people are going to keep the classics running,' said Lary, president of the Woodward Dream Cruise board and director of special events for Ferndale, Michigan, which he also represents on the board. The passion that fuels someone to 'buy an old rust bucket, and say 'I can do something with this'' and then share that story with others after they pour their heart and soul into it as so many do at the Dream Cruise is impressive, Lary said. 'You don't have to be a classic car owner, you don't even have to be an enthusiast to appreciate something like that,' he said. That ultimate expression of car culture will be on display up and down Woodward Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 16, as it has for three decades. It's been 30 years since the first Dream Cruise, a reimagining of Woodward Avenue's cruising culture heyday in the 1950s and '60s that has grown well beyond a local celebration into an annual festival that's expected to draw more than 1 million attendees this year. As Lary noted, it's become the largest cruising event in the world. The Dream Cruise encompasses a 16-mile stretch of roadway through nine participating Oakland County communities just outside of Detroit, and draws gearheads, nostalgia-seekers and casual fans from far and wide. The cruise is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, although events are planned Friday, Aug. 15, as well, including the official ribbon cutting and a meet-and-greet with Motown legend and former Detroit City Council member Martha Reeves. It's not universally beloved — some hate the disruption, the noise and the fumes — but its continued influence is hard to deny, both as an annual rite of summer in metro Detroit and for what it brings to the region, including the $150 million in economic impact Visit Detroit projects for this year's event. The official cruise website describes its beginning as a fundraiser to support building a soccer field in Ferndale when the late Nelson House and other volunteers 'looked to relive and recreate the nostalgic heydays of the '50s and '60s, when youth, rock'n roll and Motor City steel roamed the historic Woodward Avenue. ... That year, nearly 250,000 people participated — 10 times the number expected.' Reports in the Free Press — part of the USA TODAY Network — ahead of that first year's event, known then as 'Remember Woodward Dream Cruise,' featured personal teen cruising recollections from the grown-up local officials coordinating a plethora of planned activities, including Elvis impersonators and an appropriate drive-in showing of 'American Graffiti.' The reporting highlighted the nostalgia for places long gone, such as 'the drive-in restaurants where kids could meet other kids — places like the Totem Pole near 10 Mile and Ted's at Square Lake Road, where the owner charged 50 cents to enter his parking lot in a futile effort to cut the traffic,' and for the outsized reputation Woodward once enjoyed when Car & Driver called it 'the street-racing capital of the world.' The Dream Cruise is the third Saturday in August, but classic Fords, Chevys, Dodges and plenty of other brands can be seen throughout the summer on Woodward, ramping up to the big day. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has been involved in policing or coordinating the event for 26 of the cruise's 30 years. Before that, he was a state senator for the area. Bouchard appreciates the significance of the cruise and understands some of the more complicated sentiments connected to it as well. 'For me, it's one of the most stressful events of the year because it's such a large area that we protect with an unknown amount of variables. But for the county, I think it's kind of a marquee event and brings people from all over the world (and) infuses a huge economic impact,' he said. For some who live off Woodward, the disruption can be a headache even as it's an economic plus for the community at large. It's also a unique family event that allows folks to spend time together and see vehicles 'tied to our shared Motor City heritage,' Bouchard said, noting that hundreds of deputies would be patrolling the event this year. Bouchard has his own school-age memories of Woodward Avenue, too, from meeting a prom date to eating his first fast food there. Bouchard, whose father worked for Chevrolet for 33 years, also keeps a sweet spot for classic cars. His first ride was a white 1968 Camaro with a rebuilt 427 Corvette engine that went 'very quickly up to the speed limit.' His current classic, a red 1957 Corvette, hasn't, he reported sadly, been out of the garage so far this summer, something he'd like to change. He predicts a long future for the Dream Cruise beyond its first 30 years. 'That emotional long-term commitment will be there, and the love of the car will be there,' he said, noting that that love gets passed on to younger generations. 'We're a car region. We're a car state. … It's what we're known for.' For Dan Mitchell, the second year of the Dream Cruise was his initial connection to the event. He'd advocated for a different kind of fundraiser than those selling candy bars and nuts when his kids attended Shrine Catholic Schools in Royal Oak back then. He'd seen classic cars overheating and needing a place to cool off and figured why not make some money selling food to folks on Woodward, which they did by re-creating a bit of an old carhop scene in a parking lot at 12 Mile. The next year, Lary asked him to help with a car show in Ferndale. These days, Mitchell is the manager of the Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, one of the big events the Friday before the cruise. It'll feature 60 vintage firetrucks, ambulances and police cars from 1-7 p.m. at Nine Mile and Woodward on Friday, Aug. 15. Mitchell's also a fan of classic cars, noting his two-door burgundy 1992 Buick Regal Grand Sport technically fits the definition because it's older than 25, even if it doesn't have a typical nostalgic vibe. 'I've always been into classic cars and did a lot of car restoration. I'm not alone in all that,' he said, describing cruising as a great thing to do as a spectator, getting to enjoy the cars and seeing the scrapbooks when the cruisers are parked that show off the labor of love it all represents. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at
