Macomb County is gearing up for a fun-packed “traffic jam” that brings smiles to thousands of faces each year.
Here comes the North Gratiot Cruise.
The ever-expanding event on Sept. 28 features a crowd-pleasing car parade, a car show, a kids’ play area, live music, food and a 5K run.
And, this year, the family-friendly experience will include a craft show and will introduce a cornhole tournament and a tailgate zone with a giant-screen television screen for football fans to keep an eye on their favorite games.
“There’s really something for everyone,” said John Johnson, chief executive of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce and a founder of the North Gratiot Cruise. “It’s a day for all to enjoy.”
It’s also a day to help support Macomb County.
After costs are covered, revenues from the cruise are donated to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Total donations over the past decade are approaching $100,000.
“We are proud to be part of this event to benefit and give back to the community in a variety of ways,” said Donna Weatherby, director of marketing and special events for the North Gratiot Cruise Foundation. “The support of many sponsors again this year demonstrates a heartfelt sense of community.”
Among the longtime enthusiasts is Mike Vendetti, vice-chair of the North Gratiot Cruise Foundation board.
“There’s so much going on that you’d think this was a two- or three-day event,” said Vendetti, owner of Biggs Bar & Grill for nearly a quarter-century. “We want to appeal to everybody and the cruise just grows and grows every year.
“It’s a great day for all who participate and those who attend. People are thirsty for something like this.”
Cool cars are at the heart of the event, described as a “one-day celebration of automobile history that attracts muscle cars, street rods, customs, collector cars, special interest vehicles — and the people who love them.” Residents and visitors by the hundreds set up lawn chairs and stake out positions along North Gratiot to savor a steady stream of hot rods and historic models.
The epicenter for the day is the parking lot of Value City Furniture and Kohl’s, 50500 Gratiot, near 23 Mile Road. The cruise route is a loop along Gratiot from 23 Mile to Hall Road and back, with a car show at 10 a.m. and cruising scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Stock and modified vehicles will compete for cash awards, including $1,000 for best in show, $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.
Before the cruising begins, the annual Chesterfield 5K will set out at 9 a.m. from the Value City parking lot at 50400 Gratiot. Runners will compete for $1,700 in prizes, following a course that includes the Eagle’s Nest subdivision. Registered entrants will receive a T-shirt, medal, snacks and refreshments. An 8:30 a.m. warm-up is planned, presented by Champion Health Club.
For more information, call Weatherby at 313-510-8340.
“Support this year from the New Baltimore Lions Club promises to make the 5K bigger and better than ever,” said John Long, chief operating officer of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
The Value City parking lot also will be home to the craft fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 40 artisans will show their work, including art, jewelry, toys, clothing, wearables and edibles. Interested vendors are encouraged to contact Caroline Lane at 313-498-1238 or [email protected].
Music will be provided by Spooky Sterling, a popular metropolitan Detroit rock and alternative cover band.
For children, organizers plan a Kids Zone with games, face painting, activities and a touch-a-truck experience with a fire truck from the Chesterfield Township Fire Department. A K-9 unit from the township also will be on hand.
Also on site will be a Highway Auto Parts “rat rod” custom car, and the “Mega Hauler,” an 80-foot beast of a customized truck created over a three-year effort by Devon Built Performance, maker of one-of-a-kind automotive custom builds. Car show entrants will receive a T-shirt and a dashboard plaque. T-shirts are on sale for $30 and are sponsored by Devon, devonbuilt.com.
Sports fans attending the cruise will have two outlets with the introduction this year of a cornhole tournament (with a $500 cash prize to the winning team) and a big-screen television showing key college games (University of Michigan hosts the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University hosts Ohio State University). Cornhole is presented by Bagger Dave’s in the restaurant’s parking lot at 50570 Gratiot Ave., New Baltimore.
“We want this to be a day everybody can enjoy, whatever their interests,” said Joe Ballor, owner of Ballor Towing and a member of the North Gratiot Cruise board of directors.
Tamer Foundation is the official presenting sponsor of both the Chesterfield 5K and North Gratiot Cruise.
For more information and registration, contact Weatherby at 313-510-8340 or [email protected].
Originally Published: September 18, 2024 at 11:22 a.m.