FeedsOfficials, enthusiasts prepare for Michigan Avenue Cruise
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Scott Gocaj, co-owner of U-S 12 Bar and Grill, said he hopes the Michigan Cruise will bring plenty of business to the community.How do you prepare for a parade of thousands of vehicles?
That’s the question area police agencies have been asking as they prepare for the Michigan Avenue Cruise, a first-time event that takes place from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
The event, which stretches along Michigan Avenue from Dearborn Heights to the City of Wayne, has attracted attention from dozens of car clubs both in Michigan and beyond, according to event organizer Don Nicholson.
“We hope to have a good turnout,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of interest so far.”
But even with more than 200,000 hits on the website, www.CruisinMichigan.com, nobody is exactly sure what to expect when the event gets under way on Saturday.
“We’ve been in contact with police agencies up and down Michigan Avenue,” said Wayne Police Chief John Williams. “This is not something we can take lightly. We have to be prepared.”
It’s difficult to plan for an event that hasn’t happened before, he said, particularly when it’s a completely different type of event that has taken place in the city limits. Williams said the police would have a strong presence, and have the ability to call in reserves should the need arise. When the City of Wayne hosted the fireworks celebration two weeks ago, they had 30 officers on duty for a crowd of 15,000. The cruise could top that.
“We’re set for it,” Williams said. “We don’t really know what to expect, so we’re taking a bit of a wait and see approach.”
Nicholson said he’s had a similar response from police agencies up and down the cruising strip. In the City of Inkster, where the event coincides with the summer jazz festival, police officers will already be out in force.
“They’re going to have a strong presence, but they’re not going to be hard-nosed police officers during the event,” said Nicholson.
He came up with the idea for the cruise last year as a way to bring additional traffic to businesses within the area. Many are planning special events or sales throughout the day, too. In addition to the concerts taking place at the Inkster festival, the U.S. 12 Bar and Grill—sporting a new look thanks to recent renovations—will host an outdoor concert featuring the Six Foot Poles.
“We’re really banking on this,” said Scott Gocaj, co-owner of the bar and restaurant. “We think it’ll be a good thing for the community and I hope it’s successful.”
Vendors will line the street and car dealerships—such as Jack Demmer—will put on special car shows, too. The former Eliose facility will feature historic Model Ts.
“There is going to be a lot going on,” Nicholson said.
Williams said the increased police presence is simply to ensure everyone’s safety and not to limit the fun.
“I think it’s going to be good for the community,” he said of the event. “Hopefully, it’ll be just like what everyone is expecting it to be—a nice peaceful event. That’s how we’re trying to keep it.”
Nicholson agreed.
“I want the event to be safe and successful so we can bring it back next year,” he said. “I want everyone to have a good time.”
