  Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1856 Registered: 10-2003 |
2007 marks the 200th Birthday of Woodward Avenue. The Woodward Avenue Action Association is planning a celebration that includes a Traveling Woodward “Birthday Party” and Blessing of the ‘Byway’ and Hands Along Woodward events on Sept. 2, 2007. For more info and updates: http://www.woodwardavenue.org/ home/ Detroit Free Press Editorial 1/8/07: "Woodward Avenue has for too long been seen as one of metro Detroit's major dividing lines. This summer, it will be a place where people can come together for a variety of events to mark the bicentennial of the region's "main drag," named for the territorial judge who laid out a new wheel-and-spokes design for Detroit after the fire that destroyed the city in 1805. Woodward, or M1, has been designated one of "America's Byways" by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its historic significance. Plans include a "blessing of the byway" by the leaders of the many faith-based institutions along or near Woodward, followed by a 27-mile human chain stretching from downtown Detroit to Pontiac. That's supposed to happen on the first Sunday in September, and planners say it could be a Guinness Book event. It won't work unless thousands of people from across the region are willing to join hands. Could be cool. The theme for the yearlong celebration is "Highlighting history, promoting pride and rallying the region." All are important. Find out more at 866-M1BYWAY (866-612-9929) or www.woodwardavenue.org." http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20070108/OPI NION01/701080309/1069 | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 208 Registered: 10-2006 |
First Sunday in Sept.? I gotta try to get out there for that... | ||
Emu_steve Member Username: Emu_steve Post Number: 73 Registered: 11-2006 |
how about a run or walk along Woodward? I remember in the mid 70s there was a 8.2 mile run from 8 mile to downtown. Gee, after 30 years I still haven't forgotten it. I don't know how they managed to make the logistics work - doesn't sound easy. | ||
Lawnmowerman Member Username: Lawnmowerman Post Number: 15 Registered: 02-2006 |
It will be a fun weekend with plenty of people around.Same weekend as the Jazz Festival and the IRL race on Belle Isle...I can't wait. http://www.indycar.com/schedul e/?event_id=66 http://www.detroitjazzfest.com / Kathleen and Vic,,it was a pleasure to meet you at the DHM last Sunday | ||
Yaktown Member Username: Yaktown Post Number: 86 Registered: 02-2006 |
Thanks for the heads-up Kathleen! I work in Pontiac on Woodward so I'll bring this up to the boss, although I'm sure he's already heard of it. Would be nice to get the employees out to do this. That's also the weekend of the Arts, Beats & Eats fest in Pontiac. I wonder if we could all hold hands around the Woodward Loop? In other news, the potholes on Woodward are 199 years old. | ||
Jeduncan Member Username: Jeduncan Post Number: 27 Registered: 11-2006 |
lol, "Hands Across Southeast Michigan?" | ||
Beavis1981 Member Username: Beavis1981 Post Number: 26 Registered: 08-2006 |
this makes more sense than anything I have heard in a while! I'm car guy and I absolutely despise the dream cruise Its everything wrong with our region wrapped up in one happy little package | ||
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000 Post Number: 161 Registered: 06-2005 |
Wow! I hadn't heard about that. Did you run it? If so, I'm envious. I hope this Woodward celebration doesn't overlook the fact that this route existed as an Indian trail much longer than 200 years ago. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3419 Registered: 08-2004 |
I remember reading somewhere Judge Woodward's reasoning for naming it "Woodward"... not because that was his name... but because it was heading towards the woods... LOL  | ||
Emu_steve Member Username: Emu_steve Post Number: 74 Registered: 11-2006 |
Indeed, I did. It was one of the races which 'addict' a runner to 'racing'. I believe it was part of the bicentential (1976) celebration and maybe (?) the Motor City Striders might have put it on. My next 'addictive' race the '77 NYC marathon and (the 2nd year it ran through the boroughs) and when we came off the bridge into Manhatten the crowds were crushing near us on the 'ramp' and the crowd noise was deafening - kind of like a 'sound tunnel'. I haven't forgotten that NYC minute in 30 years. Probably never will. I REALLY HOPE that the running community does a nice race that weekend on Woodward. They have a chance to do something really nice - 10K or even that great 8.2 race from 8 mile to the river. Something which really brings the crowds into it. I'd come back to Detroit to run it. (Message edited by emu_steve on January 10, 2007) (Message edited by emu_steve on January 10, 2007) | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1877 Registered: 10-2003 |
Keep up with the news and activities surrounding the Woodward Avenue 200th Birthday Celebration this year: http://www.woodwardavenue.org/ home/ The WoodWORD Newsletter: http://www.woodwardavenue.org/ press/newsletter/ Woodward Avenue Store: http://www.woodwardstore.org/ |
