Eastpointe

Cruisin' Gratiot purrs along the avenue

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Big Boy waitress Briana Shepan of Eastpointe, dressed in retro clothing, brings food out to cruisers during the restaurant’s car show June 17.

Check out C & G's Cruisin' Gratiot section

EASTPOINTE — Engines revving along Gratiot Avenue have been a constant this week as the city celebrates the 11th annual Cruisin’ Gratiot.

Car shows at various businesses and the Gratiot Idol competition has stirred excitement among spectators, and Eastpointe Police Chief Michael Lauretti is pleased to report the cruise is enjoying a smooth ride.

“The events are going off without a hitch (with) very good crowds,” he said on Thursday. “Cloverleaf (Bar & Restaurant) I thought had one of the best crowds that started early in the week. Yesterday’s weather was a little hampered at the Big Boy (car show).”

Lauretti said crowds are definitely enjoying the Gratiot Idol competition. The winners will be announced Saturday, June 20, on Cruise Day.

“So far all the events are going extremely well,” Lauretti said. “I expect them to continue and to have good crowds.”

And the car shows keep coming. Thursday night car buffs can bring their classic, hot rod and muscle cars to the Villa Restaurant, 21311 Gratiot. Friday’s car show is from 4:30-8 p.m. at Colonial Dodge, 24211 Gratiot.

Due to popular demand, First State Bank, located at 16100 Nine Mile Road, will hold a drive-in night beginning at 8:15 p.m. Friday, June 19. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets.

Saturday is the big day with the annual Cruisin’ Gratiot cruise taking to the avenue from Eight Mile to 10 Mile. Events begin at 8 a.m., and continue for the next 12 hours. A parade begins at 1 p.m. to officially kick off cruising for the day. A prayer service also is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Colonial Dodge.

The far-left lane along Gratiot will be closed off as the “cruisers only” lane. All cruisers must have the official cruise-lane sticker to drive in that lane. Cruisers can register at any event during the week for Cruise Day.

After expenses, Cruisin’ Gratiot benefits several charities. Money raised from the Gratiot Idol entry fees helps the Champions For Life Kids’ Camp, which sends foster children — including those who reside in Eastpointe — to a weeklong camp. The camp is part of the Vision Hope organization.

The camp got a boost this year. Shawn Randazzo and Linda Michaels, owners of Cloverleaf Pizza Take Out & Delivery, presented a $1,500 check to Susan Pace, director of community relations of Vision HOPE/Champions for Life Kids Camp, at Eastpointe Manor Hall on Gratiot Avenue during the Gratiot Idol Youth Division Semi-Finals June 15.

Cloverleaf Pizza Take Out & Delivery has establishments in St. Clair Shores and Clinton Township. It costs $500 to send one child to camp.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1045.