History

The 28th Street Metro Cruise® began in 2005. The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce began the event to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when M-6 opened on the south end of Grand Rapids. The cruise has been held every August since 2005.

Cruising 28th Street, however, began a long time before the Chamber created this annual event. Cruisers have long considered 28th Street a memorable place for car lovers, particularly around the Roger's Plaza area in Wyoming. Bringing car lovers together to celebrate this long standing tradition was the foundation for the current event. And Cruisers have shown up in the thousands to reminisce. All types of vehicles are included in the event: hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques, even motorcycles!

Since 2005, the event has grown from 85,000 attendees the first year to over 300,000 in 2008. The number of participating vehicles attending in 2008 was estimated at well over 15,000. People have come from all over the United States to attend and participate in this annual car-fest. It is an open event, without limits on the types of vehicles allowed and is a non-judicated event. In 2007 the event expanded from one to two days. The current event schedule runs on both Friday and Saturday.

Each year, a team of volunteer Chamber members gather to plan, organize, and run the event. Proceeds for the event are used to help support Chamber programs.

The 28th Street Metro Cruise® only happens with the participation of Business Sponsors. It is an open, free-to-attend event. Each venue activity is paid for by valuable annual sponsors. Past venues have included a wide variety of activities such as the Metro Million, a show of high-end classic and antique collectable cars, a Swap Meet, a Car Corral, a Safety City for families to learn all about car and family safety, a Manufacturer's Midway, a Classic Car Auction, Entertainment Stages, Hop-Off Competitions and more.

The event is staffed by an awesome crew of volunteers. Some non-profits have helped with the many staffing needs but most are people, like you, who have a love for the event and want to be a part of it. each year we seek more volunteers as the cruise continues to grow. Whether directing traffic, guiding guests, or setting up and taking down equipment, there is a spot for everyone.