By: K. Michelle Moran | Grosse Pointe Times | Published September 20, 2022
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — The Detroit Auto Show might have motorists dreaming of the vehicles of the future, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still appreciate the cars of the past.
The 15th annual Grosse Pointe Concours d’Elegance, from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 25 at Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms, gives local residents a chance to admire classic European and American vehicles, as well as showcase their own special rides.
Organized by the nonprofit Grosse Pointe Farms Foundation, this family-friendly event begins with a parade of vehicles from the Hill business district on Kercheval Avenue in the Farms to the park, where they’ll be on view during the event. Admission and vehicle registration are both free, and this event is open to residents — and vehicle owners — from any of the Grosse Pointes.
At press time, Farms City Manager Shane Reeside said there were already about 80 vehicles registered to participate.
“If weather cooperates, we should have (a good turnout),” Reeside said.
Dan Hughes, a board member and head of marketing for the GPFF, said they had more than 120 cars last year. He said that because of rain early in the week in 2021, participants had to display their vehicles in the Pier Park parking lot, but this year, vehicles are returning to the Pier Park grounds.
Free hot dogs, chips and pop will be served while supplies last.
“It’s that time of year again, great cars and a fun time!” Hughes said by email.
The Grosse Pointe Concours d’Elegance started as an opportunity to spotlight multiple improvements and additions at Pier Park — many of them wholly or partially funded by the GPFF. It has since become an annual fall tradition for residents of all ages.
Organizers say this event generally attracts about 600-700 people each year, as well as over 100 vehicles.
Because he will be out of town, Farms Mayor Louis Theros won’t be present this year.
“I’m sad I won’t be able to be there,” Theros said. “It is one of my favorite events. I love the Farms being able to participate in the (automotive) history of our community and the legacy of the Motor City as the automobile capital of the world.”
The GPFF is also hosting the first of what it hopes will be an annual fundraiser in the form of a cocktail party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Pier Park, for which tickets cost $75 per person or $130 for two. This year’s event will coincide with the groundbreaking for a new children’s playground at Pier Park. Tickets are being sold online through the GPFF’s website.
Pier Park is located at 350 Lake Shore Road. Although advance registration for the Concours is encouraged, residents can also bring their vehicles to display on the day of the event. To register a vehicle or for more information, visit www.grossepointefarmsfoundation.org.