News Hospitality Muskegon revs up in anticipation of hot rod cruise
Muskegon revs up in anticipation of hot rod cruise
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When the Hot Rod Power Tour hits Muskegon on June 9, spectators can expect myriad custom cars and classic rides, like the ones shown at left from a previous tour’s stop at Cocoa Beach, Fla. PHOTO: HOT ROD MAGAZINE |
By Chad D. Lerch | M&C
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MUSKEGON — Gearheads, rejoice.
For one glorious early summer night, Muskegon will become a hot rod heaven.
The 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour, billed by organizer Hot Rod Magazine as “the finest high-end automotive tour in the world,” will draw thousands of spectators to the sandy shores of Muskegon County.
But hot rods, long-haulers, short-haulers and other precision equipment won’t be the only thing on display on June 9 in downtown Muskegon – Muskegon County will be in the spotlight as well.
Tourism officials say the community is soaking up the national media exposure. Several tourist attractions, like local beaches, restaurants, museums and businesses already are being promoted in the magazine’s promotional efforts.
“This event has given us the opportunity for our brand to be on display on a national level,” said Jill Emery, tourism manager for Muskegon County. “And once our guests arrive, they won’t be disappointed.”
Hot Rod Magazine chose Muskegon to be included on its tour June 4-11 partly because of its reputation for warmly embracing the Muskegon Bike Time event. Family Events, which promotes Bike Time, lobbied for Muskegon to become a stop on the hot rod tour.
“They mentioned it to Hot Rod Magazine and made it happen,” Emery said.
The hot rod tour starts in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on June 4; other stops include Valdosta, Ga., Montgomery, Ala., Nashville, Indianapolis and Detroit.
The overnight stop in Muskegon will be an early boost to the summer tourism season. By mid-May, most hotels and hospitality businesses in Muskegon County were already at or near capacity for June 9.
Emery estimates the event will pump $700,000 to $1 million into the local economy, with the largest benefactors being hotels, restaurants and gas stations. Tourism officials are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The Muskegon County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is promoting the event on its homepage with descriptions of other activities people can do while in town. The CVB has included a story on the hot rod tour in its visitors guide as well.
Other promotion efforts include specials on social media like Facebook and Twitter.
An estimated 4,000 vehicles, including tricked-out muscle cars, classic Ford Model Ts, and brand new production models, will arrive in Muskegon around noon on June 9, and will be on display at the Morris Avenue parking lot, next to the Hume Building, until about 8 p.m.
John VanWyck, chairman of “Cruising the Lakeshore – Muskegon,” the name of the Muskegon leg of the tour, said the event ends early enough for participants and spectators to grab meals and explore other attractions.
“I know places like the Lakeside Business District will benefit because a lot of folks will drive by there to get to the beach,” VanWyck told M&C.
VanWyck expects the event will be a big draw, despite being on a Thursday.
“Summer vacation starts at noon that Thursday for most area schools,” VanWyck said. “It’s the beginning of summer and people will be looking for something to do over the long weekend.” M&C