USA Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates 30 years: Detroit's iconic car event returns August 16
What started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale, Michigan has turned into a 30-year tradition just north of Detroit. The Woodward Dream Cruise, a 16-mile joy ride packed with auto enthusiasts, is known for its unique display of cars that travel up and down Woodward Avenue, historic and modern alike — but all cars are welcome to join the drive on Saturday, Aug. 16. The Dream Cruise has several stops along its route, from car shows to live music, where drivers and spectators can show off their rides and explore different community events from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Here's everything you need to know for the Dream Cruise. What is the Woodward Dream Cruise? The Dream Cruise started in 1995 with the intention of raising money for a soccer field. That year, 250,000 people showed up. Now, more than 1 million people come to watch the sea of cars. Michael Lary says the event is so special because of the powerful stories that each car owner has to tell and the artistry that they get to show off. "There's a lot of imagination that's out there that you don't get to see on a regular basis, and during the Dream Cruise, you get to appreciate it," Lary said. When is the Woodward Dream Cruise 2025? The 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise is officially Saturday, Aug. 16. But a number of metro Detroit communities will host events throughout the day on both Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16. Where is the Dream Cruise? The Dream Cruise takes place along Woodward Avenue (M-1) in Michigan, primarily from Pontiac to Ferndale, with events and displays taking place all along the route. How to stream the Dream Cruise If you can't make it in person, but still want to be a part of the fun, check out the WXYZ-TV website to see the live broadcast of the event. Contact Emma George-Griffin at egeorgegriffin@
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates 30 years this weekend: Your guide to parking, events
What started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale has turned into a 30-year-long tradition. The Woodward Dream Cruise, a 16-mile joy ride that starts in Ferndale and ends in Pontiac, is known for its unique display of unique, vintage cars that travel up and down Woodward Avenue, historic and modern alike — but all cars are welcome to join the drive on Saturday, Aug, 16. The Dream Cruise has several stops along its route, from car shows to live music, where drivers and spectators can show off their rides and explore different community events from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Here's everything you need to know for the Dream Cruise. What is the Woodward Dream Cruise? The Dream Cruise started in 1995 with the intention of raising money for a soccer field in Ferndale. That year, 250,000 people showed up. Now, more than 1 million people come to watch the sea of cars travel down Woodward Avenue. Michael Lary says the event is so special because of the powerful stories that each car owner has to tell and the artistry that they get to show off. "There's a lot of imagination that's out there that you don't get to see on a regular basis, and during the Dream Cruise, you get to appreciate it," Lary said. When is Woodward Dream Cruise 2025? The 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise is officially Saturday, August 16. But a number of metro Detroit communities will host events throughout the day on both Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16. Where is Woodward Dream Cruise? The Dream Cruise takes place along Woodward Avenue (M-1), primarily from Pontiac to Ferndale, with events and displays taking place all throughout the route. Woodward Dream Cruise parking Birmingham According to the Dream Cruise website, all events in Birmingham are within walking distance of all downtown parking decks. Peabody parking structure at 222 Peabody St. Chester Parking Structure 180 Chester St. Chester Parking Structure 180 Chester St. Pierce Parking Structure 333 Pierce St. N. Old Woodward Parking Structure 333 N. Old Woodward Ave. Ferndale According to the Dream Cruise website, all downtown parking lots will be available in Ferndale. Here are some closest to the action. 221 W. Troy St. 141 E. 9 Mile Rd. 141 Vester Ave. 156 Breckenridge St. Pontiac Downtown Pontiac has plenty of garages and lots. Here are some closest to Woodward Avenue. 