The 21th anniversary of the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise is gearing up for the big day on Sunday, Aug. 4.
The event celebrates Macomb County’s largest procession of hot rods, roadsters, motorcycles, antique vehicles, pickup trucks and other wheeled contraptions that gather on Gratiot between 14 Mile Road and Wellington Crescent for a day of family fun.
“Whether you are a car guy or a parent who wants to bring the kids, the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise has a little something for everyone as a ‘Family Friendly Cruise’,” the cruise committee said in their program.
U.S. Rep. John James (PROVIDED PHOTO)
U.S. Rep. John James is this year’s cruise grand marshal. The Shelby Township Republican, who is up for election this year in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, is an Army veteran and a businessman.
In advance of the vintage vehicle showcase, the cruise committee hosts a series of pre-cruise car shows at businesses throughout the community that attract on average 100 classic cars. The shows include menu specials and some form of entertainment.
Car shows this week take place from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at M3 Gratiot Pub on Gratiot near Quinn Road and Wednesday as part of the Clinton Township Parks and Recreation Department’s Music and Movie Night at the Park at the Civic Center on Romeo Plank Road.
“We expect a good turnout at both of those car shows in anticipation for the big Cruise event on Sunday,” said cruise spokesman Paul Silvestri.
On Sunday, there are two primary areas of activities for people to check out.
The Family Fun Zone returns noon-4 p.m. to the parking lot of the Regional Shopping Center parking lot at the corner of 15 Mile Road and Gratiot. Last year, it was relocated due to road construction.
The Fun Zone will contain all of the nonprofit groups, food trucks, Parks and Recreation events, bounce houses, pedal car races, kid’s bike raffle, Paint the Van and Touch-a-Truck. The Motor City Wranglers will perform a mix of rock and country music tunes from 1-4 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Cruise Headquarters is on the southeast corner of 16 Mile Mile Road and Gratiot in the parking lot of the McLaren “Glass House” building.
Cruise Headquarters will host the starting point of the cruise route, the location of the Cruise Day Car Show, cruise merchandise, as well as various yard games and refreshments.
The Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise Inc. is a non-profit organization registered in the State of Michigan and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(4) organization.
The planning group’s purpose is to organize an annual car cruise within the Clinton Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundaries to promote both the businesses along Gratiot Avenue as well as the community.
Mother Nature appears to be cooperating. According to the National Weather Service, the early forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high around 84 degrees.
For more information, visit CTgratiotcruise.com.