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The famed ’50s cruising strip and first major concrete-paved road in America – Woodward Avenue – is expected to draw more than 1.5 million onlookers during the historic Woodward Dream Cruise, which is more than the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 combined. Approximately 30,000 classic cars and hot rods will gather along the strip, with three Ford Motor Company display areas at the heart of it all: Revvin’ with Ford, the Mustang Drive-in and Mustang Alley.
Revvin’ with Ford
Revvin’ with Ford is Ford Motor Company’s annual celebration of cars and nostalgia, held in downtown Birmingham throughout the weekend of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Aug. 15-16. Ford was the first company to view the Woodward Dream Cruise as an opportunity to raise funds for charity, and remains committed to that goal. Ford has raised more than $1.5 million for special-needs children through Revvin’ with Ford charity programs, since the company started the event four years ago.
“Our corporate culture fosters partnering with the communities where we build cars and do business,” said Jim O’Connor, Ford Motor Company group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service and Chairman of Revvin’ with Ford. “With its great attendance and local flavor, Revvin’ is a perfect fit.”
- “Revvin’” activities begin with a Charity Preview Party at the Townsend Hotel on Friday evening, Friday, Aug. 15 – with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Charities Coalition.
- On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Metro Detroit Ford Dealers' Charity Pancake Breakfast kicks off the festivities at the Ford Pavilion. All proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Charities Coalition. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children. Kids will be excited to meet Blue, from the Nickelodeon show Blue's Clues, along with costumed characters, clowns, jugglers and face painters. In the afternoon, the Simone Vitale Band will entertain the crowd for free on the Ford Pavilion main stage. At 6:45 p.m., Davy Jones of the Monkees will perform for free.
- Lincoln classics will be on display throughout the weekend at the Lincoln Lounge, located in the Townsend Hotel Ballroom – with a backdrop of cool jazz from the Ellie Epstein quintet and Vanessa Johnson, the voice behind the Crazy ’Bout a Mercury song.
- The Mercury Midway area features Ford, Lincoln and Mercury classics and concepts, celebrating Ford Motor Company’s centennial with “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”
- The Ford Fun Factory features free carnival games and prizes. New this year, enthusiasts can hone their racing skills on the slot car raceway and driving simulators.
- Hog Heaven, located in front of Birmingham City Hall, will showcase Ford Motor Company concept trucks and incredible Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout the weekend.
- The Ford Mobility Speedway offers autograph sessions with handicapped racecar driver Carol Hollfelder, and her customized SCCA racecar.
The Children’s Charities Coalition is comprised of four charities, including Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County, The Community House Children's Programs, Orchards Children's Services and Variety, and the Children's Charity. Each of these nonprofit groups has served as a leader in raising awareness, funding and support for the various needs of children in the community.
For more information on Revvin’ with Ford 2003, visit www.revvinwithford.com or call the Revvin’ with Ford Hotline at 800-4-REVVIN.
Ford’s “Mustang Drive-in”
The Mustang Drive-in is a replica of a classic 1950’s drive-in movie theater, complete with live entertainment, snack bar and classic Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds. It is located on Woodward, between 11 and 12 Mile Roads, just east of downtown Berkley.
- On Saturday, Aug. 16, a 40-foot-high, 50-foot-wide screen will serve as a backdrop for a concert by legendary Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder and local bands that will perform throughout the day. Beyond the stage will be a collection of past, present and future Ford Mustangs, including the Mustang GT concept car that was first shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. JJ and Lynne from 94.7 WCSX-FM will host a live radio remote from the Drive-in from noon – 3:00 p.m. WCSX’s Stone Soup 67’ Mustang Street Rod also will make an appearance.
- Ford’s Experience Tour will feature the all-new 2004 F-150, the limited-edition “007” Thunderbird, the 2003 F-350 SuperCab Lariat, Ford Trivia Challenge kiosks and the Ricky Rudd NASCAR simulator. Throughout the day, the Mustang Drive-in snack bar will serve up everything from hot dogs, to lemonade, to ice cream. All pedestrians and cruisers are welcome to visit, enjoy the music and receive one of 20,000 free Ford GT posters.
Team Mustang & “Mustang Alley”
Mustang Alley, sponsored by Ford Motor Company’s Team Mustang will include a display of more than 300 classic and current Mustangs and an aftermarket parts vendor area. Also on display will be the largest display of yellow Mustangs ever assembled. Mustang Alley is located on West 9 Mile Road and Woodward in Ferndale.
