It’s no secret that Metro Detroit is facing some unique challenges in the days and years to come.  As the auto industry goes, so goes Detroit has been the historic perspective of the life cycle of our area for the last 90 years.  With the major shifts in the auto sector of our economy, some of our expectations and eggs must find some new baskets.   Metro Detroit must work together to reengineer and retool our economy or face major decline and hardships.  Today, the Regional Chamber of Commerce held a forum on Regionalism.  Having been invited and informed of the meeting via e-mail, I decided to attend.  Detroit’s former Mayor Dennis Archer, now serving as Chairman of Detroit’s Regional Chamber opened the meeting.  I particularly found the panel discussion of great interest with Mayor Brenda Lawrence of the City of Southfield, Mary Kramer, publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business and John Rekolta, Chairman of Walbridge Aldinger. Each shared their perspective in a very helpful, frank and open conversation about Detroit’s unique challenges in the days to come, and the critical need for us to work together crossing our municipal boundary lines. There are a number of City Leaders in attendance and after the meeting I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to the Mayor of Windsor.   Her attendance in itself is a great demonstration of the regional perspective.  Of course, LookUpDetroit is a positive, family-friendly, connection point for this whole Metro Region designed with the purpose of bringing each of our communities closer together.  We are all in this together and the sooner we traverse the boundaries to get to know and work together toward common goals the better. I think during this meeting these issues were no longer thought of just worthy goals for Metro Detroit but now during this critical time as necessary survival skills.  I would encourage anyone in Metro Detroit to connect with the Regional Chamber website and keep in touch with what they’re doing in regard to the Regionalism that was presented at today’s forum along with other issues they are working to address.  - Richard Dalton

I was hoping I would be a successful blogger, and that I would recruit some other folks to also blog on this LookUpDetroit.net blog site.   Sadly I have failed which you’ll see if only you look at the gaps in the various postings in this blog.  I just haven’t had the time or attention to write and input this blog myself or recruit others as fellow editors and writers.  In the future I envision much more of a community bulletin board that will invite many more people’s involvement and input.  I am in the process of looking for someone with web expertise to help add this helpful in fun aspect to the Lookup Detroit Project.  Anyone with interest in helping with this or other aspects of our project please e-mail me at  Richard@LookupDetroit.com or call me at 248-656-4864.   - Richard Dalton

A Reveiw by David DiCerto 

In an effort to reach as wide a market as possible, most Christmas-themed movies come gift-wrapped in a secular brand of sentimentality that completely misses the true meaning of the holiday. But Hollywood finally gets it right with “The Nativity Story” From the opening strains of the soundtrack — hints of the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” — you know you’re in good hands. A composite of the birth narrative accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, embroidered with apocryphal traditions as well as the imaginative inspiration of the filmmaker, the Bible story gets prestigious treatment in director Catherine Hardwicke’s artful, reverent and deeply affecting retelling. The film has an excellent international cast and impressive production design similar to that of “The Passion of the Christ,” the financial success of which no doubt paved the way for this movie. (Without the blood and controversy, however, “The Nativity Story” should appeal to an even wider audienceFilmed in Matera — the ancient Italian town where Mel Gibson shot “The Passion” — and Morocco, it opens with prophecy-paranoid King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) plotting to kill all the male babies in Bethlehem. Flashing back a year, Zechariah (Stanley Townsend) is told by an angelic voice that his wife Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo), though advanced in age, will bear a son.

In Nazareth, her young cousin, Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a peasant girl — still practically a child and living under the daily uncertainties of Roman occupation — is informed by her parents, Anna and Joaquim (Hiam Abbass and Shaun Toub), that she is to marry Joseph (Oscar Isaac), an upright carpenter a few years her senior. Troubled over her betrothal to “a man I hardly know, a man I do not love,” Mary withdraws to a nearby grove where the Annunciation, nicely handled, takes place, with Alexander Siddig personifying the angel Gabriel who reveals she will give birth to Jesus.

Meanwhile in Persia, the three Magi set out to follow the star westward (explained here as a rare convergence of Venus, Jupiter and an astral body).

What is described with only a few lines in Luke’s Gospel becomes the meat of the film, as Joseph and Mary undertake the arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, battling sandstorms, treacherous terrain, hunger and, while passing through Jerusalem, thieves.

