5 Woodward Dream Cruise Characters to Remember

Love it or hate it, the annual Woodward Dream Cruise is a prime people-watching opportunity.

In anticipation of the Aug. 17 classic car parade, here's a look at some of the interesting characters we've met along the route in years past.

1. Collecting Cans: Birmingham resident Michael Mielock scoured the historic avenue for recyclables in hopes of making several hundred dollars. "I met one guy who made $375 last year," he said in 2011.
2. Witnessing for Jesus: John Brooky of Ferndale loves the cars, don't get him wrong. But he also loves Jesus. So he paired his two passions during the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise.
3. Bubble Foggers: Berkley resident Don MacDonnell said in 2011 he detests the classic car event, nonetheless set about helping others enjoy the day by running numerous black-and-orange Bubble Fogger machines in his yard. "Kids love 'em," he said of the smoke-filled bubbles drifting toward Woodward Avenue.
4. 'Spaghetti Man': Brian Alsobrooks of Sterling Heights, aka "The Spaghetti Man," was spotted last year during Berkley CruiseFest. "I'm an infamous street dancer," said Alsobrooks, who is known for his eccentric outfits and dancing antics at events throughout Metro Detroit. Alsobrooks was attacked earlier this year during Detroit River Days and sought the public's help to find his assailants.
5. Snake Salesman: Vince Urban of Cleveland, OH, sold an assortment of life-like wooden snakes to spectators gathered along the historic avenue in 2012. "It's crazy," he said. "I go around, 'Tastes like chicken!' People think you're nuts."