2017 Woodward Dream Cruise: From Hot Rod To Muscle Car Events

ROYAL OAK, MI — The 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise officially begins on Aug. 18 at the place of its origin — Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. A host of Cruise events are planned leading up to that date and afterwards. More than 1 million people are expected to attend this year’s Cruise, including hundreds of thousands from outside of Michigan.

Besides new events, the other big change in 2017 is the main sponsor. Ford Motor Company replaced General Motor’s Chevy brand a few months back and is embracing the role.

“Dream Cruise is all about the sheer joy and freedom of the automobile, and Ford has always celebrated car culture,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing sales and service. “From Fiesta to GT, we’re obsessed with making driving fun and we’re committed to celebrating that passion with enthusiasts of all ages in the birthplace of motoring.”

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That’s not to say Ford will be the only Detroit automaker participating. On Aug. 12, Dodge will host a drag racing event on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, according to a Detroit Free Press report. A quarter-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue - America’s oldest paved road - will turn into hot rod alley for the day.

Ford expanded participation in the Dream Cruise isn’t limited to the sponsorship. Ford is hosting a “Driving Skills For Life” program, aimed at teaching new drivers safety techniques via a virtual reality app. The company will also continue to host Mustang Alley, and plans to show off other members of its performance lineup at Duggan’s Irish Pub in Royal Oak.

Since it is the birthplace of the Dream Cruise, the city of Ferndale is going all out. According to the Ferndale Dream Cruise website, they include:

• Thursday, August 17 (West of Woodward): PBS Channel 56 2nd annual television special, Dream Cruise Road Show, showcasing classic vehicles and the people who own them. The show will be filmed LIVE on Nine Mile Road, west of Woodward, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Spectators are welcomed. For more details: dptv.org/programs/dream-cruise-roadshow/
• Thursday, August 17 (East of Woodward): Downtown Ferndale will host the Get Reel Outdoor Movie Night. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a memorable evening under the stars, on Vester Street (between Woodward & Bermuda) beginning at dusk. For more details: downtownferndale.com/outdoor-movies/
• Friday, August 18 (East of Woodward):17th Annual Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show (1:00 pm - 8pm) will showcase classic, restored, custom and current ambulance, fire and police vehicles, along with the unique and spectator favorite Lights & Sirens Cruise (5:30 pm) and the official Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (5:00 pm).
• Friday, August 18 (West of Woodward): Mel's TV & Movie Car Collection. Come out and view the Batmobile, Monkeemobile, Munster Koach and more! displayed on West Nine Mile Rd from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
• Saturday, August 19 (East of Woodward): Mustang fans will be celebrating the iconic pony car at the 19th Mustang Alleyin downtown Ferndale with more than 650 Mustangs – making it the largest car exhibit at the Woodward Dream Cruise. Mustang Alley is regularly one of the most crowded events at the Dream Cruise. On Nine Mile Road & Woodward, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. For more details: mustangalleyon9.com

For those that like to watch the Dream Cruise, they will have to find a different spot than the corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Beaumont Hospital is redeveloping a 15-acre parcel at the site, which will ultimately include a grocery store, a five-story hotel, and an array of restaurants and other retail spaces.

“The Cruise will return after the new development opens,” said Beaumont Health Communications Colette Stimmell.

Photo by Bill Pugliano / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images