Along the way, Hardwicke, raised Presbyterian, weaves in references that foreshadow events in Christ’s life: Mary washing Joseph’s feet; Joseph expressing anger over merchants in the Temple courtyard; a roadside crucifixion. In a more symbolic allusion, during a river crossing, Mary is imperiled by a snake, echoing the serpent of Eden.

Though the New Testament is sparse on details about Mary and Joseph, the thoughtful screenplay of Mike Rich, a practicing Christian, manages to flesh them out while remaining faithful to Scripture, beautifully suggesting the humanity beneath the halos.

Castle-Hughes conveys maturity well, playing Mary with all the anxieties that anyone would have in her extraordinary situation while having to deal with the disparaging looks of neighbors, the threat of stoning and the incredulity of her own parents. Her mother even hints at rape. Particularly touching is a scene in which Mary sits alone at night pondering why God has chosen her (”I am nothing,” she sighs). Likewise, Isaac soulfully essays Joseph with an empathetic decency, as he quietly shoulders his appointed responsibility, while troubled by an abiding sense of inadequacy.

As to the birth of Jesus, it’s all there: the shepherds, the Wise Men, etc. Despite some greeting-card gloss, cloying sentimentality is avoided. Throughout the film, Hardwicke never waters down the religious elements to make the story more palatable for nonbelievers, most clearly demonstrated when she has one of the Magi proclaim the radical truth of the Incarnation by declaring that the infant is “God made into flesh.”

In a poignant moment that inextricably links the manger to the cross, his fellow traveler — after his companions have presented their gifts of gold and frankincense — tearfully offers the Christ Child myrrh “for his sacrifice,” portending Jesus’ atoning death.

Astute eyes will catch the shot of one of Herod’s minions scouring the abandoned cavelike stable after the holy family has fled to Egypt and finding a swaddling cloth draped over the vacant manger, presaging the empty tomb.

Though placed differently from Luke’s Gospel, Mary’s “Magnificat” is incorporated by Hardwicke in a way that’s most effective.

Amid the Christmas pageant elements, there are a few brief images (the slaughter of the innocents, for example) that may upset very young children. Both Mary’s and Elizabeth’s painful labor are vividly depicted.

The film’s hopeful message should resonate beyond Christian audiences to a world still groaning for peace and good will.

The film contains some violent images. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Has it been a long week? Why not relax, surround yourself with masterpieces and enjoy some of Detroit’s greatest live performances every Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. Take in Grammy winners – from world music to jazz to classical – family performances, including puppet shows and storytelling and more, all in concert with the DIA’s magnificent galleries. When it comes to your weekend start with art and get yourself to Friday Nights at the DIA. And remember, the rest of the weekend offers its own palette of music, artist demonstrations, tours, and storytelling.

In celebration of Annie Leibovitz: American Music, we’re presenting LIVE “American” music every Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m.! During the exhibition, check out live music from some of our greatest roots musicians and up-and-comers, not to mention performances by some of the legends actually featured in the exhibition. All this along with our regular line up of hands-on workshops and gallery tours make the DIA the place to be on Friday nights. Programs are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.            

Link to DIA Website

 

The Birmingham Historical Museum & Park has returned to the 1930’s for the annual model train display, complete with living room setting with the train running under the tree. Christmas cookies will be “baking” in the 1920’s Kitchen and new toys will be on display in the Play Room. Children will have the opportunity to make their own holiday ornament to place on the museum tree or to take home.Sat., Nov., 11, 2006 through Jan. 6, 2007.

The BHM is open for public tours Wed.-Sat. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors, students and Birmingham Historical Society members. Call (248) 642-2871 or e-mail museum@ci.birmingham.mi.us.

The Birmingham Historial Museum, 556 W. Maple is located at the intersection of Maple (15 Mile Rd.) and Southfield in Birmingham.

Everyone has been in desperate need of another person at some time in their life, and for some this need becomes obvious.  Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan offers residence to adults with life-controlling problems (currently about sixty-five men and ten women) who take part in a one year Christian growth program.  It seeks to provide ‘a future with hope,’ understanding that hope ultimately comes by a denial of sin and faith in Jesus Christ as our road to God.

