Woodward Dream Cruise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodward Dream Cruise |
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A view of the 13th Annual Dream Cruise (2007) from atop a building located on Woodward Ave. near Maple Road (aka: 15 Mile Road) in Birmingham, MI
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| Type | Event |
| Date | Third Saturday in August |
| 2024 date | August 17 |
| 2025 date | August 16 |
| 2026 date | August 15 |
| 2027 date | August 21 |
| Frequency | Annual |
The Woodward Dream Cruise is a huge yearly event for car fans. It happens in the northern suburbs of Detroit. Every year, on the third Saturday in August, the Cruise takes over Woodward Avenue. This main road stretches from Ferndale all the way to Pontiac.
Contents
The History of Woodward Avenue Cruising
Early Days of Racing on Woodward
Woodward Avenue has a long history with vehicles. Back in 1848, the road was changed from logs to planks. Young people with carriages would often race along it. In the early 1900s, Woodward Avenue became a major street in Detroit. It was known for its big mansions and churches.
Woodward Avenue and Car Culture
By 1958, Woodward Avenue was a popular spot for unofficial street racing. Its wide lanes and central divider made it perfect for competition. Many drive-in restaurants lined the road. These places were popular hangouts for teenagers. During the time of muscle cars, Woodward also had many car dealerships. You could also find shops selling car parts and accessories.
The Woodward Dream Cruise Event
What is the Dream Cruise?
The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world's biggest one-day car event. About 1.5 million people come to see it each year. Around 40,000 cars, trucks, motorcycles, and supercars join in. You can see both classic and modern vehicles. People come from all over the world to enjoy the show.
Cars You Can See at the Cruise
Spectators can enjoy many types of vehicles. These include muscle cars, street rods, and custom cars. You will also see collector and special interest vehicles. Most of the cars on display are from the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s. These were popular before new rules changed how cars were made. However, the Dream Cruise welcomes all kinds of cars. Owners often keep their cars in perfect shape or customize them. This makes each car unique and special.
How the Dream Cruise Started
Before the official Dream Cruise, people in Detroit had been cruising Woodward Avenue since the 1940s. These unofficial cruises often caused traffic jams. They also led to car accidents on summer evenings.
In 1994, Pamela S. McCullough, who was the Mayor of Ferndale, and Nelson House, a plumber, had an idea. They wanted to start an organized cruise. Their goal was to raise money for a children's soccer field. Organizers thought 30,000 to 40,000 people would come to the first cruise. This first event happened on August 19, 1995. It took place on Woodward Avenue in several towns. These towns included Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, and Birmingham.
About 250,000 people actually showed up! Now, it is the largest single-day classic car event in the world. It brings in over $56 million each year for the Detroit area economy.
Communities and Events
Even though the official cruise is only one day, the fun starts earlier in the summer. Classic cars begin to appear on local streets. Many nearby communities work together to host other events. These towns include Birmingham, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, and Pontiac.
The 2020 Cruise and Its Return
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the official Woodward Dream Cruise was canceled in 2020. However, many local residents still held an unofficial cruise. The Oakland County Republican Party tried to host a "MAGA Classic Car Cruise." This caused some discussion because of its political nature. The Dream Cruise officially returned in August 2021.
Other Car Events Like This
- 28th Street Metro Cruise – A similar event on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, Michigan. It happens the weekend after the Dream Cruise.
- Back to the Bricks – Another car event on Saginaw Street in Flint, Michigan. This one usually takes place on the same weekend as the Dream Cruise.
- Cruisin' Downriver – A similar event on Fort Street in the Downriver suburbs of Detroit. It happens every June.