10 Water St. 34 W. Lawrence St. 59 N. Saginaw St. Royal Oak South Lafayette Parking at 514 S. Lafayette Ave. Sixth St Parking Lot at 150 W. 6th St. Lafayette Avenue Parking Structure at 290 S Lafayette Ave. Lot 7 at 163 W 6th St. Check out the Woodward Dream Cruise Parking Facebook page for additional parking information. Woodward Dream Cruise things to do Berkley Friday, Aug. 15 Cruisefest Classic Car Parade 6:30-7:30 pm Helpful Information - Berkley Mich Concert, Movie, Other activities from 7:30-11 p.m. Merch tent open all day, west 12 Mile Road at Woodward Avenue Birmingham Saturday, Aug. 16 Birmingham Cruise Event 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple Road to Lincoln Street. These streets will be closed for the event that day. If you're looking for a place to stay in Birmingham, check out their Hotel Guide. Ferndale Friday, Aug. 15 Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show from 1-7 p.m. Curry Motorsports Formula 1 and various muscle cars event 1-8 p.m. Official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate 30 years of the Woodward Dream Cruise happens at 5 p.m. Directly following is the lights and sirens cruise parade at 5:30 p.m. After that, meet R&B and Motown star, Martha Reeves The kids' play zone will be open all day Get your 30th anniversary Dream Cruise merch at the merch tent — open all day Saturday, Aug. 16 "Mustang Alley" car show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "Bronco Corral" car show from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Live entertainment, Kid Zone and merchandise tent will be open all day. Royal Oak Friday, Aug. 15 Performance Park Classic Car Show from noon to 7 p.m. Merchandise tent will be open all day Saturday, Aug. 16 Performance Park Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Merchandise tent will be open all day Pleasant Ridge Saturday, Aug. 16 Merchandise tent available at Woodward and Oakland Park Boulevard Pontiac Saturday, Aug. 16 A block party on North Saginaw St will have live music and entertainment at these locations: Flagstar Strand Theater Marquee at 12 North Saginaw St. from 2-6 p.m. Hidden River Park at 11 North Saginaw St. from 6-10:30 p.m. Kegger Burger at 7 North Saginaw St. suite 1B from 6-11 p.m. Sunsent Island at 7 North Saginaw St. suite 2B from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. El Piqasso Art Cafe and Gallery at 46 North Saginaw St. from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Charlene's Theater Bar at 18 North Saginaw St. from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. How to get around via SMART bus SMART is offering free rides all around on Saturday, Aug, 16, from Ferndale to Pontiac from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hop on at the SMART bus at any RED SMART or FAST bus stop along Woodward Avenue. How to stream the Dream Cruise If you can't make it in person, but still want to be a part of the fun, turn on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) to see the live broadcast of the event. The Woodward Dream Cruise Special airs on WXYZ at 7 p.m. Contact Emma George-Griffin at egeorgegriffin@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When is Woodward Dream Cruise 2025? Your complete guide Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dogs poisoned in Tuscaloosa County, still no arrests
TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – A community just north of the Tuscaloosa city limits is being asked to remain on high alert following the death of three dogs who were poisoned. 'This is just evil,' Julie Lary said. 'There's no other word for it but evil.' Lary moved to Coaling about a year ago. It's a small and quaint town with few business, but a lot of families. That's why it's hard to believe what's happening in her own neighborhood. Lawmakers vow to refile bills after they die in 2025 legislative session 'This past week we found motor oil and anti-freeze mixed in, poured over our fence line,' Lary said. Lary has two Pitbulls, which are more than family pets – they're family. Her fur babies like to spend more time inside napping and snuggling than they do outside, Lary said. But a Monday night bathroom break evolved into an investigation. 'We are stepping up patrols,' Coaling Mayor Gary Averett said. 'Especially in subdivisions where animals are pretty much confined.' Lary's neighbors, the Lolley family, are searching for answers after their dog Sophie was poisoned. 'Sophie did not deserve this,' Lary said. 'She is a sweet, beautiful dog and now she's gone.' Sophie died Sunday night before making it to an emergency veterinarian. But, at the time, the cause of her death was unknown – until the Larys found the motor oil and anti-freeze in their yard. 'We knew that our neighbor's dogs passed just a few days before, so [my husband] called him, [our neighbor] came over and said 'that's exactly what Sophie threw up,'' Lary said. 'The vet has confirmed that that is what killed those dogs – poisoning,' Averett said. Lary considers her family lucky – their dogs are still alive, but their hearts go out to the Lolley family. In the last couple of days, the Lolley's are not the first family this happened to, but Coaling's mayor hopes they're the last. 'We need to establish a good community watch,' Averett said. 'We're encouraging all of our people to be on alert, if you see anything suspicious call 911.' The town of Coaling does have a 24/7 dispatcher, but for anyone with more information you can also contact Coaling's police department by messaging them on Facebook. 'We will do everything we can to catch this perpetrator and prosecute him the fullest extent that the law will allow us to do,' Averett said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
