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19th annual car cruise coming to Downtown Wayne

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, Michi-
gan Avenue and downtown Wayne
will be packed with classic and cus-
tom cars. For the fifth year in a row,
pit stops will be returning up and
down Michigan Avenue for the com-
munity to enjoy, thanks to the City of
Wayne Downtown Development Au-
thority’s (DDA) partnership with the
cruise.
“As I step into my fifth year help-
ing 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 Cruisin' US12 rolls through Downtown Wayne! Fans line the streets as classic cars cruise by, don’t miss the fun! Save the
soul into making this event a celebra- date: July 12 for the Cruisin' US12 Car Cruise!
tion for the entire community—and
this year, we’ve added more fun, parel will be selling T-shirts.
more flavor, and more reasons for The State Wayne Theater with the
the whole family to come out.” Rocky Horror Picture Show cast.
New to the cruise: 9:30 a.m. is an Lastly, Avenue American Bistro
opening prayer at Harry J Will Fu- and L George's Coney Island are of-
neral Home. We will begin the day fering free parking for classic cars or
with a short ceremony and prayer car clubs with room to pull in and
before the cruise starts. out. There will be bounce houses,
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. is the Na- face painting, cotton candy, popcorn,
tional Anthem, opening ceremony, free water and ice, and Jesse James
and parade cruise begins at Jack Band from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Demmer Ford. A patriotic start to “From the classic car shows and
the day, followed by the first official food trucks to the family fun zone,
cruise lap. A ceremonial lap begins, there’s truly something for everyone,”
departing from Jack Demmer Ford, said Kubany.
showcasing vehicles to officially open This stop will have a car show, DJ 25 ft rock-wall, trampolines, games, The DDA will attend the event
the cruise. (Participants line-up or with live music, and food by Fun and a live DJ. All ages welcome (kids and be handing out collectable
park at the “pre-owned” lot at Jack Food Express. are required to have an adult chap- cruise keychains again this year at
Demmer starting after the opening The third pit stop runs from 10 erone/must sign a waiver if they pit stops, while supplies last.
ceremony). a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Outdoor Vendor would like to participate on the rock New to the cruise, The DDA will
This year there will be six pit Show, managed by Jen Bowers. This wall or trampolines). be handing out classic car collector
stops, as well as many honorable stop will have local vendors offering This pit stop will also have the plates, while supplies last. They plan
mentions to stop at. crafts, goods, and more. Food Truck Rally on Park St. and to have a new collector plate each
The first pit stop runs from 9:30 The fourth pit stop runs from 10 Biddle. Several food trucks will be year for all the classic car lovers.
a.m. - 12 p.m. at Harry J Will Fu- a.m. - 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thousands of cars show up each
neral Home. For the 10th year, Harry This stop will have a 50’s theme cel- Porta potties will be available at year for the cruise, and there are lots
J. Will Funeral Homes will be hosting ebration where you can step back in each pit stop. There will be no shut- of regulars and crowd favorites ex-
Hot Cars and Hot Cakes. The park- time with a vintage car show and tles this year. pected to make an appearance. Park-
ing lot opens at 8:30 a.m. Show reg- themed fun. The following businesses are our ing lots in Downtown will be hosting
istration is $15 per car and includes The fifth pit stop runs from 12 honorable mentions: US12 with local car clubs, while other cars will
pancake breakfast. Additional tick- p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Karma Coffee good food, cold drinks and live be driving up and down Michigan Av-
ets for adults are $5.00, kids under Vendor Show. At this stop you can music on the outdoor patios. A new enue.
12 are free. sip coffee, enjoy treats, and shop arcade is open as well. “We love seeing families, friends,
There will be prizes for Best in from local artisans. The sixth and Flowers in the Mitten will have a and neighbors come together to kick
Show, Most Original, and Show Fa- final pit stop runs from 1 p.m. - 5 bake sale and shopping specials all off the summer with pride and joy
vorite. Donations are being accepted p.m. at the Family Fun Zone. This day. Fat Man Nok’s foot cart will be right here in Wayne,” said Kubany.
to benefit childhood mental health. stop is hosted by the Wayne DDA, outside. Derby’s Alley with BBQ by The DDA and cruise are still finaliz-
The second pit stop runs from 10 Historical Museum, and Hillcrest Wayne Fire Department. ing all the details for the event.
a.m. - 2 p.m. at Jack Demmer Ford. Bible Church. New to the cruise is a Kurt’s Caps and AKA Custom Ap- Be sure to attend Cruisin’ US12!
The Wayne Dispatch · June 2025 · 7