Cruisin' Hines Classic Car Cruise Celebrates 10 Years

Classic car cruises are a regular event in metro Detroit each summer. One of the largest classic car cruises has been Cruisin’ Hines, which takes place through scenic Hines Park. This year, the cruise’s 10th anniversary event will take place on Sunday, August 29, starting at 9 a.m. and running all day until 4 p.m. 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.

Don Nicholson has been organizing Cruisin’ Hines since 2011 and says, “We’ve had cars from 15 states and five (Canadian) provinces. It’s very well attended. One year we had 30 cars from Australia.” The cruise was cancelled last year due to the pandemic and Nicholson estimates the event will draw over 500,000 participants and spectators this year. Additionally, for everyone’s safety, all state and local COVID-19 precautionary regulations will be in place.

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 for a charity of their choice.

“This is a way for people to gather and show off their vehicles. It’s just a community gathering really, of people who love the car culture,” says Nicholson. “This being Detroit, the Motor City, everybody’s connected to the car in one way or another; if you didn’t work for the car companies, you had a relative that did or you did business with the car companies.”

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 at the park’s pavilions 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. “Walk up and ask the owners about their car, because there isn’t an owner out there who doesn’t like to talk about their car,” says Nicholson.

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 but bicyclists will be allowed to use the bike paths. He adds that volunteers are needed and information about volunteering can be found at the event’s website listed at the end of this story.

Two pre-cruise events will take place prior to the Cruisin’ Hines event on the 29th. On Wednesday, August 25, a cruise, car display, raffle, auction, and drive-in movie event featuring the 1968 film, “The Love Bug” will be shown at Services to Enhance Potential’s (STEP) Western Wayne Resource Center, located at 450 S. Venoy in Westland. On Saturday, August 28, Cross Pointe Community Church will host a kick-off party, featuring classic cars on display and lunch. Cross Point is located at 36125 Glenwood in Wayne. For more information about either event, contact Nicholson at [email protected] or call 734-658-5296.

“Just seeing all the cars, seeing how many people enjoy the day is pretty exciting,” says Nicholson. “Come on out, bring a picnic basket, enjoy the day, sit under a shade tree and watch the cars.” More information about Cruisin’ Hines can be found at http://www.cruisinhines.com. 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