Warner

After a perfect 10, Cruisin’ Downriver committee members are steering toward No. 11.
Saturday marks the 11th anniversary for Downriver’s signature summer event, presented by The News-Herald Newspapers, the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber and oldies radio station WOMC-FM (104.3).
Traditionally held on the last Saturday in June, the cruise runs from 10 a.m. to dusk along Fort Street, between Outer Drive and Sibley Road. It includes the cities of Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, Southgate and Riverview.
The chamber is the driving force behind the summer celebration.
The decade-old event was suggested by Evelyn Cairns, a longtime features editor for The News-Herald.
It was organized by state Rep. Edward Clemente (D-Lincoln Park), who was the chamber president at the time, and Donald Thurlow, former News-Herald publisher.
“Both thought it would be an event that would showcase the Downriver area,” said Sandy Mull, chamber interim president.
“The chamber’s mission is to promote Downriver business and the cruise is one way for us to do that.
“An unofficial goal of the chamber is to support and promote the cities. While the cruise runs through only four cities, the entire Downriver community benefits from the influx of visitors that may never come to the area otherwise.
“We hope that they will go away with a different opinion of Downriver from the one they had previously and that the image of Downriver will improve as a result.”

According to Mull, there’s no secret why the cruise continues to be so popular. It is because Downriver in general and southeastern Michigan in particular are “car country,” something that clicks with Detroit’s Motor City label.
“For most of us, cars have been an integral part of our lives,” she said.
“The auto industry has provided a good livelihood for many of our families. Beyond that, everyone has a favorite old car or a memory that is associated with a special car.
“Do you know anyone who doesn’t go into great, loving detail when describing his or her first car?”
For Mull, a used 1965 Ford Mustang convertible holds a special place in her heart.
“I convinced my husband to buy (it) in the early ’70s,” she said. “It wasn’t in very good shape mechanically, but it sure looked great! He gave in and bought it against his better judgment, but we traded it in within a year because it ran so abominably.
“I loved it anyway and still smile every time I think of it.”
Mull said an event dedicated to honoring and showing off cars is destined for success despite at-times high gas prices.
High gas prices haven’t stopped many car enthusiasts from visiting or participating in the four-city event.
Along with the actual cruise, many car clubs and businesses schedule special events throughout the day. Information on the event can be found year-around on the official cruise Web site, www.cruisindownriver.com.
For those who seek a wider range of cruising and classic car activities, click on Cruisin’ MI, a region-wide site located under the entertainment tab at www.thenewsherald.com.

Mull fondly remembers when a motorcycle club joined the opening drive around the route.
“I got to ride with one of the ride captains on his motorcycle,” she said. “We stopped cross traffic while the rest of the group rode through, then flew to the front of the group to do it again. Very cool.”
Interest in the cruise remains strong because of the route, easy access and participation from the four cities and businesses along Fort Street.
The route extends from Outer Drive to Sibley Road, although getting motorists to drive the full length of it remains a challenge for organizers.
“This always has been an issue,” Mull said. “While we’d love to have every cruiser drive the entire length of the official cruise route, they are going to go where the most people gather to view the cars.
“As the crowds grow, more drivers will want to drive that (particular) stretch of the route to show off their cars.”
High-interest areas are Southgate near Pennsylvania and Lincoln Park, in front of the band shell, but pockets of heavy spectator traffic lines most of the route.

The chamber has fiduciary responsibility for the cruise and sells sponsorships throughout the year.
Levels are gold, at $7,500; silver, $6,000; and bronze, $1,000.
“The News-Herald is the promotional sponsor,” Mull said. “WOMC-Oldies 104.3 is the official radio station.”
Meijer is the major sponsor this year and other key sponsors include AT&T, Co-op Services Credit Union and Holiday Inn-Southgate.
The chamber handles the entire official T-shirt process — featuring the official Cruisin’ Downriver logo — with proceeds used to help defray public safety expenses. The price of the official T-shirt is $15.
“Representatives of each of the four cities will be selling official T-shirts along the route, as well as before and after,” Mull said.