AU GRES – Arenac County residents weathered floods, shutdowns, and a pandemic over the last year and now volunteers in the county’s small harbor city of Au Gres, are prepping for an influx mid-summer of hornets, cougars, beetles, cobras and maybe, a bronco or two.
But no fear, the invasion predicted is of the friendlier kind – some of Motor City’s finest muscle cars, relics and the like. From rat-rods to Cougars and Mustangs, some of the classiest cars are expected to rumble their way to the City of Au Gres, July 24-25 for the Au Gres Cruiser’s Car Club 27th Annual Rock and Roll Weekend – an event that in former years has drawn more than 500 participants to the Sunrise Side waterfront town.
“It really is the best cruise in Northern Michigan,” said Au Gres Cruiser’s Car Club member and local business owner, Tom Nixon. “It is 13 miles of scenic lakeshore touring.”
Last year, due to Covid-19, the show was red-flagged out of precaution, but this year organizers are once again putting the pedal to the metal to provide an outstanding event.
It takes about 500-man hours to plan,” said Au Gres Car Cruiser’s Club Vice President Dick Hill of the two-day event, adding the club has about 15 volunteers.
“The show is important to the community because it brings a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the Au Gres area,” Nixon said. “The Rock and Roll weekend is one of those things that puts Au Gres on the map. We are almost famous for it.
According to Nixon, his late uncle, Dennis Nixon, started the trophy cruise and show and Tom, himself, has participated in every cruise for more than two decades.
“After my uncle passed away, the show needed some help, so I finally joined the Au Gres Cruiser’s Car Club this year,” he said. “More youth need to become involved.”
The 2021 cruise will roll out, rain or shine, at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 24 in front of the Au Gres-Sims School; line-up and all registration starts at 3 p.m. The leisurely cruise ends at the Au Gres Riverfront Park, where events heat up with the traditional muffler rapping, flame throwing and tire burnout contests. Live music, refreshments and food will also be available at the pavilion.
Sunday’s car show starts at 8 a.m. at the Au Gres River Park with awards presented at 3 p.m. in 26 automotive classes. A Model Car Contest will also be hosted for three age groups – 10-years-old and under; 11-16; and 17 and up.
“There’s a lot of pride,” Tom said of the Rock and Roll Weekend.“People get together over this and even if they don’t attend the show or the cruise, it becomes a gathering place for thousands of folks who have summer cabins and friends in the area. I believe people really enjoy showing off the beauty of our community.”
For more information about the cruise and show, contact Cruiser Vice-President Dick Hill at 989-460-7879 or email Au Gres Cruiser’s Club President KJ Edmonds at edmondskj@hotmail.com. Cruise information is also on Au Gres Cruiser’s Car Club’s Facebook page.
