The first car cruise of the summer season rolls into the city with 32 years of grandiosity rumbling behind it. Since 1992, muscle cars, hot rods and vintage vehicles have converged at the corner of Main and Market streets for the Mount Clemens Cruise, eager to be admired aesthetically and under the hood.
What began as a way to attract visitors downtown has become a weekend filled with tradition, camaraderie and a chance for cars to stretch their wheels after being tucked away all winter.
Older than the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Gratiot Cruise, it’s become one of the premier classic car events in the country. And several community charities are directly supported, thanks to the work of the nonprofit organizer of the cruise, the Friends of Mount Clemens.
“I’m a die-hard car guy,” admits Steve Charlie, chairman of the club, whose expertise includes 30 years of hauling show cars and displays for Autorama. “I’m used to being with 150,000 people on a weekend sometimes. It just sticks with you. You enjoy doing it.”
Around the cruise, you might be able to spot his pinstriped 1949 maroon Chevy Pickup. Or a glossy cherry red Ford Futura, a flashy Chevy Camaro Z28 or a classic 1939 teal Ford Coupe convertible.
This year, they’ve lined up special guests, attractions and live entertainment for the whole family. Some of the highlights of the weekend, May 31 - June 1, include:
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Annual Vince Pipia, Jim Ostrand and Charlie Winkler Memorial Awards
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Judged car show featuring 33 different classes
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A meet-and-greet with Brigadier General (RET) “Odie” Doug Slocum and John Moss, retired manager of General Motors Chevrolet Special Vehicles Division
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Touch a Truck with fire engines, an ambulance and wreckers, to name a few
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Hot Wheels race car track for kids
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Coloring contest and career fair at the Discovery Center
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Miller Brothers Creamery treats
Cars are showcased throughout the downtown streets for pedestrian enjoyment until the cruise down Gratiot begins at 5 p.m. Saturday. You can visit www.mountclemenscruise.com for more information.