Cruisin' Hines One of the Biggest Classic Car Shows in the Area

Classic car cruises have become a mainstay of summertime in Metro Detroit. After all, this is the motor city, and cars are indeed part of the culture here.

One of the largest classic car cruises has been Cruisin' Hines, which takes place through Hines Park. This year the ninth annual event will take place on Sunday, August 25, starting at 9 a.m. and running all day until 5 p.m.

Organizer Don Nicholson says Cruisin' Hines is one of the larges cruises in the area by participation due to the location. The cruise takes over seven and a half miles of Hines Drive, from Ford Road all the way to Ann Arbor Trail. No other traffic is allowed through the park so there are only classic vehicles cruising that stretch. Nicholson contrasts the cruise with other cruises held during the summer months at locations along public roads, such as Michigan Avenue and Woodward. At those cruises, classic vehicles must share the road with regular daily traffic. "I think that we just have the natural event location," says Nicholson. "Everybody who grew up in this area, in Wayne, to Dearborn, cruised Hines back in the 60s and 70s- that was the hangout place."

Classic vehicles will enter at Ford Road and head west. They can either exit at Ann Arbor Trail or turn around and keep cruising. Spectators for the event will be able to enter and park in the lots at Merriman, Telegraph and Warrendale. All other entrances will be blocked to regular traffic. Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged. Food vendors will be on hand all day and event sponsors will have tables and booths as well. Cars will be on display along the route in addition to those which will be cruising through the park.

Nicholson, who had been organizing the event since 2011, says the event is open to everyone. "I love seeing the families that come down on bicycles," he says, adding that bicycle is one of the better methods to travel the cruise route and see everything. "This is a family fun event."

The event is free for spectators, but cruisers are asked to donate five dollars upon entering Hines Drive. Money collected will be divided between Wayne County Parks and the volunteers or a charity of their choice.

Nicholson emphasizes the rules of the road are in effect during Cruisin' Hines. No passing will be allowed, nor will racing or burn-outs be allowed. Motorcycles, mini-bikes and golf carts will be prohibited. "We want people to have a good time," he says.

As a preview to the main event on Sunday, Cross Pointe Community Church will hold a kick-off party on Saturday, August 24. Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, along with games, food, giveaways, and crafts. The event is free to the community and will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cross Pointe Church is located at 36125 Glenwood in Wayne. To find out more about the event or if you are interested in volunteering, visit http://www.cruisinhines.com or contact Don Nicholson at [email protected]. The Cruisin' Hines website lists rules for the cruise, information about volunteering, and includes a map of the cruise route with parking and restrooms designated. The event will go on, rain or shine. "It's just a fun community event," says Nicholson.