Back to the Bricks Special Section - Flint Journal by Bernie Eng

Bricks boom continues From humble beginnings, organizers hatched a grand event

Calendar of Ready to roll More than 10,000 events cars are expected to participate in the cruise

Map of Cruise listings, displays

2 SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011

BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

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Bricks boom continues

From humble beginnings, organizers hatched a grand event

Bair of Burton, adding of the event, “We thought it would be a nice meet, but we but never dreamed it’d get this big.” The event’s lure is obvious to Hatch: People relate to cars. “Everyone has a car story. Everybody remembers their first car,” said Hatch whose BEATA MOSTAFAVI basement features a 1920s bmostafavi@flintjournal.com | 810-766-6210 replica red and cream-colored gas station and is decked FLINT — They were a with vintage license plates group of friends who loved and gas pumps. cars and had a dream for “Flint has a very rich autoVehicle City: To take the motive heritage, and that is downtown bricks of Saginaw very marketable. One of our Street back to their storied goals is to showcase that glory days with a classic car heritage. Outside Detroit, cruise. Flint has put more cars on The pack of local car hobthe roads in North America byists had no seed money, than any other community. lots of skeptics saying people That’s nothing to hang our never would come to Flint heads over.” and no experience planning a Another major draw: Back car show. The only marketing for EMILY-ROSE BENNETT | THE FLINT JOURNAL to the Bricks is among few car shows that are free, with Back to the Bricks when it Al Hatch stands next to his unrestored Pontiac GTO. Hatch, the chairman of Back to the Bricks, founded the some other events charging premiered in 2005: handmade show with friends in 2005. up to $200 per car. flyers. Woodward Dream Cruise, named among the top 20 car remembering those great The festival, now six years And it succeeded — surwhich runs along Woodward shows in the country by hob- times they had as young old, is one of several city prising everyone by drawing Avenue from Pontiac to byist magazines. adults and the cars that were mainstays that give a bost to 600 cars and 7,000 people Detroit on the same week“It brings in significant associated with that time,” the city. downtown its first year. revenue,” said Tim Herman, Herman said. It comes one week before Six years later, Back to the end as the main Back to the Bricks show. CEO of the Genesee Regional This year, eight site selecthe 35th Crim Festival of Bricks is a five-day extravaThey wanted Flint to have Chamber of Commerce. “It’s tors from around the country Races — which last year drew ganza (plus preshows in the its own classic car Disneyour biggest event now, and — key people who choose 16,000 racers and a crowd of weeks before it) and draws land. people are seeing our combusiness locations — will be more than 40,000, injecting hundreds of thousands of It took dozens of phone munity. wooed into the town during an estimated $10 million in to fans. calls in the car enthusiast “My hat’s off to Al Hatch the event, to see Flint at its the local economy. “People said it wouldn’t circle. There was a little arm- and his team for what they best, Herman said. Other headlining area work. We didn’t listen to the twisting. There were pitches pulled off the first few years The community phenomevents this summer were the naysayers,” said organizer to city officials and garnering with very little funding and enon that once relied solely Warrior Dash — an adventure Al Hatch, sitting in the unatthe support of local busia lot of sweat equity. To have on flyers distributed on pasrace for runners that was tached garage of his Atlas nesses. 300,000 people in a five-day senger seats for marketing expected to bring in 25,000 Township home that houses Leading the way was period is pretty amazing.” has also attracted sponsors. “warriors” and 30,000 speca robin egg blue 1940 Ford Hatch, who tapped into the The show that once closed The event last year got a big tators — and the Vintage Street Rod, 1966 Corvette off just half of Saginaw boost when homegrown GM Chevrolet Club of America and 1933 gold Auburn among wiles of his former life in sales and marketing to unite Street now stretches 15 became a platinum supporter. car show in July, which came other “toys” he takes to the original Back to the blocks long and four blocks Don Bair, 72, an original to Flint to celebrate Chevy’s shows. Bricks volunteer committee wide. Back to the Bricks committee 100th birthday. “It took persistence. We of eight that has grown to 30 This year gets even bigger. member, said he still remem“There was a perception had a good group of believyear-round devotees. A week of mini-cruises will bers the 1950s when he and that if you went downtown ers. Now, it’s on the national Each year brought bigger be added to communities in friends would cruise down Flint you’d get robbed, but by scene.” success, and, each year, the Flint Township, Davison, Fen- Saginaw Street with stops at year three of the event, those What started as a one-day event added a day. ton and the Richfield Townthe drive-ins and A&Ws, just concerns had vanished,” festival has swelled into a Back to the Bricks got its ship-Mt. Morris Township like a scene out of 1973 film Hatch said. “Anyone that’s two-week-long, countywide biggest break in its third year area in the week preceding “American Graffiti.” been there recognizes that megacruise that draws more with a national debut on the the central Aug. 16-20 Flint It was on one of those the bricks on Saginaw Street than 20,000 cars, 300,000 cruises that he met his wife of make a great venue. spectators and boasts an esti- SPEED channel’s weekly tele- festival. vision show “My Classic Car “Because of the history, nearly 50 years, Joan. “It’s getting people to have mated economic impact of with Dennis Gage.” I think a lot of individuals “This town has always been pride in our history and see $50 million for the area. Participation numbers that had these cars feel like a car town, and for old-timwe have a diamond in the Hatch, 66, and friend John boomed. they’re 20 or 25 again and ers, cruising was our main rough — we’re just in the Chapin thought up the idea The event has since been they go back into the day source of entertainment,” said midst of polishing it up.” years ago after attending the