Nestled in the midst of a residential area of Detroit, Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan (formerly Detroit Teen Challenge) operates in a university-like brick building, complete with living rooms, a chapel, an impressive kitchen, weight  rooms, a thrift shop, an auto repair garage, a computer center, a library, gardens, a full basketball court, and offices for staff and interns.  Students participate in a variety of programs that teach positive character traits.  They live on a strict schedule everyday.

One staff member described the center as ‘a spiritual cocoon.’   It is a safe-haven where students face their problems and experience deep-seated change, but it is also meant to help them become healthier members of the outside community.  Students can receive their GED and be trained in employment skills.  And with the spiritual attention to the worth of each person the whole effort is a work of compassion.

LCSM was opened in 1965 and is affiliated with Teen Challenge  International, USA.  There are more than 400 centers throughout the world. 

Interestingly, LCSM is mindful of both local and international activity.  Recently the staff and some students took four trips to Jamaica and built an orphanage there.

LCSM is a nonprofit ecclesiastical corporation, funded by individuals, churches, and businesses that support its mission.  It is located at 17667 Pierson Street in Detroit, MI, 48219.
 submitted by Ryan Hammack                   Link to their website

Click to Link:  Woodward Dream Cruise Schedule

OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE BORDINE FAMILY 

Marian A. Bordine was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 23, 1915.  She graduated from Southwestern High School as an excellent scholar during the depression.

In Marian’s younger years, she worked at C & F grocery store and then for the Detroit Board of Education supervising 200 people in a WWII program.

Marian met Darrell Bordine, her late husband, at the Greystone Ballroom in Detroit.  They eloped to Ohio in 1936.  Darrell was a truck farmer from Milan, Michigan and saw the current Rochester Hills Bordine Nursery location on June 17, 1939 - the same day his first child, Bruce, was born.

Darrell and Marian purchased the Rochester Hills site from a bankrupt greenhouse with trees growing through the roof!  The original land purchased was 6 ½ acres (now 36 acres) on a 2-lane, Rochester Road.

Marian lived with her parents on 20th & Bagley (near the Ambassador Bridge) while Darrell stayed at the greenhouse to start the family business.  In 1942, Marian quit her job with the Board of Education to work hand in hand with her husband.

Over the years, Marian did everything from tending to the crops, taking care of the bookkeeping, doing the Christmas buying and putting together the Bordine Spring Catalogs.  Marian was also a life member of the Rochester Branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association.

Marian’s husband, Darrell, passed away in 1978.  Marian did not enjoy living on her own, so a year later, she moved in with her best friend, Doris Fenner (who was Bordine’s first CPA from Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling).

Marian Bordine and Doris Fenner retired in 1980 and enjoyed traveling throughout North America in their motor home.  They enjoyed their winters in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Up until recent years, “Mrs. B” (as the “Purple People” at Bordine Nursery affectionately refer to her) could still be found every spring in the greenhouse tending to her beloved Geraniums.

Marian is survived by her best friend, Doris Fenner; son, Bruce Bordine; daughter, Carole Manning Whaley (David); late son, Earl Bordine, M.D. and daughter-in-law Jesslyn Bordine; daughter-in-law, Pauline Schafer; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to “The Women’s Fund” of the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester and to the Rochester Branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association. 

Visitation will at be Pixley Funeral Home (322 West University Drive, Rochester), Sunday, August 13th from 1 - 9 pm.  Additionally, viewing will be held on Monday, Aug 14th from 10 - 11 am with a memorial service to follow beginning at 11 am at St. Paul’s Methodist Church,
(620 Romeo Road, Rochester).  Burial to follow.

Bordine Nursery Website

As the community gears up for the 12th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise presented by Eaton, the municipalities along Woodward Avenue announce a wide variety of events and entertainment to celebrate the world’s largest and most anticipated one-day automotive happening, Saturday, August 19th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The communities along Woodward have planned a number of exciting events to kick off this year’s cruise. The official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will take place in Ferndale on Friday, August 18 at 5 p.m. The event will also feature a special police cruise.

Continuing the kickoff celebration, Berkley will once again hold its CruiseFest event Friday evening, featuring a premier classic car parade with Barry Meguiar, host of Speed TV’s “Car Crazy,” as the Grand Marshall. The parade attracts some 25,000 spectators and concludes with a live performance with a to be announced musical act at city center.

