10. THE ROUTE

Much consideration was taken in choosing the best route for Cruisin' Downriver. And, Fort Street is the route that not only best represents what Downriver is all about, but also offers the best experience for both cruisers and spectators.
The cruise extends north from Sibley Road in Riverview through Southgate and Wyandotte all the way up to Outer Drive in Lincoln Park.
In short, Fort Street has become synonymous with Cruisin’ Downriver.
Fort Street has become such an important part of the event that the Michigan Department of Transportation cooperates with cruise organizers months in advance to make sure traffic signals and turnarounds are coordinated, and that the road is clear of construction barrels and safe to travel each and every year.
How cool is that?

9. THE FOOD
What do car enthusiasts get after a few hours of watching some classics roll by? Hungry!
There are plenty of offerings each year along the cruise route, from restaurants to portable hot dog stands and chicken-and-rib grills. Several businesses, most notably in Lincoln Park and Southgate, even give away free hot dogs, ice cream, tacos, corn on the cob and pizza if you are in the right place at the right time.

8. PRECRUISE EVENTS
Tomorrow’s car show in Wyandotte, featuring Oldies 104.3 WOMC-FM live starting at 3 p.m., kicks off the weekend early. Judging in the show will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile in Lincoln Park, concerts will be held at Memorial Park, London and Fort. The Motor City Jazz Octet will perform big band and swing music — so if you’re into Jimmy Dorsey or Glenn Miller, it’s the place to be.
Memorial Park turns into a drive-in for “Shrek the Third” at dusk Friday.

7. FIREWORKS!
One of Downriver’s most beautiful fireworks’ displays will take place in Wyandotte on the waterfront off Bishop Park at dusk Friday.
Arrive early to get a good vantage point.

8. PEOPLE-WATCHING
While the cars are at center stage, the people behind the machines and the spectators who gather by the tens of thousands to watch Cruisin’ Downriver every year can be just as entertaining.
Even if you’re not a classic-car enthusiast, you can approach any of the car owners as they park along the cruise route, ask them about their pride and joy, and they will greet you with a friendly answer.

5. OLDIES 104.3 WOMC-FM
The official radio station of Cruisin' Downriver, Oldies 104.3 WOMC-FM does a tremendous job year in and year out of keeping cruisers entertained while they make their way up and down Fort Street — and, perhaps more importantly, informed on cruise-related events happening along the route.
Other radio stations also broadcast from the cruise because of its growing popularity, but WOMC dedicates its entire broadcast day to Cruisin’ Downriver and is your best source for cruise-related fun and information.

4. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Each and every year, more and more live entertainment is offered along the cruise route, from inside bars to park band shells to makeshift stages set up in parking lots.

3. CRUISIN’
Nothing can duplicate the experience of driving down Fort Street during Cruisin’ Downriver, whether you're in a classic Ford Mustang convertible or the family minivan.
The trip will take a little longer than usual, but the rainbow of colorful sights, sounds and smells along the way will make memories of a lifetime and bring out the kid in all of us.

2. COMMUNITY PRIDE
As Downriver’s premier community event, Cruisin’ Downriver attracts tens of thousands of people to Fort Street each and every year. Many of these car enthusiasts come from across the state, and some even come from across the nation. Not only does the cruise route unite the four host cities of Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte, but it also brings together the entire region for a family-friendly event we all can view with pride.

1. THE CARS
Face it, Downriver: We have a love affair with cars!
We love the classic ’32 Fords, the Rat Rods, the classy ’57 Thunderbirds and the ’55 Chevys, the powerful ’69 Camaro and the ’70 Chevelle SS muscle cars, all of the Corvettes and the 40-plus years of the Ford Mustang, to name a few.
We love the flamed paint jobs, the chrome side pipes, the low rumbles of the powerful engines and the smell of burning rubber. We love to take care of them, baby them and envy and respect those who do the same.
But most of all, we love to show off and drive them in Cruisin’ Downriver — now just days away for the 11th straight year!