By Barbara Ziemba, Staff Writer

WYANDOTTE — To cruise, or not to cruise.

That’s the question confronting the City Council, as it mulls, what, if any, resources it can allocate for the upcoming Cruisin’ Downriver.

The cruise, planned as an annual event, will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. down Fort Street between Southfield and Sibley roads.

Wyandotte’s chief concern is that another major event, the dedication of a sculpture depicting a family of Wyandot Indians, is set for the same day as the cruise.

Four chiefs of Wyandot tribes from around the country will attend the dedication, and ceremonial dances as well as other festivities are planned.

Also, the fireworks, Fourth of July Parade and the annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair are happening before and after the cruise.

Wyandotte officials are concerned that the cruise will strain the city’s limited resources, especially where police overtime and public services are concerned.

The three other cities along the route are Lincoln Park, Southgate and Riverview.

Representatives promoting the cruise, scheduled for July 8, attended the council meeting Monday to answer questions about the upcoming event.

Edward Clemente, chairman of the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, and Donald Thurlow, the publisher of the News-Herald Newspapers, told the council that the date for the cruise was picked by several Downriver cruise clubs.

"They travel all over the state to attend cruises, and they know when the other cruises would take place," Thurlow said.

Subcommittees are handling the nuts and bolts of the cruise, such as parking, vendors and financing, and Clemente urged the city to appoint a representative to attend the meetings.

They also suggested seeking sponsors from Wyandotte businesses along the Fort Street corridor to help pick up costs.

Other suggestions included contacting the Michigan State Police and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department to help patrol the cruise.

Cruisers will be limited to the two curb lanes; the rest of Fort will be open to through traffic. Traffic lights will operate normally and cruisers are supposed to drive accordingly.

Some concern was expressed that the route wouldn’t be long enough to accommodate all the cruisers.

Whether or not Wyandotte decides to support the cruise, it will be happening, and Clemente urged the cities to cooperate with each other.

"We’re not trying to shove this down anyone’s throat," he said. "We haven’t asked for any money … We are only promoting the cruise."

In the end, the council approved a resolution supporting the cruise. But members also want department heads to report back on how it will be paid for and its impact on city services.