The festivities continue throughout the weekend with fun for the whole family through nine host communities along 16 action-packed miles of Woodward Avenue:

BERKLEY: The City of Berkley is a small, close-knit community that boasts a warm, friendly charm and a prime location. Its downtown centers are located along Twelve Mile and Coolidge. The City of Berkley fronts Woodward (on the west side) from 11 Mile to 12 1/2 Mile.

August 18  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Kid’s Inflatable Games (North side of 12 Mile between Tyler and Gardner Streets).

6:30 p.m.   Classic Car Parade (Staging at Roseland Park Cemetery begins at 5:30 p.m. Cemetery is located at 12 Mile and Woodward.) Parade Grand Marshal: Barry Meguiar of Speed TV’s “Car Crazy”

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.  Tri-Community Coalition Street Dance (on Griffith, north of 12 Mile.)

7:30 p.m.  Musical Entertainment at the CruiseFest Stage featuring Three Men and A Tenor

9:30 p.m.  Musical Entertainment at the CruiseFest Stage featuring The Sypder Turner Show

All Day  Sidewalk sales throughout the Berkley business district.

All Evening  Downtown food booths operated by Berkley community service organizations.

All Evening  Official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise booths on Woodward and Downtown staffed by Berkley community service organizations.

August 19

All Day Official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise booths on Woodward staffed by Berkley community service organizations.

BIRMINGHAM: The City of Birmingham’s motto is “The Walkable Community.” This beautiful city offers a variety of housing styles, along with a historic downtown shopping area home to more than 250 shops, restaurants, unique art galleries and boutiques. The City of Birmingham fronts Woodward from 14 Mile to 16 Mile.

August 19

Classic Car Parking: Birmingham residents and classic car owners from around the world will be able to pre-register for parking spaces in the downtown area to showcase their classic vehicle for the event. Your individual classic car (1978 or older) or club can be included for a $20.00 registration fee per vehicle. Registered vehicles will be provided with a parking space in the middle of all the action and receive a 2006 commemorative hang tag for participating. With over 1,000 classic vehicles expected in Birmingham for the event, it is sure to be a great event.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS: The city of Bloomfield Hills is located from Quarton Rd. to Hickory Grove Rd. (just south of Long Lake) along Woodward Avenue. An exclusive residential area, Bloomfield Hills is known for its rolling plush greenery. It is home to the exclusive Bloomfield Hills Country Club, the Bloomfield Hunt Club and the internationally renowned Cranbrook Institute of Science and Art and Cranbrook Educational Community, which borders Woodward Avenue.

For the week of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Bloomfield Hills offers the following entertainment at Fox and Hounds restaurant located at 39560 Woodward Avenue:

August 13  1:00 p.m.  Jimmy Howard & Company

August 14  7:00 p.m.  Rick and Dana Lieder

August 16  6:00 p.m.  Michigan Opera Theatre

August 17  6:00 p.m.  BLU Pearl

August 18   6:00 p.m.  The Viceroys

August 19  11:00 a.m.  The Viceroys
2:00 p.m.  Jimmy Howard & Company
7:00 p.m.  Funkee Station

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP: Bloomfield Township is distinguished by its fine homes, exclusive subdivisions, classy and upbeat shopping, lakes and rolling topography. Bloomfield Township is home to many corporate America managers and owners, including top auto executives, making it one of the most prestigious residential areas in Michigan. Bloomfield Township fronts Woodward from Oak to Strathmore on the west and farther north from Hickory Grove to Alice Avenue on the east.

August 19
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. “Second Annual Bloomfield Township Dream Cruise Classic, held at Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield on Woodward just south of Big Beaver. The event will benefit Oakland Family Services, the Bloomfield Fire Department Charities and the Bloomfield Optimist Club. The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend.

There is a $100 entry charge for classic and specialty cars. A gift bag will be given to the owners which includes the official WDC t-shirt along with other car-related items. Cars will be judged and awards given out for various categories. For more information, see the Township website:  Click Here

DETROIT:  1st Annual Cruise in Detroit   An initiative that invites auto enthusiasts to enhance their cruising experience by touring the historic sections of Woodward Avenue.

