By The Numbers: Woodward Dream Cruise
The Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one day automotive event, draws millions of spectators and historic vehicle enthusiasts to the city of Detroit every August. Check out some interesting Dream Cruise statistics and find out why—thanks to new Michigan legislation—the entire month of August now means worry-free driving for anyone with antique or historic plates.
August also means its Dream Cruise time. The 2012 Woodward Dream Cruise kicks off this year on Wednesday, August 15. The five-day celebration runs through Sunday, August 19. An annual rite of summer for millions, the Woodward Dream Cruise draws spectators and historic vehicle lovers to Detroit every year from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
Here’s a rundown of what that means for the city of Detroit and historic vehicle lovers everywhere:
$56,000,000—Amount of money the Woodward Dream Cruise annually generates for the Metro Detroit economy, which is $7 million more than the 2006 Super Bowl in Detroit.
100—Number of charities that benefit from the sale of official Dream Cruise merchandise and refreshments every year.
250,000—Number of participants in August 1995 after Nelson House and a group of volunteers organized the first ever Dream Cruise along Woodward Avenue.
1,100,000—Estimated number of participants and spectators at the Woodward Dream Cruise in 2011.
40,000—Number of muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector, and special interest vehicles that cruise down Woodward Avenue during the August event in 2011.
54—Number of tickets issued to cruisers for traffic violations (namely burnouts and squealing tires) in 2011.
200,000 – Approximate number people protected by S.B. 1146—a law that allows drivers with historic tags in Michigan to get out and enjoy their classics the entire month of August without fear of violating usage restrictions. Click here to find out more about the background of this bill, which was advanced by the HVA and Senator Mike Kowall.