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BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

Back to the Bricks’ Calendar of Events

Wednesday, Aug. 17 • 10 am-7 p.m. Swap meet/craft-yard Sale, Kirkridge Presbyterian Church, 8070 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. • 5-10 p.m. Rolling Cruise on Saginaw Street from Fifth Avenue in Flint through Burton, Grand Blanc Township and Grand Blanc to Cook Road. Mega sites at Grand Mall in Grand Blanc, Hemphill-Atherton roads in Flint and Fifth Avenue in Flint. See page 5,7 for more info. • 5-10 p.m. “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and his Swamp Rat dragster for autographs, photos and merchandise sales at Hemphill-Atherton Mega Site. • 6-9 p.m. Million Dollar Motorway, a fundraising party for a project to recognize Flint’s automotive pioneers. Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, 4100 S. Saginaw St., Flint. Admission $30. • 6-10 p.m. Kix Band on stage on central parking lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint.

Thursday, Aug. 18 • 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Swap meet/craft-yard sale, Kirkridge Presbyterian Church, 8070 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. • 6-9 p.m. Million Dollar Motorway car display, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, 4100 S. Saginaw St., Flint. Free. • 5-10 p.m. Rolling Cruise on Saginaw Street from Fifth Avenue in Flint through Burton, Grand Blanc Township and Grand Blanc to Cook Road. Mega sites at Grand Mall in Grand Blanc, Hemphill-Atherton roads in Flint and Fifth Avenue in Flint. See page 5,6 for more info. • 5-10 p.m. “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and his Swamp Rat Dragster for autographs, photos and merchandise sales at Hemphill-Atherton Mega Site. • 6-9 p.m. Jerry Conley on stage in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint.

Friday, Aug. 19

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• 4 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend, at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, 4100 S. Saginaw St., Flint. • 5 p.m. Car show and DJ at 5 p.m. at U.S. 23 Drive-in, 5200 Fenton Road, Mundy Township. • 5 p.m. “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and his Swamp Rat dragster at the U.S. 23 Drive-In for autographs, photos and merchandise sales. • Dusk Free showing of “Back to the Future” at the U.S. 23 Drive-In.

