Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise: 7 Things to Know

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Cruis’news publisher Dana DeCoster will lead a parade of American hot rods as grand marshal of Sunday’s Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise.

DeCoster is a newcomer to Clinton Township, but an old hat at cruising As publisher of Cruis’news, he has been to about every cruise or car show in Michigan to take pictures and document the celebration of Detroit and Michigan’s role in the automobile industry.

Before DeCoster, a graphic designer, started his publication about 20 years ago, the only ways people found out about car shows and related events was through word of mouth or fliers. When the publication debuted in 1995, it was 16 pages; today, the magazine averages 108 pages with about 10,000 monthly subscribers.

DeCoster will lead the Cruise Parade in his completely stock, 389ci powered, white convertible 1964 Pontiac GTO (Motown’s first Muscle Car) that he has owned for a dozen years. Look for his customized Cruis’news work vehicle, a two-toned paint, nostalgic Challenger striped, Dodge Ram that has been lowered with body mods added, following behind in the parade.

Here are seven things to know about the Gratiot Cruise:

Parade: The parade is the highlight of the cruise each year and kicks off the day at noon. The parade begins with the grand marshal and the Clinton Township Fire Department and Police along with neighboring officers. Sponsors may bring a vehicle and join in and there may be a few dignitaries. Members of the Cruise Car Show follow along and the public can join in at the end.

Cruise Route: Gratiot Avenue from 14 Mile Road north of Metropolitan Parkway to Wellington Crescent and back, through beautiful Clinton Township.

Cruise Time: The Cruise has always been held on the first Sunday of August since 2003. The cruise is officially from noon to 6 p.m., but relted festivities starting as early as 9 a.m.

Car Show: Cruise Headquarters has a public Car Show for $15 pre-registered and $20 on cruise day. Car Show parking opens at 8 a.m. cruise day and closes at 6 p.m. Pre- registration is available online. Registration will also be available at any of the pre-cruise car shows prior to the cruise. Entrance in the car show guarantees a parking spot at Cruise Headquarters all day long and the opportunity to be included in the Cruise Parade. Cars will be judged.

Cruise Pedal Cars: For years children have enjoyed cruising Gratiot as much as the adults, making the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise a fun family event. Our Pedal Car Cruise is the perfect way to begin cruise day with the family. Bring your pedal car to Cruise Headquarters to be part of the pedal car cruise or to park it for the day. We make it a point to include pedal cars. The Pedal Car Cruise is part of the Kid Zone and begins the parade events so be at Cruise Headquarters early (10:30 a.m.) to find your pedal car. Or better to bring your own so you know you will be part of the fun.

Dorian Ford Midway: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dorian Ford in Gratiot. The midway will be open to the public and located at the Dorian Ford south entrance (used car entrance). This is a second main hub area that will focus on the wonderful service groups of our community along with great vendors of all kinds. There will be lots to see and do including carnival rides for kids, live entertainment and lots of vendors to check out.

Moran Chevrolet Kidz Zone at Cruise Headquarters: This year, the Kidz Zone will once again be located at Cruise Headquarters and is sponsored by Moran Chevrolet. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Kidz Zone will be open for fun.There will be the Pedal Car Cruise will take place at 11:00 a.m.- bring your camera.

More information is found here.

Image credit: Tap Tapzz via Flickr / Public Domain