PETE CHAPOURIS October 27, 2022 All Feature Vehicles
In August my wife Carol and I found us in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for the 11th annual 28th Street Metro-Cruise much the same way our good friend Jimmy Shine did in 2014. Jimmy had such a great time he made arraignments for us with SO-CAL Speed Shop dealer Steve Sturim (Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, Wyoming, MI) to attend the 2015 event.
The Metro-Cruise started as a way to draw attention to 28th Street. With the opening of highway M6, the concern was the place would become a ghost town as traffic bypassed Wyoming and Kentwood. This event showcases the area and local businesses. At first reluctant, the businesses have learned to embrace the Cruise and even produce their own events in conjunction with it. It’s a win-win-win, especially for the car crowd. The event produces some pretty impressive numbers—how about 275,000 to 300,000 visitors to view over 15,000 classic cars? Now that’s impressive for any kind of event, especially one that officially runs for only two days.
The cruise is a laid back affair with plenty of room for everyone and the schedule is unbelievable. Jimmy told me it was crazy cool and he was dead-on! Community support from business leaders such as Marge Wilson, owner of “Marge’s Donut Den”, and our pal Steve Sturim, is what makes this type of event successful. It’s a ground swell that works from the “inside out”. Of course the other ingredient is a well-run police department—these people really had it together. Not just friendly control but major respect from the attendees, something I really appreciate from both sides.
Even though it was a quick trip, and the show was a major time consumer, we were able to enjoy a pre-party BBQ at Steve’s shop and yet another BBQ at Mike Boerema’s Gas Axe Garage in Allendale, MI. By the way, the guys in the Relix Car Club were all over the place showing off some great cars, and helping out whenever called upon.
On Sunday Steve and Mike took a few friends to the Lake Michigan shore; our destination was a BBQ/Beer stop known as The Deck. You know when I think of great BBQ its either Texas or Missouri—but clearly they’re not the only states with fine BBQ. The food at The Deck was great; I’m in for another trip to the shore—maybe we’ll get invited back?
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