What looked like an all-day rain early on the day of 12th annual cruise Aug. 19 lifted around noon and failed to put a damper on the festivities.

The Woodward Dream Cruise once again burst through the gloom to reveal the biggest free car show in the world, courtesy of the participants, who came from near and far to show their cars and look at others.

There was a tinge of commercialism around the edges of the cruise, but it was still largely an act of sheer joy and love for the automobile that drives this remarkable event.

For just about everyone, the annual Woodward Dream Cruise is just plain fun.

Some spend hours preparing their favorite wheels for a slow cruise on historic Woodward Avenue (M-10). Others pack their folding chairs and snacks for hours of watching the unmatched parade of special cars and trucks.

Some were working one of hundreds of commercial booths of interest to cruise fans. Others were organizing elaborate parties for members of car clubs or for family and neighbors.

Detroiter Ed Hale only recently decided to have his black PT Cruiser detailed so he could drive in, not simply observe, the 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise.

“Sometimes I think it’s more fun to sit at the side and just watch the cruise,” said Hale, 56, who bought his 2001 PT Cruiser new five years ago.

“It only has 24,646 miles on it because I just drive it in good weather,” said the retiree. “If it’s raining, forget it.”

Hale’s sedan has the special Carsen Cruiser faux-convertible top with opera lights, chrome factory wheels, a total entertainment system including TV and VCR player, a special armrest/center console and a warning on one window: “finger prints piss me off.”

Hale generally takes his black 1990 Buick LeSabre on errands. His wife Jewel drives a 2002 Lexus ES 300. She and a friend cruised Woodward with him August 19. 

Though the PT Cruiser looks perfect, Hale took it to a detail shop for a professional buffing. It brings out the deep color, he said, and he is not interested in trying to wax and buff it himself.

Royal Oak resident Jack Day said he and fellow car club members found a way to have their cake and eat it, too. With help from the clubs, Day hosted a traditional picnic in his yard, complete with performances by barbershop quartets and appearances by members’ special vehicles.

Day, who said the news services helicopters are the most irritating part of a fun-but-hectic day, has created a place where friends can eat and relax, then hop a rented golf cart for the 400-foot drive to Woodward to view what he calls the “circus.”

“I have friends in Berkley who do pretty much the same thing,” he said. “If they live close to Woodward, they have a party and people can walk up to take a look at the cruise.”

Ed Syrocki, owner of EMS Classic Car Care Inc. in Warren and a 1922 Buick, was looking forward to Day’s gathering.

“This is my concept of what the Woodward Dream Cruise is all about -- great cars, food and good friends,” he said.

Ford Total Performance founder John Vermeersch planned have 60-70 special vehicles at his Woodward Dream Cruise party site at Webster and Woodward in Royal Oak.

“I’ll have a couple of antique travel trailers there plus several ‘50s and ‘60s cars that I own,” said the antique and restoration parts specialist.

Vermeersch thought friends might come in from South Dakota and his sister is flying up from Florida. He’ll have cars for them to drive.

Vermeersch’s spot is the body shop of Royal Oak Ford.