CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI -- Although the weather has not been cooperating, it is still spring and the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise Committee is busy planning for this year’s cruise August 7, 2011. The event, in it’s ninth year, promises to be the best cruise in Macomb County yet and this year there will be more chances for everyone to get involved in the fun - on and off Gratiot.

The Gratiot DDA businesses and many other businesses in Clinton Township show their support to the community by sponsoring the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise. Being a sponsor is a win-win opportunity and right now is the time the cruise committee is cruising the neighborhood in search of sponsors. The sponsor packages begin at $100 and go up to the Turbo Charge Sponsor of $5,000 which Dorian Ford has already agreed to for this year. “This is the first year a business has offered to be a Turbo Charge Sponsor. We are very excited that Dorian Ford has stepped up. They have always been supportive and we know the community appreciates it,” said Shanon Rupkus, Cruise Chairman.

Another way to support the event is to host a pre-cruise car event at your business. Last year the cruise committee tried out the idea of a pre-cruise car shows the week before the cruise. Each one was a big hit with the cruisers and many made it to all of them getting their Cruise Passport stamped along the way. This year the committee hopes to have more pre-cruise events throughout the summer months. The Cruise Passport will again be available and will feature pre-cruise events in July and August.

Another new feature this year is the Cruise Midway at the Lowe’s Parking lot just north of 15 MIle on the west side of Gratiot. This year applications are being accepted from businesses, and organizations to promote their products, services or just get involved in the event. “This is a great way for restaurants or businesses who aren’t located on Gratiot to have a booth and promote themselves at our event,” said Shanon Rupkus. “We hope to have the Midway grow into another Cruise Headquarters where it is an attraction on the strip for walkers and cruisers to visit.”

The Cruise itself will again begin at noon and run until 6 p.m. on August 7, 2011. Cruisers are invited to cruise, park and stroll up and down Gratiot Avenue from 14 Mile to Wellington Crescent. Cruise Headquarters will again be at the southeast corner of 16 Mile and Gratiot with live entertainment and the Cruise Car Show. For more information on the cruise, including sponsorship packages, midway information, cruise car show registration and other cruising event details visit the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise website -www.ctgratiotcruise.com. or contact Communications Director Tracey Moro -586.212.1673. Go on and get revved up!
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