Detroit is called the Motor City for a reason.That international automotive legacy will be celebrated during CruisIN’ the D August 18-20.

Founder Gregory Reed felt Detroit’s slogan – “putting the world on wheels” – should be honored.

“Detroit is the automotive capital of the world, and it didn’t have a cruise,” he says. “I thought it was important to have a cruise to call our own.”

A major part of CruisIN’ the D is also to“highlight progressive regionalism in Southeast Michigan.”In addition, it raises money for local autism and military groups for its “CruisIN’ for a Cause” initiative from the$20 registration fee.

Now in its fourth year, the event is a cruise anda showcase for classic cars.

People from all over the world come to Motown to show off their automotive pride and joy.  Drivers and exhibitors have come from as far away as the Netherlands, New Zealand and France as well as across the United States.

Through social media and word of mouth, the event has grown to more than 100,000 people showing up to enjoy the event last year. At least that many are expected this year. All are exposed to our city and its history.

While the classic cars are what most people focus on, motorcycle lovers get their day as well on Friday, August 18. Their schedule is as follows:

• The ride begins at Palmer Park.
• Registration is from 5-6:30 p.m. at which point the kick stands go up and the ride begins.
• This route leaves Palmer Park goes down Seven Mile to Livernois Ave. to 8 Mile to Woodward to the loop at Grand Park Centre then back to Woodward and on to Midtown.
• After the run there’s a block party, which runs from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Griot and the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art on Woodward and Forest Ave. The celebration will include a DJ and food for the bikers and anyone else who wants to show up.

On August 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. participants and spectators will gather at Palmer Park to play trivia games, dance and participate in a raffle. They can also check out a new addition this year, the “Pony Room, which will show off Mustangs from 1964-2017.

The schedule for the classic cars on Saturday is:

• The Car Showcase is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. You can vote for the cars you think are best by texting 313131.Trophies for the best cars in different categories will be awarded at the closing ceremonies on Sunday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
• The Super Roll, which is a testament to the automotive legacy of Detroit, starts rolling down Woodward at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 10:00 a.m. The drive starts at the Piquette Plant site where Henry Ford built and perfected the first Model T. It then follows Detroit’s main street – the M-1 better known as Woodward – and pays homage to the 108^th anniversary of the world’s first paved road. Model Ts were tested on this road between 6 and 7 Mile where the first mile of concrete was laid.
• The cruise ends at Prestige Cadillac at 29900 Van Dyke Rd. in Warren fortheafterglow, which runs from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

CruisIN’ the D has been supported by the community from the beginning.The event has been supported by Mayor Duggan and members of the Detroit City Council.

“All communities inclusive,” says Reed, describing the connection between Detroit and the event.

Community connection and responsibility doesn’t end with these drives. In April, CruisIN’ the D put on a smaller car show for local school kids on Sheldon Rd.

“We look to continue to enhance the community for all people where things all began in the city of Detroit,” Reed says.

It is fitting metro Detroit is united by a celebration of what madeour city a household name as the automotive capital of the world.

  Chevy, Cruisin in the D, Detroit bikers, Detroit car lovers, Detroit Super Roll, Griot, N’Namdi Center For Contemporary Art, Palmer Park