Cruisin’ in Downtown

By Sarah Shurge – It’s almost that time of year again! The 19th annual car cruise, Cruisin’ US12 will be happening on Saturday, July 12th. As always, Michigan Avenue and downtown Wayne will be packed with classic and custom cars.
New to the cruise: 9:30 a.m. is an opening prayer at Harry J Will Funeral Home. 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. is the National Anthem, opening ceremony, and parade cruise beginning at Jack Demmer Ford.
For the fifth year in a row, pit stops will be returning up and down Michigan Ave for the community to enjoy. This year there will be six pit stops, as well as a few 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.
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. The following food trucks will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Motor City Sweet Treats, I Told You Food Truck, G Faz Pizza, El Jefe Taco Truck, Kona Ice, and Lolly’s by Golly.
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.
UAW Local 900 with food and refreshments.
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- 6 p.m.
Make sure you come out and enjoy Cruisin’ US12!