Woodward Dream Cruise by Barbara Merryfield Marketing Intern

http://www.oakgov.com/efocus/newsletters/2007/7_article3.html

Woodward Dream Cruise By Barbara Merryfield Marketing Intern

Each summer, thousands of antique, classic and unique cars emerge from hibernation and migrate to Oakland County for the world's largest one-day celebration of car culture, the Woodward Dream Cruise. From Ferndale to Pontiac, Woodward Avenue is lined on both sides with magnificent classic and custom automobiles. It is a 16- mile long car show that is educational, historic and fun for all ages. This year an estimated 40,000 of these metal beauties and over 1.7 million visitors will gather on August 18 to cruise Woodward.

The Cruise was established in 1995 by Ferndale resident Nelson House. He originally planned it as a one-time event to raise money for a children's soccer field. Hoping to recreate the 1950s and 1960s Woodward cruising experience, House met with representatives from the seven host cities of Berkley, Birmingham, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak. Organizers hoped for a modest turnout of 25,000 spectators. But the event captured the imagination of car enthusiasts, fans of oldies music and baby boomers looking to re-live the thrill of cruising Woodward. Over 250,000 people showed up. "From the beginning, it was clear that the Dream Cruise was more than just a local event," said Jean Chamberlain, a consultant to Oakland County and representative to The Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc. for County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "I was getting calls from all over the country."

Oakland County's Planning & Economic Development Services division conducted a study of an early Dream Cruise and determined the economic impact on local businesses was over $112 million. For many businesses along the route, this is the highest single-day revenue source for the year. The cruise also attracts out- of-area visitors, with more than one-third of Dream Cruise visitors coming from outside metro Detroit.

Today, the Dream Cruise includes the original seven host communities, along with Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township. Although many communities host events during the preceding days and nights, the Woodward Dream Cruise officially runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 18.

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The event is made possible by the year-round efforts of a volunteer committee, The Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc. This non-profit organization, with assistance from Oakland County, coordinates the host cities, media organizations, transportation authorities, corporations, small businesses and charities to ensure the event runs smoothly.

"We have wonderful partners on the Dream Cruise that allow us to present a professional front to the world," said Chamberlain. Sponsors such as Oakland County, Oldies 104.3, WXYZ,The Oakland Press, SMART, GM, Eaton, Motor City Casino and the Designate help make the event possible. Grassroots support comes from individual sponsor memberships, which provides the general public an opportunity to support the event and stay informed. Additionally, local law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan State Police, and other supporting agencies, help ensure public safety.

For more information please visit the Woodward Dream Cruise website.

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