SAM MEMMOLO Takes you on a Tour of click on photos for enlarged view
The Dream Cruise takes a lot of planning and manpower. There were literally hundreds of policemen and policewomen to help keep the fun orderly. The police were great, and they were in and on everything from motorcycles, bicycles, on foot, and in squad cars. I was impressed with the extremely professional attitude displayed by all the uniformed officers I met. The combined effort of all the different law enforcement agencies made for a great time. With 1.7 million people, estimated at spending an average of $ 75.00 per person, the event brings over $125,000,000 into these host townships. A great way to keep neighborhoods with character alive and well!
I have always wanted to go to The Woodward Dream Cruise. Diana and I have several friends who live in the Detroit area, including Mike Eaton and his wife Sandy of Eaton Detroit Spring. In addition to being good friends and wonderful people, Mike and Sandy advertise Eaton Detroit Spring products on our website. Mike also made the new springs for Diana’s 1939 Chevy Master 85 Street Rod.
There’s a group of terrific auto parts stores in the Detroit area called Murray’s Discount Auto Stores. With close to 100 stores (some open 24 / 7) you can be sure to get the great parts at the right price. Murray’s stores are well merchandised, clean and bright, and well stocked. Their product lines include some of my personal favorites, like Lubegard Products and of course Greased Lightning and Orange Blast.
I traveled to Detroit with my friend Dan. We arrived in Royal Oak Friday evening and had a long, leisurely dinner sitting in the Vinsetta Café, right on Woodward Avenue. We had great seats with a panoramic view and were able to watch all the magnificent vehicles and throngs of people as we dined. What a way to kick off a weekend! Great food, great service, and a spectacular view! Dan and I got breakfast early Saturday morning so we could arrive at Murray’s Royal Oak store by 7:15 a.m. I was knocked out by the flurry of activity with Murray’s employees scurrying around; setting up tents, getting bottled water packed on to the ice, and making everyone feel right at home. These volunteers had been there for a while when we arrived. I toured the store with the Jim Mangiapane, Murray’s Vice-President, and then I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Klein, President of Murray’s.
Dan and I worked in the Greased Lightning vendor booth along with the super hard working Bill Haugh. We passed out samples of Greased Lightning and Orange Blast, along with some valuable coupons. The crowd seemed to love it, and gave generous for donations for the Leader Dogs. J.B. drives the Greased Lightning rig, and sets up all the gear. He brought
the Greased Lightning truck, and the Orange Blast Legends Racer. The weather was
terrific, and the sight of all those classics and Hot Rods made me crave some
good cruisin’. I actually talked Dan into getting out to cruise in
As you can see in the pictures, one day was not enough for this car nut. I was out on the street with millions of other spectators and participants until the very end, about 9:30 p.m. I could have done it all again the next day, but the event was over. I hope I made a little bit of a difference; at least enough to get invited back next year. If you do nothing else, be sure to get to the Woodward Dream Cruise and experience it for yourself. Sam Click on yellow framed photos for enlarged views
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