— Food vendors on First Street, on Saginaw Street by McFarlan Park, and at Court and Saginaw streets. — Antique campers and Genesee County Road Commission display at Court and Saginaw streets. — “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and his Swamp Rat Dragster for autographs, photos and merchandise sales in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Corvette Reunion and Car Show returns for the second year with more than 600 Corvettes expected. Trophies for the top 50 cars. All cars must enter at Fifth Avenue. • 8 a.m.-10 a.m. DJ Bob Steel on stage in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Antique fire truck display. • 10 a.m. Dragster Blasts in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. • 10 a.m.-noon Fairlanes on stage in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, KHALIIL ALHAJAL | THE FLINT JOURNAL downtown Flint. Maryann and Jim Hines of Grand Blanc sit beside their 1970 Pontiac GTO outside the U.S. 23 • Noon-1:30 p.m. DJ Bob Steel on stage drive-in theater on Fenton Road in Flint during a car show kicking off the 2010 Back to the in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, Bricks celebration. downtown Flint. • 1 p.m. Dragster Blasts in central parking Court and Saginaw streets. lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sonny Turner, former • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Rev. Right Time on stage lead singer of The Platters with the Flint in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. “Big Daddy” Don Garlits Symphony Orchestra on Saginaw Street downtown Flint. and his Swamp Rat dragster at Duke’s in front of Riverfront Residence Hall. Car Stereo, 2833 S. Dort Highway, Flint. • 1:30 -4:30 p.m. Cal Roberts & Wayne • 8:30-10:00 p.m. J.D. Winegarden and performing at McFarlan Park. • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free hot dog lunch to Gary Perky with Bob Steel on stage in cruisers at Duke’s Car Stereo, 2833 S. • 2-4 p.m. JD Winegarden, Tim Ruwart, central parking lot on Saginaw Street, Dort Highway, Flint. Gary Perky and Christina Browkawdowntown Flint. McWilliams performing at Saginaw and • 6-10 p.m. Car Show, downtown Flint. Third streets. See page 7 for a detailed map. • 3:30-6:30 p.m. DJ Bob Steel on stage — “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and his in central parking lot on Saginaw Street, Swamp Rat dragster for autographs, downtown Flint. photos and merchandise sales at • 6 a.m. Show car parking begins, central parking lot on Saginaw Street, • 4 p.m. Dragster Blasts in central parking downtown Flint. downtown Flint. lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. — Vendor Marketplace central parking • 8 a.m. Car Show Opening Ceremony • 6:30-8 p.m. Grand Finale. lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. central parking lot on Saginaw Street, — Sonny Geraci, former lead singer downtown Flint. — Food vendors on First Street, on of The Outsiders and Climax (the • 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Car show, downtown Flint. Saginaw Street by McFarlan Park, and original voice of “Time Won’t Let Me” See page 6 for a detailed map. at Court and Saginaw streets. and “Precious and Few”), on stage in — Vendor Marketplace central parking central parking lot on Saginaw Street, — Antique campers and Genesee lot on Saginaw Street, downtown Flint. downtown Flint. County Road Commission display at

4182248-01

Tuesday, Aug. 16

4 SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011

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BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

The Flint Journal Cyber Car Cruise online voting contest ended on August 1, 2011 with vehicles receiving over 1,100 votes in six different categories!

BEST OF SHOW — TOP VOTE GETTER — 1966 CADILLAC DEVILLE

JEFFREY RAK BEST SPORTS CAR/TRUCK

BEST ORIGINAL 1900-1949

BEST COMMERCIAL

JAMES FEILER

JOE DELANEY

SHARON FISCHER

SUPERCHARGED 2007 MUSTANG GT

1930 ESSEX SUPER SIX

AUTO SPEEDWAY PACE CAR

BEST STREET ROD

BEST ORIGINAL 1950-2011

BEST HOT ROD

DON REECE

GERALD CHILDS

TOM BARLEY

1930 MODEL A FORD

LITTLE YELLOW CORVETTE

1970 CHEVELLE SS 396

View winners and all submitted vehicles at:

www.mlive.com/flint/back-to-the-bricks PRESENTING SPONSOR:

STREET CAR SPONSORS:

4173501-01

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SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011 5

BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

Ready to roll

facturers’ displays, Mega Site organizer Steve Casner said. The Mega Site locations are: For those looking to avoid • The Grand Mall will again KAREN CONFER a bit of the traffic during the host the south-end Mega Lot at kconfer@flintjournal.com | 810-766-6244 Rolling Cruise, organizers 12741 S. Saginaw St. in Grand have identified an express Blanc. FLINT — Classic cars will route in downtown Flint to • Diplomat Specialty Pharrumble along the 11 miles of get around traffic back ups. macy, Insight Institute of NeuSaginaw Street between Grand Take a turn to the east off rosurgery & Neuroscience, and Blanc and downtown Flint for Saginaw anywhere between KHALIL ALHAJAL | THE FLINT JOURNAL Hurley Health and Fitness host the fifth year in a row from Fifth Street and Kearsley Janet Tidwell of Saginaw holds up a sign beside her sons Jeremy the Hemphill-Atherton Mega 5-10 p.m. Wednesday and Street and head north on Tidwell, front, and Wade Todwell at the 2010 cruise. Lot, which includes the entire Thursday during the Rolling Harrison Street. 4000 block of South Saginaw Cruise at Back to the Bricks. Street. More than 10,000 cars are • University of Michigan... It’s as much as a spectator expected to participate in the activity as it is for the car own- Flint will be the location of the cruise and 35 host sites along North Mega Lot at Saginaw ers.” the route — from Applegate Some choose to park during Street and Fifth Avenue in Flint. Chevrolet in Flint to the Dairy “Each site has its own nuance the Rolling Cruise — creating Queen in Burton to the Hot impromptu car shows all over or its own character of enterDog Stand in Grand Blanc — town. Others take the name to tainment and focus,” Casner Genesee will offer places to park, spesaid. “They’re each one a little heart and drive up and down cial deals and entertainment. County all 11 miles of Saginaw Street. different.” “The streets are lined with DINNER • BANQUETS • PIANO BAR The Hemphill-Atherton Mega for Voting us In addition to the 35 host spectators,” said organizer and www.fentonhotel.com sites, three locations will serve Site is by far the largest lot and founder Denny Keyworth, 65, your Favorite has a ton of activities planned as Mega Sites, large gatherof Grand Blanc. “The classic — including the Genesee Counplace for a ing areas for cruisers and cars are driving at will. They jump in wherever they want to also home to DJs, special con- ty Road Commission’s driving steak Dinner! go and go wherever they want course car displays, vendors, children’s areas and manuto go. See CRUISE, PAGE 9 302 N. LEROY ST. • FENTON • 810-750-9463 • Check out a complete list of Rolling Cruise stops and a map of the route on page 7.

Helpful hint

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6 SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011

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SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011 7

BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

BACK TO THE BRICKS

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Cars line up along Saginaw Street during Back to the Bricks in 2009.

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FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

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1 Antique Auto Club of America-Flint Region 2 Buick Club of AmericaBuicktown Chapter 3 Circle City Cruisers 4 Coachman Car Club 5 Conley’s Eastside Car Club 6 Crazy Chicken Cruisers 7 Double Duce Cruisers 8 Lakeshore Cruisers 9 Flaming Pistons 10 Flint Street Machine Assocation 11 Flint’s Finest Fords & Friends 12 Gratiot Cruisers 13 Holly Antique Car Club 14 Just Hearsing Around 15 LakeShore Cruisers 16 Lower Michigan Chevrolet 17 Michigan Cruisers 18 Michigan Gear Grinders 19 Michigan Shifters 20 Michigan Turbo Buick Club 21 Mustang Club of Mid-Michigan 22 Oakland County Chevrolet Club 23 Oldies but Goodies Car Club 24 Outta Control (low riders) 25 Professional Car Society-Michigan Chapter (21-foot hearses) 26 Reatta Division of Buick Club of America 27 Rods & Relics Car Club of West Branch 28 Sarnia Street Machines 29 Script A Region of Model A Restorers Club 30 Second to None 31 Spare Parts Racing 32 Team Chevelle 33 The Nightmares 34 Vertically Challenged

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Central lot

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1 - St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 9020 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 2 - Motorcities Dreamakers, 8253 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 3 - Kirkridge Presbyterian Church, 8070 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 4 MEGA SITE - Grand Mall, 12741 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 5 - Little Caesars Pizza, 12500 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 6 - Holy Family Catholic Church, 11824 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 7 - Little Joe’s Restaurant, 11518 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 8 - Hot Dog Stand, 11338 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc

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The Corvette Reunion returns this year along King Avenue and the blocks surrounding it. Hundreds of Vettes will be on display.

Corvette reunion

FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

Rolling Cruise

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H A cruiser shoots a picture of a classic car while riding along Saginaw Street in downtown Flint during the Back to the Bricks rolling car cruise in 2010.