Calling all cars…calling all cars…please report to the 1st Annual Cruise in Detroit Road Tour & Car Show on Saturday, August 19, 2006…be on the lookout for historic treasures and a great time in the D!
What to DoJust print the attached flyer & maps and bring your signed waiver to Palmer Park at Woodward & Seven Mile between 9:00 am & 2:00 pm, so you can breeze through the check-in and begin your tour of seven Historic Districts along Woodward Avenue, which helped to “put the world on wheels”.  (Flyers & maps will be available at the Palmer Park check-in point on day of event also.)
The driving tour ends at T-Plex (birthplace of the Model T) where the Car Show and tours of the historic Ford Piquette Avenue Plant begin.  “Freebie” bag available to first 200 Road Tour participants - so come out early!  All T-Plex Tour participants eligible for drawing of raffle prizes!!
 http://detroitsynergy.org/projects/cruiseindetroit   

FERNDALE: The city of Ferndale is located between Eight Mile Road and I-696 along Woodward Avenue with easy access to all interstates. The revitalized downtown continues to grow and contains a diverse mix of award winning restaurants, shops and businesses in a newly streetscaped setting. Ferndale fronts Woodward from 8 Mile to 10 Mile.

August 1 – 31  Cruiz’n Art Exhibit. Located at the Paramount Bank & Art Gallery, 22635 Woodward Avenue in Downtown Ferndale.

August 18-20  NASCAR: Legends of the Last Century. Chapman Motor Sports presents NASCAR Original Busch Grand National & Winston Cup Series racecars at this exhibit.

August 18
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring DJ Sounds

1 p.m. – 10 p.m.  “6th Annual Ferndale International Police, Military & Emergency Vehicle Show.

5 p.m.  Official WDC Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Police Cruise

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring Clear Avenue Band

August 19
10 a.m. – Noon  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring DJ Sounds
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  12th Annual Ferndale Classic Car Show
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.   8th Annual Mustang Alley. To register, please visit www.motorcityterminators.org/mustangalley.

10 a.m. – 9 p.m.  RetroFest and KIDS ZONE. Located on West Nine Mile Road, RetroFest will feature merchandise vendors, a food court and the MotorCity Casino Stage West. Watch some of the best local & regional bands, enjoy a delicious meal and have the Kids play in the Zone!

11:30 a.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity West Stage featuring Liz Larin
Noon  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring The Tones Band
Noon – 9 p.m.  MotorCity Cycle & Chopper Show
Noon – 6 p.m.  2nd Annual Metro Detroit Scooter Show
1:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity West Stage featuring Kevin Tees & the Firebirds
2 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring The Tones Band
4:30 p.m.  Car Show Awards
4:30 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity West Stage featuring Paisley Fogg
5:30 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity East Stage featuring Nobody’s Business
6:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity West Stage featuring Cass Avenue Ramblers
8:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity West Stage featuring Shout!

August 20

Noon – 7 p.m.  RetroFest and KIDS ZONE. Located on West Nine Mile Road, RetroFest will feature merchandise vendors, a food court and the MotorCity Casino Stage West. Watch some of the best local & regional bands, enjoy a delicious meal and have the Kids play in the Zone!

HUNTINGTON WOODS: The City of Huntington Woods is a community of approximately 1 1/2 square miles that exudes a stately atmosphere created by an abundance of mature trees throughout. The city is known for its fine homes, sense of community spirit and shared pride. The City of Huntington Woods fronts Woodward from 10 Mile to 11 Mile (on the west side.)

August 18
7:00 p.m.  Entertainment at Chase Bank (26363 Woodward Avenue featuring Phase 5

All Evening  Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise booths open

August 19
All Day  Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise booths open

PLEASANT RIDGE: The city of Pleasant Ridge is immediately south of the I-696 expressway and straddles the Woodward corridor. The gracious residential area is known for its unique houses, tree lined streets and extraordinary sense of community Pleasant Ridge fronts Woodward in a half-mile area between 9 1/2 Mile and I-696.

August 15
11:00 a.m.   Official Woodward Dream Cruise Press Conference (location TBD)

August 18
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.  “Boogie Woogie Blues Fest,” with a drive-in movie beginning at dusk (”The Day the Earth Stood Still”).

August 19
Noon – 6 p.m.  Children’s park with clowns and magicians, opens at 11 a.m. Live entertainment begins in Memorial Park at Noon.

