By Aaron Robins
WKTV Community Contributor
The sun was out along with many spectators gathered at the Wyoming Moose Lodge to admire new and classic cars for Metro Cruise’s annual Dust Off event this past Saturday.
Car owners came in from around West Michigan putting their best vehicles out for display. The first 75 classic car participants that showed up were awarded free t-shirts. As they enjoyed the cars, guests were also treated to food, drinks and a chance to meet some of the girls from the Miss Metro Cruise competition.
“You can see by the participation that people are coming out in droves,” said Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual Metro Cruise that will run Aug. 26 and 27. “I think people are looking for it. They’re ready for it. And by having Metro Cruise, it gives them another opportunity to express their interest and desire to get back out.”
The Metro Cruise is put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to help bring business to the local community and give residents a chance to show off their stuff. Jene Billings, 90, from Kentwood and his daughter Cathy DeLaney, 65, from Middleville, enjoyed the sun as they displayed a new truck.
“I wanted to show my truck off and look at all of the good iron that shows up out here. That’s it, just have a good day.” said Billing said, with his daughter Cathy DeLaney adding that the he and his daughter come out to Metro Cruise every year and even have a specific spot they spend that lets the show come to them.
Alan Wright, 78, from Wyoming, is also no stranger to the Metro Cruise. He brought out his 1958 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he also had when he and his wife got married back in 1966.
“As years went by and uh… the kids got through school and got married, I wanted another classic car so I bought a (19)58 Thunderbird,” said Wright, who is one of 10 drivers who bring the Miss Metro Cruise up to the main state during Metro Cruise.
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin attended the annual Dust Off event, meeting with potential contestants of the competition. The preliminary competition for Miss Metro Cruise will take place on July 9. The primary narrows the contestants down to 10 finalists who will compete at Metro Cruise in August. Kelvin’s advice for newcomers was to “Just come do it.”
“Anybody can do this, it’s just a matter of relaxing and giving it a try,” said Kelvin.
This year’s Metro Cruise, Aug. 26 and 27, will also have a second event following the same format as the Rogers Plaza event, happening at Woodland Mall. The collector cars, food trucks, bands, and some other entertainment will be featured at the event according to 28th Street Metro Cruise Event Manager Brandon Simmons. Visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.
