The Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise
The Woodward Dream Cruise started as something a group of Detroit area wrenches, [a term uses to describe hobbyist machines] brought their work out for others to admire. Detroit is the home of the automobile industry throughout the world. If it’s a car Detroit had something to do with it at some time. The dream cruise is a place where you can see a Ford Motor Company Vice President discussing paint jobs with a Maco mechanic. A GM engineers learning new ways of modifying carburetors from armatures. For one day, their all wrenches none above the other. None so smart they can’t learn from a novas.
Woodward Avenue divides the east and west suburbs of Detroit. It’s also a main thoroughfare in and out of Detroit. It’s one of the few places that can accommodate nearly 1.7 million people, 40,000 classic and modified cars. The official dream cruise is scheduled from 9:am to 9:pm Saturday August 20th. The unofficial dream cruise has expanded to a full week. In order to assure a place people start their hunt days in advance. The dream cruise didn’t start out as an organized even, organization came to it. It’s now sponsored by Automotive associated firms from around the world. Every Village between Pontiac and Detroit has crafted an event to attract the dollars flowing from the dream cruise.
The Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise has become the largest attraction in Michigan, a state with many attractions. The truly marvelous thing about the dream cruise, no government or organization can charge admission, taxes or otherwise take charge. It’s nearly 80 square miles of unfenced landscape. The only control is at the beginning as the cars are allowed their position in line and the various police who patrol the 16 miles through several villages. Otherwise, it’s free of governments influence and or interference.
The rest is political, if you want to stop here go ahead.
Eleven years ago the first Woodward Dream Cruse attracted wrenches, their friend, and family from the neighborhoods around the Detroit / Windsor Metro area, [yes Canadians drive cars.] It has grown to attract nearly two million people from around the world. When left to their own devices the public can perform miracles. The Woodward Dream Cruise should be a lesson to those governing us. It’s the individual not the politicians who make this country work. Innovation is the fuel societies are built on.
If I may be allowed an emotional moment. This is what America is about, individuals innovating and crafting events for the good of the community. If by chance, a government agency stepped in and took over the dream cruise it would soon disappear. It’s people working together without rules that make this event work. Negation and compromise makes the dream cruise what it is. That’s the principle our congress should be following.
Some of the Woodward Dream Cruise will be seen on TV this weekend. It’s gained national attention. Perhaps I’ve brought it a little closer for you.
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