PONTIAC: The city of Pontiac is the center of Oakland County, the county seat and a government and health care center. Pontiac’s downtown features popular art galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues drawing a young, professional crowd as well as mature adults. This builds on the sense of family centered values and the many family events that are a mainstay of Pontiac. The City of Pontiac fronts Woodward from Square Lake Road to M-59.

August 18
10 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.  Oakland Press Opening Official Car Show
10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Sock Hop-Phil Brown
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Mark Reitenger & Company
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring New Strategy
6:00 p.m.  Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital Pontiac Cruise Parade
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Kevin Tee &
“Firebirds”
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Straight Ahead
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Charles Anthony
8:30 – 10:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Mitch Ryder
All Evening  Jazz in Hidden River Park

August 19

8 a.m. – 10 p.m.  Oakland Press Opening Official Car Show
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Sock Hop – Phil Brown
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Forever and a Day
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Larry Lee “Back in the Day”
5:30 – 7 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Quincy Stewart
7 – 9:30 p.m.  Entertainment at Hidden River Park Stage featuring Daniel Carthane
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Carl Graves “Motor City Beat”
8:30 – 10:00 p.m.  Entertainment at MotorCity Casino Main Stage featuring Priscilla Price
10:00 p.m.  Star Bright Entertainment Drive-In Movies
All Evening  Jazz in Hidden River Park

ROCHESTER: Rockin’ Rods in Rochester 
August 13, 9am-5pm
in Downtown Rochester, Walnut Blvd. between Second and University Dr.  Shift gears and cruise downtown for a nostalgic look at classic cars including hot rods, corvettes, custom cars, muscle cars and specialty vehicles. For more information, call 248/651-4155. 

ROYAL OAK: The City of Royal Oak is a mature residential community known for its diverse and attractive neighborhoods as well as an influx of young professionals. It features a popular and thriving downtown with eclectic shopping, a bustling restaurant district and many entertainment venues. The City of Royal Oak fronts Woodward from 10 Mile to 14 Mile.

August 19

All Day  Grand National at Northwood Shopping Center.
Daimler Chrysler Display at Northwood Shopping Center

All Day  Auto Trader Display at Pioneer Park

The Woodward Dream Cruise presented by Eaton is the largest one-day car event in the world, attracting over 1 million participants and 40,000 classic cars each year. This summer classic celebrates the ’50s and ’60s when Woodward Avenue was the heart and soul of American cruising in the city that put America on wheels. Cruisers drive along a 16-mile stretch of boulevard through the nine host communities just north of Detroit, while spectators line much of the route enjoying the Motor City’s perennial love affair with the automobile. The Dream Cruise is packed with special events, live music, children’s activities and an amazing array of classics, hot rods and custom cars. The 12th Annual event will take place on August 19, 2006. Visit the official website at www.woodwarddreamcruise.com for more information.

African World Festival is Detroit’s largest ethnic festival, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.  The festival is held on Detroit’s Riverfront at the beautiful Philip Hart Plaza.

Attractions include the Taste of Africa Pavilion, international acclaimed entertainment lineup, strolling plaza performances, African Family Village and the Diaspora Marketplace.

Festivals have been an integral part of global communities since antiquity. According to Compton’s Encyclopedia, in the beginning, festivals involved offerings to the ancestors.  Later, people began to commemorate social, cultural, historical and religious occasions with food, drink and entertainment.  Usually devoted to merrymaking, festivals also serve as educational vehicles. 

Philip Hart Plaza (Hart Plaza), a multi-use civic facility located on the riverfront in Downtown Detroit, is the gathering place for many Detroit festivals.  As such, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be presenting its 24th Annual African World Festival (AWF) at Hart Plaza beginning Friday, August 18th through Sunday, August 20th 2006.  This weekend event will celebrate the cultural contributions of the global Black community through educational programs, music, art and cuisine.  Furthermore, AWF is the museum’s most comprehensive cultural and educational community outreach event (attendance usually exceeds over one million visitor.)

Festival Highlights will include: Family Village (interactive programming for children), Cafe Diaspora (classroom and theater-style programming for adults; a “Step Show” by local African American fraternities & sororities, and live entertainment by some of today’s hottest groups, locally and internationally.

Click Here for Website