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Cruz-In at the Lake: Classic cars on parade in Detroit

By Jodi Kerr

Just when you think it’s time to pull in the lawn chairs and move the cooler to the back of the garage, Detroit is set to provide a day of late-summer fun. The ’50s Cruz-In at the Lake Sept. 19 in Detroit is expected to draw more than 100 classic cars and motorcycles.

“We are drawing a diverse crowd,” said Kim Fowler, vice president of the Detroit Lake Recreation Area Business Association, Inc. “All the businesses in Detroit are involved either through donations or volunteering.”

Besides the setting, the show draws a crowd because of the prize packages and the size of the event. “People like the show because it is not professionally judged. The sponsor of the trophy picks the winner.”

All vintages are welcome and there are nine classes to enter. Custom, Original, Convertible, Muscle Car, Best Interior, Street Rod, Custom Pickup, Work in Progress, Original and Stock Motorcycle.

In addition to the shiny spruced up classic cars, the stories about the cars owners and the cars are good weekend fodder. “Last year we met a lady who re-did the interior of her car all herself. She ruined her Singer sewing machine working with the upholstery fabric, but it looked great. She took home the best interior trophy,” said Fowler.

The fun isn’t just about the cars and the judging. Live music this year will be the band “Shake Down.”

“We have a band during the show and it is not so big that you get lost. There is a lot of camaraderie between the businesses, the car enthusiast and the folks that come up to have a good time.”

Embroidered bomber jackets, gift certificates and car-related prizes encourage friendly competition.

The weekend isn’t all about fun. Even though the entry fee is low at $10, the car show and the fishing derby funds raised are used to cover the fireworks over the lake in July. “We raise about $10,000 between the two events,” Fowler said.