Wanna? cruise, Daddy-O?
Remember back in the day when country cruisin? was the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Well, from 12 noon until 9 p.m. on Saturday June 16, you can take a turn into the past at the 5th annual Lapeer Road Country Cruise.
Dust off that old jalopy, polish up that woody, and flex a little muscle (car) this weekend as you follow classic cars all day along a 25-mile stretch of Lapeer Road. From the north turnaround at Lapeer’s Auto and Truck Plaza to Culvers of Orion, a good time is guaranteed for all.
Events and activities are planned up and down the drag all weekend long. At the north end of the cruise, a car show will be held at the grand opening of the Lapeer Auto & Truck Plaza.
As you wind your way down through Metamora, you’ll see (or smell) a pig roast and ice cream social at Roadside Attractions.
When you get to Oxford, you can expect to see many events held in conjunction with the Cruise. A Corvette gathering is scheduled behind the 24th Street Tavern at 11:30 a.m.. Starting at 3:00 p.m., the Oxford Marketplace will launch their first ‘Cars & Stars? event, which will feature hot cars from GM Performance, Ford Racing and SRT from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
In addition to the hot rods on display for the car enthusiasts in the afternoon, at dusk the Oxford Marketplace will also project the animated movie Cars. The movie is free to the public; just bring your lawn chair. Food, activities, vendors, and entertainment for the whole family is slated, said organizer Mickey Tankersley.
At the southern end of the cruise you’ll want to be sure to register for the Poker Run at Culver’s of Lake Orion. Another Corvette gathering will be held at Lake Orion’s Buffalo Wild Wings beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Cruise organizer Walt Wheeler said he conceived of the event about five years ago as an alternative to other classic car cruises in the area. ‘Why go to Woodward and watch your car overheat,? he said, ‘when you can come out to the Lapeer Road Country Cruise and cool your car at 55 m.p.h. cruising side by side with your buddies??
Participants must agree, because the event has increased in size each year it’s been held. Last year saw about 3,500 cars and Wheeler thinks this year’s will be the best yet.
So, if you get hungry along the way, pull into a drive-in food stand for a spell. If you’ve got a new poodle skirt to show off, stop at Metamora’s White Horse Inn for an outdoor Sock Hop. Listen as the DJ spins stacks of wax at Culvers of Lake Orion. Or simply gawk at all the cherry rides lined up.
‘It doesn’t matter what kind of car you’ve got, though? Wheeler said. ‘Pack up the mini-van and bring the family out for a good time. The event is open to everyone.?
For more information, please visit www.lapeercountrycruise.com or call Walt Wheeler at ( 248) 467-1694.