Detroit Joins Dream Cruise With A Heart

For the very first time, Detroit will be joining this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise, which boasts of festivities that attract over 1 million spectators.

Though still in the early planning stages, the Cruise, held on a Saturday every August, aims to raise money for charities in Detroit. What’s more, the Cruise will help spotlight the automotive heritage of the Motor City. "This event will bring the spirit of the Woodward Dream Cruise to the heart of Detroit," said Gary Familian, the executive director of MotorCities.

Aside from the charity event, the official cruising route along Woodward Avenue - traditionally from Ferndale to Pontiac - will not be extended to south of Eight Mile, said Dale Dawkins, the board president and CEO of Woodward Dream Cruise Inc.

“That's because historically cruising on Woodward took place in the suburbs,” said Dawkins, also a Bloomfield Hills commissioner. "If we don't stick with that, we kind of lose the whole basis of this."

Chris Baum, a spokesman for the Detroit Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said that he doesn't see that as a slight. "We just see an incredible opportunity to promote our region, especially if you're a car nut in America," he told DetNews. "Anything that can bring people downtown - from Cleveland or Auburn Hills - is a good thing, because it exposes them to all the changes down here."

Notwithstanding the event’s charity mind, some cruisers won’t be driving south of Eight Mile. "The safety factor is dwindling and you can't depend on the cops anymore," said Paul Schubring, 45, of Berkley, who has cruised in his 1979 "torch red" Malibu coupe for the last eight summers. "In general, I don't like being down there," he added. "It's not like I'm totally snubbing Detroit but I am, sort of."

So if you want to witness some 40,000 muscle cars and classic vehicles roll or park in nine communities along the historic avenue, join the Dream Cruise too. The flamboyant Cadillac XLR parts could bewilder you. But there’s more to satisfy your craving eyes…