Hundreds of classic cars are set to roll down Michigan Avenue as Wayne’s annual Cruisin’ Downtown US-12 Cruise returns Saturday July 11th, bringing with it live music, family activities and a full day of festivities from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The event, considered one of the city’s signature summer traditions, drew praise from local leaders ahead of opening ceremonies held at Jack Demmer Ford on Michigan Avenue.
Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa said the cruise captures something bigger than a car show.
“It means everything,” Rhaesa said. “It brings people into our community, the excitement. People just look forward to it. It’s just a great time for everybody - it’s inclusion. You see people from all walks of life just enjoying the cars and enjoying people, enjoying community.”
Rhaesa said local businesses stand to benefit well beyond the day itself.
“We’re 10 minutes from everywhere, so it gets people to remember where we’re at,” he said. “We’re a community that’s been around for 200 years, but sometimes that gets lost.”
He added the event’s energy tends to outlast the official schedule.
“People will get here early, they’ll stake out, and they’ll stay till it closes, even past the time that we say,” Rhaesa said. “The people just want to be here and hang out and be part of it.”
Jack Demmer Ford, a fixture on Michigan Avenue for more than six decades, is serving as the host site for the event’s opening ceremony. Owner James Demmer said the dealership’s involvement is rooted in gratitude.
“This is an opportunity for us to give back to the community and also say thank you to our team members, to our customers and to the community that’s helped us so much through the years in terms of our success,” Demmer said.
Demmer, whose dealership has been in business for 69 years - starting with selling Edsels on Wayne Road in 1957 - said what distinguishes the US-12 Cruise from other area car shows is simple.
“I think it’s the people,” he said. “The city of Wayne has a great crowd of people that they bring together for this.”
The cruise route runs along Michigan Avenue, with activities and vendors lining the strip throughout the day. Organizers say the event is designed for all ages, not just car enthusiasts.
You’ll find more details here.