Back to the Bricks organizers gathered with representatives from this year’s Tune-Up Party cities for a press announcement on April 20. Photo by Ben Gagnon
FLINT — Six mid-Michigan communities have been selected as sites for the annual Back to the Bricks Tune Up Week celebration.
On April 20, Back to the Bricks announced it will visit Davison, Flushing, Linden, Fenton, the Birch Run Speedway and Mt. Morris from Aug. 7-12 one week prior to its Main Event Week activities. Car owners and enthusiasts will have a chance to win one of 250 free Collectors t-shirts, enjoy concessions, eat and shop at local businesses, purchase items from vendors, enjoy live music and win giveaways each evening.
Tune Up Week will kick off in Davison on Aug. 7 at the Hub (formerly the Knights of Columbus Hall) on 8428 Davison Road and continue Aug. 8 at the Flushing A and Riverview Park in Flushing. Other sites will include downtown Linden on Aug. 9, downtown Fenton on Aug. 10, the Birch Run Speedway on Aug. 11 and downtown Mt. Morris on Aug. 12.
Amber Taylor, Executive Director of Back to the Bricks, said Tune Up Parties help to build hype for the organization’s Main Event Week, drawing an influx of classic cars and huge crowds to selected cities across Genesee County and mid-Michigan.
“These cities put on fantastic shows day after day, and it’s truly amazing to see everyone open their arms and have us come in,” she said. “It’s a safe space for cruisers to come together for car camaraderie.”
Scott Melancon, owner of the Flushing A, said Tune Up Week represents a big economic boost for his restaurant and many local businesses.
“When Back to the Bricks comes to town, we get a big line-up at the door,” he said. “This will be our third consecutive year hosting a Tune Up Party. The city works so well with us and lets us use the (Riverview) parking lot and the grassy area so we can get a lot of cars in there.”
Back to the Bricks also announced its new partnership with Huntington Bank, which will be the official sponsor for Tune Up Week and Brick Flicks at the US-23 Drive In Theater.
Greg Viener, president of Huntington Flint, said the bank is thrilled to support an event celebrating Flint’s heritage as the Vehicle City.
“Back to the Bricks is far more than a car cruise,” he said. “It’s really an indication of the grit, the determination and ingenuity that our craftsmen who were here before us helped to build and put the world on wheels. It’s a rolling art exhibit, the stuff that community is built on. We’re excited to be part of it.
“Huntington and Back to the Bricks are aligned in many ways, especially in the areas of supporting education and veterans and promoting economic opportunities,” Viener added. “What Back to the Bricks does for the community, particularly with Tune Up Week, fits our purpose.”
Main Event Week will be held Aug. 14-19, culminating with the event’s signature car show on the bricks of Saginaw Street in downtown Flint. For more information, visit backtothebricks.org.