By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — For the fourth-straight year, Bloomfield Township has staked out a little spot to party during the Woodward Dream Cruise, which falls Aug. 16 this year.

Organizers say the car show, which is located along Woodward Avenue, just south of 16 Mile Road, is more than just a place to park your muscle car.

“I think one of the things that makes it special is that it’s just the right size,” Community Relations Director Leslie Helwig said.

“From our location, you can see all the action up and down on Woodward. The cruise keeps going, and we offer a less congested area for families to come and just enjoy the show in a more leisurely, convenient atmosphere.”

The car show idea arose after Bloomfield Township became part of the Dream Cruise member communities in 2002, Helwig said.

The party will offer conveniences like bleacher seating, portable toilets and nearby parking. A disc jockey will play music while guests can eat food such as Coldstone Creamery ice cream, she said.

Helwig said the car show is still accepting registration of classic cars, and some cars will be showcased in the nearby Comerica Bank parking lot. This year, the show promises to feature a 1963 Studebaker Avanti that broke the 200 mph barrier and won a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Colin Neale, 81, of Northville is planning to attend Bloomfield Township’s car show for the third time. He said he designed the very first Ford Capri, and he is the owner of a Panama yellow 1962 version of the car.

“I have one over here, and that’s why I come to the cruise, to run the car up and down and have fun,” he said.

He said he goes to the Bloomfield Township event because its proceeds go to charity. “It seemed like it would be a decent place to stop and rest,” he said.

Although the party is designed for township residents, Helwig said, people from all over are welcome.

“I think the Dream Cruise, the whole 16 miles, is such a unique event,” Helwig said. “Where else can a family get all this entertainment at no cost?”

The Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show will run 1-5 p.m. at Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield Hills, 36600 Woodward Ave., in Bloomfield Township. Admission is free, and general parking is $5.

Classic car owners can register their cars — either specialty models or pre-1972 classics — for $75 or for $100 to get a polo shirt, too.  Event proceeds will benefit the Bloomfield Township Fire Department Charities, the Bloomfield Hills Optimists and Oakland Family Services.

To register, call (248) 433-7790.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1058.