Gorgeous Cars Drive to Eastpointe for 25th Annual Cruise
In August of 1979, the Smokey Robinson single “Cruisin” was released and became a number-one hit on the U.S. Cash Box charts. Venture forward to 2024, and the very song…
Screamin Scott of wcsx poses with 1956 chevy bel air at eastpointe gratiot cruise.
Austin ZidarIn August of 1979, the Smokey Robinson single "Cruisin" was released and became a number-one hit on the U.S. Cash Box charts. Venture forward to 2024, and the very song that echoed from cars then could be heard coming from the same speakers all along the Eastside as the Eastpointe Cruisin' Gratiot celebrated its 25th anniversary and brought forth the start of summer for many. This silver anniversary Grand Marshall was a special one as retired local radio legend Jim Johnson started the festivities with the official opening of the designated cruise lane.
If one radio legend wasn't enough, Eastside extraordinaire himself, Screamin' Scott of 94.7 WCSX, was on hand to take part in all the festivities and burn some rubber of his own (on his shoes, that is) to check out all the rocking rides the Motor City has manufactured.
Whether it was your first time on the cruise or your 25th, the event was packed with plenty of history on the road and off. The WCSX street team was also on-site with Screamin' Scott to hear about the event's rich history and just what it takes to put together this cruise.
According to the Eastpointe Cruisin Gratiot website, their story began with just a simple question:
How did the Cruise Start?
The simple question posed in 1998 by then-Cloverleaf General Manager Carol Corrie to Eastpointe Police Safety Officer Tom Ostrowski went something like this:
“What would be the possibility of a Classic Car Cruise on Gratiot?”
Officer Ostrowski was polite but not encouraging. Others responded with, 'it will never fly’ or ‘what, are you nuts?’ But Carol persevered, and here’s what happened later that year and in 1999:
- Carol Corrie was invited to join the Eastpointe Roseville Chamber of Commerce and then shared the idea of the Cruise.
- Carol partners with Jim Winn, a business owner, Eastpointe resident, and major car enthusiast
- The first Cruise was set for June 20, 1999, setting up the precedent of holding the event at the same time every year, the Saturday before Father’s Day.
- The Cruise gained the support of then-Mayor Harvey Curley (now the current Cruise President), Eastpointe City Council and City Department Heads, and Eastpointe Police and Fire Departments.
- ‘Doubting’ Thomas Ostrowski, then-Police Chief Tom Danbert, and then-Inspector Mike Lauretti are all instrumental in getting a dedicated Cruise lane through MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation). Lauretti later became Police Chief.
- The Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce became the umbrella organization creating the Cruise.
25 years later and a lot of learned experience, has made the Gratiot Cruise in Eastpointe the place to be every year on the Saturday before Father's Day.
A special thanks to Sheila, Sharon, and Ken for all their hard work as volunteers and coordinators with putting on this cruise for us to enjoy. Also, a special shout out to super fans Richie and Dennis for rocking and rolling with 94.7 WCSX for the last 25 years and for the next 25 to come.
Austin ZidarAlright, lets settle the debate of who's older, "the car" or "the Scott"?
Screamin Scott of wcsx poses with 1956 chevy bel air at eastpointe gratiot cruise.
Austin ZidarSchool may be out for summer, but cruisin season is just getting started.
94.7 WCSX parks in front of Eastpointe high school for the 2024 gratiot cruise.
Austin ZidarSWAG, SWAG, oh and did someone say SWAG?
WCSX promotional items for giveaways at the eastpointe gratiot 2024 cruise.
Austin ZidarTwo Motor City DJ Legends; Screamin' Scott Randall and Jim Johnson.
Screamin Scott and Jim Johnson pose together at Eastpointe cruise 2024.
Austin ZidarScreamin Scott always has a shirt tucked away for his friends on the Eastside.
Screamin Scott and friend Richie pose together at Eastpointe gratiot cruise.
Austin ZidarTake a "Free Ride" with 94.7 WCSX.
Hot wheel car next to 94.7 WCSX banner on tabletop.
Austin ZidarHey Scott, how many ponies do you think are under this hood?
Screamin Scott Randall points to Pontiac GTO at Eastpointe gratiot cruise 2024.
Austin ZidarScreamin Scott reenacting his favorite scene from the movie Grease.
Screamin Scott of WCSX hanging out at Eastpointe high school for their 2024 cruise.
Austin ZidarAs Henry Ford once said, "You can have it in any color as long as its black."
WCSX dj screamin scott stands with classsic car truck at eastpointe classic cruise 2024
Austin ZidarI wonder if these cruisers like the band, "The Cars"?
classic cars come out to Eastpointe for the 2024 cruise.
Austin ZidarClassic Rock and Classic Cars are taking over the streets of Eastpointe.
Classic car drives south on gratiot ave for the eastpointe 2024 cruise.
Austin ZidarThis lucky listener has all the luck with M-1 passes courtesy of 94.7 WCSX.
listener stands at eastpointe gratiot cruise 2024
Austin ZidarThis listener is "Screamin" with delight now that 94.7 WCSX is on site.
screamin scott poses with Sharon at the eastpointe cruisin gratoit 2024.
Austin ZidarThis listener is ready for the next 25 years of cruises here in Eastpointe.
elderly man poses with wcsx classic rock ribbon at eastpointe gratiot cruise 2024.
Austin ZidarSince when did 94.7 WCSX get a drive thru prize pick up??
car cruisers pick up prizes from their car window.
Austin ZidarCars come and go, but classic rock fans will always remain.
wcsx super fan poses at tent at eastpointe gratiot cruise 2024
