'Woodward Dream Cruise Is the Sturgis for Gearheads'

The Shell gas station parking lot at the corner of Normandy and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak was filled with cars of all kinds Thursday, welcoming Dream Cruisers from all over the country in advance of Saturday's main event.

Many of them said the location was the best place to park.

Not only was everyone able to show off their cars, but the auto enthusiasts said they were able to meet one another and discuss their love of cars.

Dubbed the world's largest one-day car event, the Woodward Dream Cruise officially kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday. It will run until 9 p.m. along a 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac.