14th Annual Promo Tour
June 7th - 12th, 2024
Back Roads Promo Tour
The 14th Annual Back Roads Promo Tour occurred June 7-12, 2024. We were excited to have over 230 registered participants this year! On June 7th, the Promo Tour traveled from Davison to Jackson for the first car show of the tour. Then the tour was off for a two-night stay in Cadillac, with an afternoon car show on Sunday. Monday’s destination was Clare, where we participated in another car show. Then it was on to Port Huron to wrap things up with one final night of FUN. From year to year, Back to the Bricks ® continues to see a healthy increase of first-timers signing up for the Tour and this year was no exception, with 42 new participants.
Tour Details:
Friday, June 7th: JACKSON
Early Friday morning, June 7th, the Back Roads Promo Tour Participants gathered at the HUB in Davison for a sit down breakfast and program. They enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Creative Catering, and sponsored by McDonald’s of Michigan. Around 9am, the participants jumped in their vehicles and were off to their first pit stop, a car show in Owosso, held during the Curwood Festival. Around lunchtime, they were off again for an optional stop in Hell, Michigan, and finally a stop at Ye Old Carriage Shop in Jackson, before taking part in another car show later that evening. The streets were full of classic cars and trucks, music, food trucks, and shopping downtown for all.
Saturday, June 8th: CADILLAC
Day two was a slow start, as the second day was sort of a free day on our own. Many of the participants planned ahead with their friends for this day of fun, making pit stops along the way to Cadillac. Optional activities included dining in downtown Cadillac or at the Casino, and the Bump ‘n Run that took place at the fairgrounds. These were just a few of the many options the participants took advantage of.
Sunday, June 9th: Downtown Cadillac
Day three offered an early morning non-denominational Church Service held specially for the Tour. Coffee and snacks were provided. A Car Show took place in the heart of the city from 2 pm – 6 pm, offering the participants options for a late lunch and shopping. The City of Cadillac opened up their streets, their businesses, and brought tons of spectators and local cars to join in on the fun!
Monday, June 10th: Clare
On Monday, June 10th, the tour took off on the shortest route to Clare. Pit Stops occurred in Lake City, Falmouth, Harrison, at Amish Hardware, Jay’s Sporting Goods, and General Jim’s Supplies. A Wild Game Museum opened for the FIRST TIME EVER! The Grand Opening occurred while the Promo Tour Participants were there. What a sight! Then a police escort took us downtown to the Car Show from 4 pm – 8 pm. There was LIVE entertainment from Nightshade and parking on the street overnight was a real treat!
Tuesday, June 11th: Port Huron
Day five, Tuesday, June 11th was the longest leg of the tour, with several stops planned along the way to make it more tolerable. The participants took off early and made their first stop at American Gasser in Saginaw for coffee and donuts. Then back on the road, twisting and turning through several mid Michigan cities, including Birch Run and Frankenmuth. A catered lunch stop was provided and hosted by Cook Chevrolet in Vassar. What a treat! Drivers kept on trucking to Port Huron, where there was a special photo op under the Blue Water Bridge. The Tour participants then made their way to Downtown Port Huron for a Car Show from 4pm-8pm. What FUN and a great way to end the tour with the car shows… but it wasn’t over just yet!
Wednesday, June 12th: Long Haulers Lunch and stops at 2 Museums!
Day six, June 12th, was the day to head home. But first the group had the option to visit the amazing Stahls Auto Museum. Stahls is located in New Baltimore, Michigan. Then it was off to the final stop, and the Long Haulers catered lunch at the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Twp. Participants enjoyed the lunch, and it was here that they could get the final punch on their Promo Tour card. Each driver is given a punch card at the beginning of the Tour and they get a punch at each stop along the way. Only drives that complete the Tour receive a Long Haulers Award, which is a special commemorative metal plaque. Everyone had the opportunity to tour the Packard Proving Grounds before getting in their vehicles and making their way back home.
Recap and Save the Date!
This year’s Promo Tour offered more FREE Meals than any previous Tour. Before leaving on the Tour, each driver was given a $10 Arch Card by representatives from McDonald’s restaurants. This Arch Card could be used at any McDonald’s along the way. Special thank you to our Mechanic Sponsor, Sharp Funeral Home, for always making sure we have Mike and Bryan Reif, our mechanics on the Tour! We did have a few cars that needed extra care, but all in all, it was a great trip with lots of wonderful memories.
SAVE THE DATE: The 15th Annual Promo Tour is tentatively scheduled to take place June 6th – 11th 2025
2024 PROMO TOUR TEAM
Al & Deb Jones
Amber & Peyton Taylor
Bob & Jill Ayre
Bob & Linda Moore
Bobby Jones
Cliff & June Olson
Dave & Pam Stilber
Dominic Ronzello
Jim McKeny
John & Terry Brancheau
Josephine Ronzello
Kevin & Annette Murphy
Larry Konya
Mike Reif
Neal & Claudia Roche
Pete Cimbala
Ralph Messer
Stan Cohoon
Theresa Brown
