Planning Efforts for Return of Woodward Dream Cruise Underway

Event organizers are in the midst of planning this summer’s return of the Woodward Dream Cruise. The popular mid-August classic car gathering was one of the many events canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In alignment with State of Michigan guidelines, officials say the outdoor event will be held without any requirements for mask wearing or social distancing.

“Some communities are not doing as much in their footprint.” –Michael Lary, Woodward Dream Cruise

Michael Lary represents Ferndale on the nine-city Dream Cruise planning board and is president of the event. He says 2020 was his first year in the role.

“Making a decision [to cancel] like that,” says Lary, “that impacts the amount of people that were looking forward to an event last year was very difficult, but we also knew it was the right thing to do.”

Despite the lack of COVID-19 restrictions, Lary says the event could look a bit different from years past. He says those who attend the Dream Cruise may notice fewer vendors along Woodward Avenue.

“Some communities are not doing as much in their footprint,” says Lary, “but for automotive-related activities, such as the car shows — those are still being produced for this year.”

This year’s Woodward Dream Cruise will mark the 26th time the event has been held.

Listen: Woodward Dream Cruise President Michael Lary discusses planning for the event.