Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot is quite the ride

EASTPOINTE — Twenty-five years ago, a group of local businesspeople and dignitaries wanted to find a way to highlight retailers along Gratiot Avenue, bring people to the city and raise money for charities. 

So, they came up with an idea for a classic car cruise that brought back the heyday of cruising Gratiot with hot rods, convertibles, 1950s music and a few poodle skirts. Greased back-pompadours were optional. 

Since then, there have been three staples to each cruise: It is always held on the Saturday before Father’s Day, the route is between Eight Mile and 10 Mile roads, and many sponsors help to make the cruise have a smooth ride. Over the years, cruise organizers have been able to get the Michigan Department of Transportation to designate a special “cruise lane” closest to the median.

Last weekend, Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot celebrated its 25th anniversary. This year’s event got its motor running with car shows June 12 at Villa Restaurant, June 13 at First State Bank, and June 14 at Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant. Cruise Day got in gear June 15, which included a car cruise along the avenue and a car show at Eastpointe High School.

Eastpointe City Council member Harvey Curley, president of the Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot Committee, welcomed the crowd to the opening ceremony held at the high school. 

“Everybody has done a fantastic job,” Curley said. “Can you believe this is our 25th?”

During the opening ceremony, a moment of silence was held to honor Tom Geloneck, a longtime cruise volunteer. Arrangements were made to display Geloneck’s 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix at the high school’s car show.

“About three weeks ago, we lost one of our members, Tom. He passed away suddenly about three weeks ago,” Paul Mastalanski said. “He’s been out working in this parking lot for 25 years with the rest of us guys. He will be missed. I think he’d be watching over all of us today.”

Cruise Day included a prayer service, and a VIP parade in which local and state dignitaries rode the cruise route waving from convertibles. Joining them was retired Detroit rock radio disc jockey Jim ‘JJ’ Johnson, chosen as this year’s VIP grand marshal.

“Hello, Eastpointe. I’m very pleased and very honored to be thought of as this year’s grand marshal for the Eastpointe Gratiot classic car show,” Johnson said. “Unbelievable that it has been 25 years for the Gratiot cruise. Enjoy your day today, everybody. Thank you for coming.”

James Friedman, chaplain with the Eastpointe Police Department, also addressed the crowd during the prayer service.

“So many different hands go into making this Gratiot cruise work. Where is the princess at?” Friedman said, pointing out Diane Reece-Seger, who is the cruise committee treasurer. “She works hard to make sure everything goes as it should.” 

The Revs. Albert Rush and Darryl Jones and elder Marcellus Mayes led the group in prayer.

Kathy DiCenzo is another cruise committee member who has volunteered for a long time.

“They’re a good bunch. They’re like my buddies. I try to take care of them,” she said of the classic car owners who participate each year. “A lot of them have been there for 25 years. It’s a great time. It’s a great town.”

Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot wouldn’t be the same without Laura Matte, also known as Ms. Poodle Skirt. Matte, of Clinton Township, always wears a poodle skirt to the cruise. Her collection comes in different colors, and this year she wore a red one to Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot. Matte was a part of the VIP parade. She said she enjoys everything about the event.

“The people, the cars, the best weather,” she said. “It’s a big event, and we always look forward to it.”

Eastpointe Economic Development Manager Ian McCain was among the city employees present for the event. He had a table filled with brochures and information packets to share with residents and business owners.

Next to him, Dominic Miller, almost 15, and his grandmother, Rose Marie Miller, collected pajamas, books, toys and more for the charity Dominic’s Christmas Wish.

“We take anything that is new,” Rose Marie Miller said, adding that the nonprofit organization donates the items to three homeless shelters, two foster care facilities and one school. When Eastpointe resident Erica Gamble stopped by Dominic’s Christmas Wish, she donated a $25 JCPenney gift card. 

Over the years, the cruise has donated proceeds to many charities, including the Eastpointe Lions Club, the East Detroit Tiger Cats, Odd Fellows Eastwood Lodge No. 496 in Eastpointe and Love Life Family Christian Center in Eastpointe. In past years, the cruise committee also has donated to the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township and the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe.