Cruise Along for America’s Birthday

By Nick Lico

This year marks 250 years since the founding of our country. Numerous events are planned across the land to celebrate this special occasion, including in our own county.

“On Saturday, July 25th, we will be holding Macomb’s Patriotic Cruise. It’s a celebration of the values that define our country: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The cruise will kick off at 10:00 a.m. in Eastpointe at 8 Mile Road and Gratiot, rolling north on our county’s main thoroughfare through Roseville, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Chesterfield Township, New Haven and culminating at Beebe Memorial Park in Richmond.

“We will have staging areas along Gratiot to make it easy to join the procession at any point and leave when you please, although you’ll want to stay for the incredible festivities waiting at the end,” Lucido added.

Those festivities include a car show, live music and a patriotic picnic.

“There will be plenty of food, drinks and fun, with Michigan-owned National Coney Island sponsoring the festivities,” Lucido said. “For those who go all-out with their vehicle decorations, there will be prizes for the most patriotic rides, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and all participants will receive a framed certificate of participation. You won’t want to miss out on this ultimate celebration of Americana.”

Asked why he is championing the Patriotic Cruise, Lucido replied, “I just feel a renewed enthusiasm about our nation; it’s the greatest country in the world. It’s also an opportunity to set aside our differences. The cruise is not about red states or blue states. It’s about the red, white and blue that unites us. It’s about coming together, setting aside differences and celebrating being American and our nation’s 250th birthday.”

Additional information, including volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, is available at macomb250.com. The site also provides an opportunity for Macomb communities hosting anniversary events to post their information on a calendar. Lucido expects the website to be updated regularly, making it an ideal source for the latest information.

“Put your colors and your sunscreen on and bring your families along. We would love to see all of the cruising clubs in the area participate. We’re checking to see if this could be considered the longest cruise in the world, making it a historic event,” Lucido concluded.