19th annual car cruise coming to Downtown Wayne

Cruisin’ US12 rolls through Downtown Wayne! Fans line the streets as classic cars cruise by, don’t miss the fun! Save the date: July 12 for the Cruisin’ US12 Car Cruise!

By Sarah Shurge – Mark your calendars because it’s almost that time of year again. The much-anticipated, annual car cruise, Cruisin’ US12 will be happening on Saturday, July 12th.
For the 19th year in a row, Michigan Avenue and downtown Wayne will be packed with classic and custom cars. For the fifth year in a row, pit stops will be returning up and down Michigan Avenue for the community to enjoy, thanks to the City of Wayne Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) partnership with the cruise.
“As I step into my fifth year helping to plan the US12 Cruise, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude,” said Lisa Kubany, DDA Marketing and Events Director. “Every year, our planning team puts their heart and soul into making this event a celebration for the entire community—and this year, we’ve added more fun, more flavor, and more reasons for the whole family to come out.”
New to the cruise: 9:30 a.m. is an opening prayer at Harry J Will Funeral Home. We will begin the day with a short ceremony and prayer before the cruise starts.
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. is the National Anthem, opening ceremony, and parade cruise begins at Jack Demmer Ford. A patriotic start to the day, followed by the first official cruise lap. A ceremonial lap begins, departing from Jack Demmer Ford, showcasing vehicles to officially open the cruise. (Participants line-up or park at the “pre-owned” lot at Jack Demmer starting after the opening ceremony).
This year there will be six pit stops, as well as many honorable mentions to stop at.
The first pit stop runs from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Harry J Will Funeral Home. For the 10th year, Harry J. Will Funeral Homes will be hosting Hot Cars and Hot Cakes. The parking lot opens at 8:30 a.m. Show registration is $15 per car and includes pancake breakfast. Additional tickets for adults are $5.00, kids under 12 are free.
There will be prizes for Best in Show, Most Original, and Show Favorite. Donations are being accepted to benefit childhood mental health.
The second pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jack Demmer Ford. This stop will have a car show, DJ with live music, and food by Fun Food Express.
The third pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Outdoor Vendor Show, managed by Jen Bowers. This stop will have local vendors offering crafts, goods, and more.
The fourth pit stop runs from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. This stop will have a 50’s theme celebration where you can step back in time with a vintage car show and themed fun.
The fifth pit stop runs from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Karma Coffee Vendor Show. At this stop you can sip coffee, enjoy treats, and shop from local artisans. The sixth and final pit stop runs from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Family Fun Zone. This stop is hosted by the Wayne DDA, Historical Museum, and Hillcrest Bible Church. New to the cruise is a 25 ft rock-wall, trampolines, games, and a live DJ. All ages welcome (kids are required to have an adult chaperone/must sign a waiver if they would like to participate on the rock wall or trampolines).
This pit stop will also have the Food Truck Rally on Park St. and Biddle. Several food trucks will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Porta potties will be available at each pit stop. There will be no shuttles this year.
The following businesses are our honorable mentions: US12 with good food, cold drinks and live music on the outdoor patios. A new arcade is open as well.
Flowers in the Mitten will have a bake sale and shopping specials all day. Fat Man Nok’s foot cart will be outside. Derby’s Alley with BBQ by Wayne Fire Department.
Kurt’s Caps and AKA Custom Apparel will be selling T-shirts.
The State Wayne Theater with the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast.
Lastly, Avenue American Bistro and L George’s Coney Island are offering free parking for classic cars or car clubs with room to pull in and out. There will be bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, free water and ice, and Jesse James Band from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
“From the classic car shows and food trucks to the family fun zone, there’s truly something for everyone,” said Kubany.
The DDA will attend the event and be handing out collectable cruise keychains again this year at pit stops, while supplies last.
New to the cruise, The DDA will be handing out classic car collector plates, while supplies last. They plan to have a new collector plate each year for all the classic car lovers.
Thousands of cars show up each year for the cruise, and there are lots of regulars and crowd favorites expected to make an appearance. Parking lots in Downtown will be hosting local car clubs, while other cars will be driving up and down Michigan Avenue.
“We love seeing families, friends, and neighbors come together to kick off the summer with pride and joy right here in Wayne,” said Kubany. The DDA and cruise are still finalizing all the details for the event.
Be sure to attend Cruisin’ US12!