Classic vehicles to cruise US12 in Downtown Wayne

Cruisin’ US12 returns to Downtown Wayne Saturday, July 8th, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Photo by J. Brynes

By Sarah Shurge – It’s almost that time of year again. The 17th annual car cruise, Cruisin’ US12 is almost here. The event will be happening on Saturday, July 8th, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
As always, Michigan Avenue and downtown Wayne will be packed with classic and custom cars. For the third year in a row, pit stops will be returning up and down Michigan Ave for the community to enjoy.
This year there will be five pit stops as well as a few honorable mentions to stop at.
There will be free air-conditioned shuttles running every 20-25 minutes traveling between three shuttle stops located near pit stops. The three shuttle stops are: Biddle/Park St, behind Karma Coffee, and Jack Demmer Ford. Each pit stop will be marked with a sign and shuttles will be marked as well.
The first pit stop is US12 Bar & Grill. There will be live music, food, drinks, and the patio will be packed.
The second stop is the family fun zone at Wayne Historical Museum, Hillcrest Bible Church, and First Congregational. There will be carnival games, prizes, give-aways, and entertainment. This stop will have two food trucks.
The third pit stop is the outdoor vendor show in the city lot near Brookies. There will be around 30-40 vendors in the field along with Fun Food Express’ “main” truck.
The fourth stop is Books on the Ave and Karma Coffee. This is a pop-up vendor event from 12-4 p.m. Karma will be open selling ice cream and food.
The fifth and final pit stop is Jack Demmer Ford. This stop will have a live band, car shows, and three food trucks. Each pit stop and food truck’s running time will vary depending on location.
Porta potties will be stationed at the following locations: one at US12 Bar & Grill, two at the family fun zone (one handicap and one regular service), one at the vendors show lot, and two at Jack Demmer Ford.
There are nine honorable mention businesses that will be hosting an event: Harry J. Will Funeral Home with Hot Cars and Hot Cakes, Flowers in the Mitten with an inside event and free popcorn, Fat Man Nok’s World Famous Hot Dogs outside of the Makers Market, Kicks Tae Kwon Do with a demo, Taste the Smoke BBQ, Brookies Café, State Wayne Theater with the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, All Star Patriots Dance Company, Chelsey Crawford with a demo, and Kurt’s Caps.
These locations will be shown on the map.
For the 8th year, Harry J. Will Funeral Homes will be hosting Hot Cars and Hot Cakes. Come from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The parking lot opens at 8:30 a.m. Show registration is $10 per car and includes pancake breakfast. Additional tickets for adults are $5 and kids under 12 are free.
McDonald’s on the corner of Michigan Ave and Wayne Rd, will be hosting a kid friendly event starting at 10a.m. with face painting and balloon art. There will also be an art craft station and a radio station will also attend.
The Makers Market located at 34852 W. Michigan Ave and 2nd St. will be having an indoor event and providing free popcorn.
Abbigale Rose will be performing in Derby’s Alley 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on Rose or her performance schedule, you can visit abbigalerose.com.
A “Swap Meet” will be hosted in the New Hope Church parking lot on Michigan Ave from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. New and used auto parts of all makes and models are welcome. Vendors set up starters at 5 a.m. 16×20 space available for $40 each spot. $5 parking per car. Women and children free.
Parking lots in downtown will be hosting local car clubs, while other cars will be driving up and down Michigan Ave. Thousands of cars show up each year for the cruise, and there are lots of regulars and crowd favorites expected to make an appearance.
Make sure you come out and enjoy the event!