Collector cars cruise down Saginaw Street near Hemphill Road in 2010. FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

Mega site

Swap meet

Restrooms Music Food/drink Attractions Free skating Hurley Medical Center First Aid Stations

COOK RD.

9 - AutoZone Auto Parts, 6311 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 10 - Al Serra Auto Plaza, 6167 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc 11 - Little Caesars Pizza, 3029 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc 12 - Grand Point Auto, 5360 S. Saginaw Road, Grand Blanc Twp. 13 - Rollerhaven Skate & Fun Center, 5315 S Saginaw Rd., Grand Blanc Twp. 14 - Cottman Transmission Center, 5171 S. Saginaw Rd., Grand Blanc Twp. 15 - Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 822, 5065 S. Saginaw Rd., Grand Blanc Twp. 16 - Suski Used Cars, 5050 S. Saginaw Rd., Grand Blanc Twp. 17 - Burton Auto Parts, 4523 S. Saginaw St., Burton 18 - Dairy Queen, 4145 S. Saginaw St., Burton 19 - Tia Helita’s Mexican Cuisine, 4070 S. Saginaw St., Burton 20 - Rocky’s Great Outdoors, 4014 S. Saginaw St., Burton 21 - A&M Transmission, 4031 S. Saginaw St., Burton 22 - Trapper Joe’s Lounge, 3386 S. Saginaw St., Burton 23 MEGA SITE - Insight Institute/ Hurley Health & Fitness/Diplomat Pharmacy, 4000 block of South Saginaw Street, Flint (Hemphill-Atherton Mega Site) 24 - Applegate Chevrolet, 3637 S. Saginaw St., Flint 25 - Michigan Window Tint, 2905 S. Saginaw St., Flint 26 - Graff Truck Center, 1401 S. Saginaw St., Flint 27 - First Presbyterian Church, 746 S. Saginaw St., Flint 28 - Cork on Saginaw, 635 S. Saginaw St., Flint 29 - Blackstone’s Restaurant, 531 S. Saginaw St., Flint 30 - Lunch Studio, 444 S. Saginaw St., Flint 31 - Brown Sugar Cafe, 432 S. Saginaw St., Flint 32 - Central Parking Lot, Saginaw Street, downtown Flint 33 - Churchill’s Food & Spirits, 340 S. Saginaw St., Flint 34 MEGA SITE UM-Flint White Building parking lot, Saginaw Street at Fifth Avenue (North Mega Site) 35 - Hoffman’s Deco Deli, 503 Garland St., Flint

6 SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011

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Cars line up along Saginaw Street during Back to the Bricks in 2009.

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The Corvette Reunion returns this year along King Avenue and the blocks surrounding it. Hundreds of Vettes will be on display.

Corvette reunion

FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

Rolling Cruise

LEGEND

25 24 22 20 21 19 18 17 15 16 14 12 13 11 10 9 8

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H A cruiser shoots a picture of a classic car while riding along Saginaw Street in downtown Flint during the Back to the Bricks rolling car cruise in 2010.

Collector cars cruise down Saginaw Street near Hemphill Road in 2010. FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

Mega site

Swap meet

Restrooms Music Food/drink Attractions Free skating Hurley Medical Center First Aid Stations

COOK RD.

8 SUNDAY,AUGUST 14, 2011

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BACKTOTHE BRICKS THE FLINT JOURNAL

Frequently asked questions about Back to the Bricks and several have outdoor seating.

N. Dort Hwy. at Stanley Rd., Mt. Morris just minutes north of downtown Flint www.GilliesConeyIsland.com

Open 24 Hours • Dine In or Take Out

810.686.1200

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Beach and Court streets, Harrison and Court streets and Saginaw Street and Fifth Avenue starting at 6 a.m. The entry points will be marked “Show Cars Only.” Cars can start staging before 6 a.m. at Saginaw and Court streets and at Saginaw Street and Fifth Avenue. Cars won’t be allowed to stay in the show area overnight. Tow trucks will be on the prowl after 2 a.m. If you have a trailer, you can leave it at the University of Michigan’s White Building parking lot on Saginaw Street and Fifth Avenue or at The Whiting’s parking lot on the Cultural Center campus.

