SOUTHGATE — The annual Cruisin’ Downriver has
turned into a two-day event in the city and promises to be packed
with more events this year.
Car clubs, music, food and freebies will highlight
the weekend for cruise-goers along Fort Street.
The cruise is one of the biggest summer draws for
the city, and Recreation Director Allen Kowalkowski said that his
department has been working on the event for about six months.
"We’ve had the bands lined up for a while and have
been working with Kmart to establish everything at the epicenter
again this year," Kowalkowski said.
He added that the festivities seem to get bigger
every year.
"A lot of other cities are getting involved and
doing things on Friday, too, so it’s becoming a multi-day event," he
said.
The hot spot for cruise activities will again be in
the Kmart parking lot at Fort Street and Pennsylvania Road.
Radio station WOMC-FM will be set up along the
route and a new Southgate Lincoln Mercury dealership opening that
weekend will offer customizing options.
"The south end of the city will be where most of
the activity is," he said.
The retailer will provide refreshments and children
can play on a giant inflatable slide and Moonwalk.
The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday with DJ
Davey G spinning a variety of tunes until 7 p.m. followed by a
concert from the Reflections from 7 to 10 p.m.
The Downriver Kruzers Car Club will have vintage
and custom cars on display in the parking lot.
The city’s Special Events Commission will sell
Cruisin’ Downriver T-shirts, hats and dashboard plates.
The first 100 cruisers to buy shirts or hats will
receive goodie bags full of car-related items courtesy of the city
and local businesses.
"They did a good job with it last year and a lot of
local merchants donated items," Kowalkowski said.
A day of music is planned to accompany the cruise
Saturday, beginning with a DJ from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the
Blues Brothers from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The Teen Angels take the stage from 5 to 7 p.m.
with the DJ rounding out the night.
The Roam'n Chariots Car Club will showcase classic
and specialty cars at Southgate Ford and AAA of Michigan sites both
days.
Also on Friday and Saturday, a concept car from
American Sunroof Corp. will be displayed as well as a custom
Chrysler Prowler and matching pickup truck.
"I thought last year was a lot of fun both days,"
Kowalkowski said. "It was so much bigger and it was pretty steady
both nights.
He said he’s anticipating an even bigger turnout
and more classic cars along the route this year.
"Hopefully with the construction change on Fort and
the holiday weekend, it will be good."
