What a Weekend: A Woodward Dream Cruise Recap

The 17th annual Woodward Dream Cruise rolled through town this weekend when the historic avenue came alive with the rumble of engines from Ferndale to Pontiac, attracting car fans from near and far.

On Friday, Berkley kicked off Woodward Dream Cruise weeked with its own classic car parade and party, as well as a swanky, red carpet benefit for Forgotten Harvest.

, but that didn't stop car buffs from having a blast along the historic corridor throughout the day.

The event was officially canceled just before 6 p.m., but die-hards returned to the historic avenue after the rain passed to keep on cruising.

Patch was on the scene throughout the weekend, checking out the cars and chatting with the people. Here are some of the sights and sounds we covered.

• A classic car procession along 12 Mile Road kicked off the evening, which also included music, food and dancing.
• : The event at raised funds for Forgotten Harvest, and allowed guests to have a prime viewing spot on Woodward as the classics rolled by.
• student – inspired by her grandpa's 1967 Pontiac GTO – wins contest to design event T-shirt, which will be available this week for purchase at .

• : Classic car enthusiasts lined the historic avenue Saturday – until a severe late-afternoon thunderstorm broke up the party early.
• : A Berkley resident who said he detests the classic car event nonetheless sets about helping others enjoy the day.
• : Vinsetta's new owner said he'll keep the Woodward Avenue landmark's historic touches intact as it is transformed from a garage into a restaurant. The eatery is expected to open in the first quarter of 2012.
• : "We do see a lot of spur-of-the-moment tattoos, people who just want to say they did it at the Dream Cruise," said Jennifer Elliott, who owns in Berkley, which offered special deals Saturday.
• : Huntington Woods couple Rick and Margaret Tripp strolled along Woodward Avenue on Saturday ahead of their 46th wedding anniversary this weekend and recall what it was like to be an original cruiser.
• : Birmingham resident scours historic avenue for recyclables in hopes of making several hundred dollars Saturday.
• : Sterling Heights resident Dan Knoblock's vehicle on display Saturday in Berkley is one of less than 2,900 that were made during the 1970s.

Of course, the festivities extended north and south of Berkley and Huntington Woods, from Pontiac to Ferndale, so we provided a live blog throughout the day to help keep readers up to speed. .

Click here for more Woodward Dream Cruise stories and photos on Berkley Patch.