cruisin’ THE BRUCE

Free Car Show at VFW Attracts 100+ Cars Fridays, June-August

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Car enthusiasts flock to the VFW Bruce Post 1146 each Friday, June through August, from 4-8 p.m. for a car show called Cruisin’ the Bruce. No advance registration is required, and participation and entry are free. Trophies, including People’s Choice, are given out at each event. One hundred to 150 vehicles are on display each Friday, according to VFW Bruce Post Commander Randy Shafer.

“We want this to be a fun event,” says Duane Michno, vice president of the Lakeshore Chapter of Vintage Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA) and manager of the car show. “We don't want people to have to come there and constantly be polishing their cars all the time. ...You see some of the nicest cars you've ever seen. But we want people to enjoy themselves. So, it's free.”

According to Michno, Cruisin’ the Bruce began about 10 years ago. The show is full of a variety of vehicles including sports cars, race cars, pickups and special hand-built cars. Attendees are also likely to see vintage cars such as a Model T, Model A and Packard.

“Most of our cars generally speaking are from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, but we have some newer ones like Corvettes,” Michno says. “But we don't know what's gonna show up every week. That's the cool thing. ...We've had fire engines and everything.”

However, cars aren’t the only draw on these Friday evenings. Stars and Strips Entertainment, a husband/wife DJ team, livens the atmosphere with music. The VFW sells food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, chips, pop and water. Attendees are encouraged to purchase dinner or snacks on-site to support the Bruce Post. Additional support can be given by participating in the 50/50 drawings held each Friday. Swap spaces are also available for $10 each.

Car shows are held weather permitting, and Cruisin’ the Bruce will not take place on July 14.

VMCCA will host a larger car show, with about 300 vehicles expected, at the Bruce Post on September 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The entry fee is $20, and vendors pay $15 for a 20-by-20 space. Different from Cruisin’ the Bruce events, which benefits the VFW, VMCCA pays to utilize the space. If you have questions about Cruisin’ the Bruce or the VMCCA show, call Duane Michno at (586) 707-3615. The VFW is loctated at 28404 Jefferson in St. Clair Shores