Call it the “Epicenter of Cruisin’ Downriver.” That’s what most fans do, anyway.
When the event gets into full gear Friday night and Saturday morning, the area of Southgate on Fort Street between Eureka and Pennsylvania roads will be jammed with spectators for the 11th annual event.
As has been the case, the cruise will officially begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and run through the cities of Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte, along Fort Street between Outer Drive and Sibley Road. Tens of thousands of car buffs and enthusiasts are expected to cruise in and view the cars, hot rods, motorcycles souped-up go-carts, bicycles and just about any vehicle with wheels.
The whole weekend begins with a kickoff car show in Wyandotte tomorrow, continues with the unofficial cruise opening night Friday — complete with fireworks in Wyandotte and bands and movies in Lincoln Park — before the official day Saturday.
And as the momentum builds, many of the spectators will find their way to the “Southgate curve” near Fort and Pennsylvania.
Southgate has never disappointed anyone, either.
The city, Meijer, Kmart Super Center and Southgate Lincoln Mercury all have special events planned for this year’s cruise.
The city has partnered with Meijer, and each will have festivities in the store’s parking lot, 16300 Fort St.
On Friday, there will be a disc jockey from 6 to 10 p.m., as well as inflatables and classic cars sponsored by the Roam’n Chariots car club.
All entertainment is free.
On Saturday, the band AM Revolution will play from 1 to 4 p.m. and Vocal Point will play from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be more inflatables for children, and official 2010 Cruisin’ Downriver T-shirts will be for sale alongside more classic cars.
“With the state of the economy still very much on everyone’s mind, this gives our residents an affordable family fun event for everyone to enjoy,” said Ron Jewell, Southgate parks and recreation director.
“Eleven years later — and being part of this event every year — I personally see how it progressively gets better. Looking back when we organized the first year, we were hoping it would get traction and be an annual event.
“It’s great to see that come to fruition.”
In addition to Southgate, other booths also will have 2010 Cruisin’ Downriver T-shirts at various locations along the route for $15.
Kmart Super Center, across from Meijer at 16705 Fort St., also will have a live broadcast by classic rock station WCSX-FM (94.7) from noon to 6 p.m.
There will be a children’s zone with activities and bands playing classic rock favorites.
Classic cars will be parked in the Kmart parking lot.
All day on Saturday, Co-Op Services Credit Union, 16225 Fort St., will be providing giveaways, showcasing classic cars and featuring the band Rockabilly Strangers. Oldies station WOMC-FM (104.3) will be broadcasting from the company’s parking lot during the afternoon.
Many other businesses along Fort Street also have tents and viewing areas set up for the event.
There is no registration fee to be part of the cruise.

WYANDOTTE
The city’s biggest contribution to this year’s Cruisin’ Downriver likely will come before the official day even arrives, as the event gears up with a kickoff car show tomorrow evening and continues through the annual July fireworks display at dusk Friday.
Car shows have come and gone at Cruisin’ Downriver, but this year’s is an official part of the event, and replaces past kickoff get-togethers like the preview party.
Preregistration was necessary to enter the car show, which will take place in the Chase bank parking lot at Eureka and Third streets, an easy entry-exit point in the city and a short trip off the cruise course.
WOMC will broadcast from the car show between 3 and 7 p.m. Contest judging will take place between 6 and 8 p.m., and trophies will be awarded by The News-Herald Newspapers, the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, the city of Wyandotte and WOMC.
Car enthusiasts should note that due to the cancellation of the Riverview Summerfest — which used to be a staple of Cruisin’ Downriver’s Friday night action — Wyandotte’s Friday night fireworks will be the only show in town.
The fireworks are planned for dusk Friday off Bishop Park.
On Saturday, the Wyandotte Business Association will have a small gathering at the parking lot of the Sav-A-Lot, 3901 Fort St., as has been its custom. Jerry’s Food Market will be selling food, while The Salvation Army and Wainwright Community Meals will be selling bottled water. Official cruise T-shirts also will be sold.

LINCOLN PARK
This city has turned Cruisin’ Downriver into a three-day family event.
Festivities begin tomorrow with a concert at Memorial Park, London at Fort Street. The Motor City Jazz Octet will perform big band and swing music.
The park will be turned into an outside drive-in Friday night. “Shrek the Third” will play on the big screen at dusk. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
On Saturday, a number of bars and restaurants will have specials throughout the day to celebrate the annual cruise event.
Chesley’s Bar, 3717 Fort; Dexter’s Pizza, 3356 Fort; and McCaffery’s Bar, 4210 Fort, each will host outdoor tent parties. Food specials and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day.