(WWJ) With the Woodward Dream Cruise canceled due to COVID-19, another cruise has been planned in its place.
The Oakland County Republican Party has announced a "MAGA Classic Car Cruise" for Trump supporters from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 — the date the annual Dream Cruise would have taken place.
OCRP says the idea behind the cruise is to provide a simple and concise way for Trump supporters to show their support.
"With our Michigan primary election wrapping up, we can start to focus our attention on re-electing Donald Trump and electing John James to the U.S. Senate in November," said Rocky Raczkowski, Chairman of the OCRP, in a press release. "With the traditional Dream Cruise canceled due to our current situation, we felt the road was wide open for OCRP to host our own MAGA Classic Car Cruise. Best of all our MAGA Classic Car event will be run right on Woodward Avenue, the traditional route for cruisers."
While the traditional cruise route is from Ferndale to Pontiac using Woodward Ave., organizers say a detailed MAGA cruise route will be posted on the OCRP Facebook events page ahead of the event.
"MAGA Classic Car Cruisers are welcome to drive the public highway loop as often as they like," said Raczkowski. "We encourage Trump supporters to take a break from cruising to stop at our Oakland County Republican Party offices located at 42611 Woodward, Bloomfield Hill, MI 48304 (Woodward just south of Square Lake Road) to pick up a Trump 2020 yard sign and for refreshments. Trump merchandise will be available to purchase at that location."
Cruisers are asked to prominently display American and Trump flags or "respectful signs" that support President Trump and Back the Blue.
The event announcement states: "Participating in the MAGA Car Cruise will be easy and fun. Create your own handmade or use any official Trump signs. The more Trump flags the better! Or just bring yourself, your MAGA Classic Car and join others to help turn Michigan RED again in November. The event is free and will be held rain or shine."
Anyone planning to attend the event should note that it is not sanctioned by the municipalities where it will take place. The Woodward Dream Cruise board voted to cancel this year's cruise after several Oakland County communities and their governments along the route, guided by public health and safety concerns, all decided it was too dangerous amid the pandemic.
"Remember to stay in your vehicle and practice safe distancing protocols, as we have all been reminded by the governor," organizers of the MAGA cruise add. "Cars should be filled only with members of your immediate family to avoid the mask requirement. No carpooling since gas is cheap!"