of spots along side streets, though many west of Saginaw Street will be reserved for car clubs. Here’s the good news, though: No need to limit your search for spots to downtown. The Mass Transportation Authority will have two buses running a Back to the Bricks shuttle from eight different locations including Court and Beach streets, Kearsley and Church streets, Good Beans Cafe, UM-Flint’s White Building, Farmers’ Market, Buick Gallery, Cultural Center, UM-Flint Recreation Center, Kearsley and Wallenberg streets and Court and Wallenberg streets. (It’s also a great way to cut down Where do spectators park dur- on walking and see a ton of ing Downtown Flint events? the huge car show.) A: There are lots of options Paid parking also is avail— and lots of them are free. able at the Riverfront ResiCheck out our map on page 7 dence Hall and at Ellis ParkHow do I get my collector car for a detailed look. ing. parked on the bricks for the You can also head for the And, don’t worry, volunmain car shows Friday eveRutherford parking deck teers will also be on hand ning and Saturday morning? right downtown at Beach downtown during the show A: No registration is neces- and Kearsley streets, which to point you in the right sary, and cars can enter the waives all fees for showdirection. show area from four points: goers. See QUESTIONS, PAGE 9 Saginaw and Court street, There are also hundreds

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spanning nearly two weeks this year — including the tune-up parties earlier this What are the rules on burnmonth in Clio, Fenton, Flint outs/squealing tires/burning Township, Davison and Richrubber? field Township — organizers Are alcoholic drinks permitA: Look for another zero had to create a new event to ted outside during the festival tolerance policy here. The accommodate all the vendors events? reason: It’s too dangerous that have signed up. A: A coalition of police with such large crowds, and The first Back to the agencies will be watching an out-of-control car is a Bricks Swap Meet and Car over the festivities, and they major safety hazard. Plus, Corral takes place Wednesplan on enforcing a zeroit’s illegal. Always has been. day and Thursday from tolerance policy on alcohol 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kirkridge within the event areas. But What’s new about this year’s Presbyterian Church, 8070 there are plenty of bars surBack to the Bricks lineup? S. Saginaw Street in Grand rounding most of the events, A: In addition to the events Blanc. There are also plans for special displays honoring Chevrolet’s 100 years, sevNow a F High Spee REE eral appearances by dragster d Wireless “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and H otSpot! with current day’s Crossroads train ticket stub a whole new Rolling Cruise Mega Site at Saginaw Street and Fifth Avenue on the northern end of the cruise. How much does it cost? A: As always, Back to the Bricks is free for everyone. There is no fee to display a vehicle or to attend.

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From 5 — More then 10,000 vehicles are expected to participate in event simulator, music, food and lots Chevrolet Chevelle SS. He said Although her business is not of cars. There will be everythe event is similar to the annu- big enough to serve as a host thing from Model As to milial Woodward Dream Cruise in site, Paula Churchill, the owner tary vehicles and everything Detroit, but prefers the layout of Vic’s Barber Shop, 5525 S. in between including (to name of Flint’s event. Saginaw St. in Flint, said she just a little) antique Michigan “Down in Woodward, all the enjoys hosting friends at her State Police vehicles, T-Birds, cars are parked and basically shop each year to watch the Mustangs, monster trucks and you’re walking miles and miles cars go by. fire trucks. if you can do that,” Yahr said. “All we do is make fools of Jim Yahr, 69, of Greenbush “With the Rolling Cruise you ourselves and wave at ’em and has enjoyed every Rolling can drive a little bit, park for a hoot at ’em,” Churchill said. Cruise since the event started, while, drive a little bit. It’s just “We just love it.” bringing his bright red 1966 a lot more accommodating.”

COURTESY | FOR THE FLINT JOURNAL

QUESTIONS Let us help point you in the right direction

What public restroom facilities are available during Back to the Bricks? A: If you’re not eating or drinking at one of the restaurants or bars, portable toilets will be set up all throughout the event areas. How do I join in on the Rolling Cruises? A: You can start at any point on the 13-mile route and at any time during the cruises, which kick off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and run from Saginaw Street at 5th Avenue in Flint, south through Burton, Grand Blanc Township and

Grand Blanc to Cook Road. Feel free to sit for a spell (or grab a bite to eat or enjoy the festivities) at any of the 35 cruise stop locations. Find out more about the Rolling Cruise on pages 6 and 7. What emergency medical/firstaid provisions are available for the crowds during the car shows and cruises? A: Police will be roaming the area throughout the week, and first aid tents will be set up at the larger events downtown and at the Burton and Grand Blanc mega sites. First Aid locations can also be found on

the map on page 7. Where to get more information: Check out full coverage of Back to the Bricks throughout the event at mlive.com The official website is www .backtothebricks.org. Call the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for lodging or other information at 888-230-3585. Event organizers can be reached at 810-654-9029 for food vending questions, 810654-9029 for other vendor information, 810-695-2894 for sponsorship questions and 810742-6927 for car club parking reservations.

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Things to do while taking a break from the Bricks Whether you need a break from the auto revelry or just want to explore during Back to the Bricks, there’s lots to do in and around Flint. Here are some suggestions and a list of things to check out while you’re out and having fun in the Flint area:

Genesee County Fair Up for a game of tomato baseball? The county fair coincides with Back to the Bricks and includes a water-skiing squirrel, a rodeo, belly dancing, crazy hat contest, pro wrestling, beer tents and much more. Admission is free, with $5 parking.

It’s at the Everett A. Cummings Center, 6130 E. Mt. Morris Road in Genesee Township.

Costumed villagers show visitors around the homes, mills and shops of an 1800s Great Lakes town. Tickets are between $8 and $10. Tunes at noon And starting Friday, Thomas the The Greater Flint Arts Council hosts Tank Engine will roll into Crossroads music performances every weekday at Village at 6140 Bray Road in Genesee noon in downtown Flint. Township, offering a special hourly Listen to jazz, blues, gospel and train ride from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets more over lunch at the University of are $18. Michigan-Flint Pavilion on Saginaw The Machine Shop Street near the Flint River. • Crossroads Village For an edgier experience, Flint’s For a getaway to simpler times, premier venue for rock, metal and head to this authentic living history outlaw country music is featuring Polvillage with 34 historic structures. kadot Cadaver on Friday, and an ’80s

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Flint Cultural Center Check out Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Youth Theater, Longway Planetarium or The Whiting, all along Kearsley Street between Crapo and Walnut Streets.

Eating downtown Along the bricks of Saginaw Street, you’ll find classic eateries and watering holes like Churchill’s, Halo Burger, Brown Sugar Cafe and the Lunch Studio joined by newer hot spots including The Cork, Blackstones and 501 Bar and Grill. There’s a wealth of other hidden gems not far away. Here are just a few examples:

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Kid Rock performs at The Machine Shop in April.

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TO DO

From 10 — There is plenty to keep your entertained in Flint 2:45 p.m. and Friday from The Torch 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Steady Just a block away from the Eddy’s has outdoor seating overlooking the vendors at the bricks, this downtown hidden treasure at Buckham Alley and farmer’s market. West Second Street is known for strong mixed drinks, mixed Hoffman’s Deco Deli crowds, free popcorn and great With a long list of original sandburgers. wiches with historical Flint names, White Horse this lunch spot at 503 Garland Street is one of Flint’s best. To top For drinks, Keno and laughs it off, it’s attached to an antiques in a classic bar/restaurant atmomall that customers can roam sphere, go to the White Horse, while waiting for their order. but don’t believe the waitresses

when they tell you the giant horse statue outside is anatomically correct.

Soggy Bottom Bar A dry erase board in the men’s room, an eclectic beer collection, a cool-looking pool room with historic photos of the city and a friendly staff make this King Avenue bar at the edge of downtown leading into Carriage Town a great place to stop after the cruises. FILE | THE FLINT JOURNAL

Hoffman’s Deco Deli and Cafe owner Mark Hoffman makes a sandwich at his place of business. The cafe specializes in deli sandwiches, soups and salads.

A lineup of collector cars off Saginaw Street near Hemphill Road at a “mega-site” set up along the route of the Rolling Cruise at last year’s Back to the Bricks.

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