Roll down Your Window and Rock to the Music at the 2015 Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise
By Jill Lorie Hurst
August 15, 2015
WHEN DO WE ROLL? The third Saturday in August, which this year means August 15. But Ferndale’s party actually starts on August 13 and ends with the amazing Saturday Cruise that starts in Ferndale and travels through nine host cities up Woodward. No fee to drive in the Cruise! No fee to watch! Ferndale’s events include the Emergency Vehicle Show, The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony / Lights & Sirens Cruise, the sexy Mustang Alley and finally, the Cruise itself.
The Woodward Dream Cruise was born in Ferndale in 1995 to raise funds to build a local soccer field. Over the years it has become the world’s most popular one-day automotive event. Michael Lary, Ferndale’s Events Director, sat with me to chat about the evolution of the Cruise. When he signed on in 2005, he was determined to get the focus back to Ferndale, where the Dream Cruise started. “Ferndale is a great host town. People are very welcoming, and the residents (for the most part) really enjoy all of the special events.” People travel in from all over the world to attend the Cruise and all of the events that have become a part of the annual tradition.
The live soundtrack of classic rock played by local talent accompanies the cars as they roll through Ferndale. The decision to make music an important part of the celebration elevated the Dream Cruise to a new level. Lary says they book “really wonderful bands” every year, some that perform on the Rockin’ Live Entertainment Stage annually, some new.
The planning team is mindful of the fact that it is important for local restaurants and businesses to benefit from the influx of car and music lovers, so they are careful about how many outside vendors participate, but they try to make sure there is something for everyone!
When the Ford Foundation stepped in to fund Mustang Alley, that event grew. Generations of Mustang owners come out with their prized cars. You’ll now see about 1,000 Mustangs in the event. Lary admits to an affection for the Mustang’s personality. “It’s like they’re growling at you when you look at them.” The Emergency Vehicle Show is a favorite of the kids, who love going up in the fire engine lifts.
Is the Dream Cruise a huge planning nightmare? No. Lary’s been working with the same team since he took on the job. “We know what the Dream Cruise is supposed to be and we don’t try to reinvent the wheel,” he smiles. His only worry is Mother Nature. “She will do what she wants.”
“The Woodward Dream Cruise is about community, cars and music… three things that the Detroit area is known for.” We talked about the people, both participants and onlookers. “You ask someone a question, and they share a memory about their car, or the song that’s playing, or both”.
Music, cars, memories… Sounds like a Detroit area summer to me. See you there! For more information on The Woodward Dream Cruise go to www.woodwarddreamdruise.com or dreamcruise@ferndalemi.gov.
If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
