The Official Dream Cruise is Here

The traffic on Woodward Avenue was normal at 7 a.m., just two hours before the official start of the 17th Dream Cruise. It was the calm before the storm of cars arrive for the classic car event that goes on until 9 p.m. tonight.

Vendors were setting up their tents, and spectators were grabbing the prime real estate at 13 Mile and Woodward at dawn. On the south end of Woodward, between 10 Mile and Catalpa things were moving a little slower, with few lawn chairs set up.

. and are two stores that are open. Blockbuster is offering a Dream Cruise special on previously viewed movies, while the paint store has parking blocked off with a stern warning that violators will be  towed.

For Woodward Dream Cruise-related events for Royal Oak, as well as everything you need to know to enjoy the car fest see the .

Events

Aug. 20, Chevy pit stops: Woodward Dream Cruise sponsor Chevrolet will set up air-conditioned pit stops 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Woodward where cruisers can have their classic cars photographed in front of murals depicting three historic diners. Cruisers also can enter a contest put on by classic music station WOMC, channel 104.3, to win prizes for the best classic Chevy photos and best overall car photos. The locations are:

• , 32310 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (south of 14 Mile Road) – Ted's Drive In
• , 30900 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (at 13 Mile Road) – The Susie Q
• , 27054 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (at 11 Mile Road) – Totem Pole

"The public will be able to see all the cars online and pick their favorite," said Greg Rassel, Royal Oak's public service director and president of the Woodward Dream Cruise board.

Aug. 20, Family Fun Zone at Pioneer Park: Have small children? The Kroger Family Fun Zone will be located at Pioneer Park on Woodward north of Normandy. There will be clowns, face painting, inflatables and an entertainment stage 1-9 p.m.

Aug. 20, Performance Division and Performance Parts at : The Performance Division and Performance Parts display will be open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. The park will host more than 300 show cars that have been customized with performance enhancements, vendor displays and a food court.