The Dream Cruise started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995.  Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe.  Spectators and cruisers travel to Metro Detroit, the birthplace of the American automobile, to demonstrate and participate in an event that celebrates an ongoing love affair with the automobile.

A market research study conducted after the 2007 event found that the Woodward Dream Cruise generates more than $56 million each year for the Metro Detroit economy. The Cruise’s economic impact to the region is more significant than any other major event in Michigan, recurring or otherwise; that includes 2006 Super Bowl XL at Ford Field ($49.3 million), the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park ($42 million) or the 2006 Detroit Tigers post season run ($37.8 million).

Nearly 100 area charities benefit from the sale of official Dream Cruise merchandise and refreshments each year.

This year, the world’s largest one-day automotive event is August 15, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac.

For more information or to plan a trip to the Woodward Dream Cruise, please visit: www.woodwarddreamcruise.com