Engines rumble, old-time horns squeak in warning. The smell of oil and the sounds of humming machinery fill the air. Sounds like a typical afternoon on Greenfield Village's Model T-traveled roads. But this weekend, automobiles take center stage at the 62nd annual Old Car Festival Sept. 8-9, 2012.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. both days, over 700 vehicles will fill The Henry Ford's outdoor village, located in Dearborn. The grounds stay open late until 9 p.m. on Saturday – and until the usual closing time of 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Bicycle games, car games and Junior Driver's Ed pedal cars will be on hand for kids, while plenty of demonstrations and exhibits are sure to delight guests of all ages.
All special presentations are included in village admission, which, while free for members and kids 4 and under, runs $24 for adults and $17.50 for kids age 5-12 if you're non-members. Parking is available on site for $5.
A variety of themed musical performances, such as Model Three Trio, Model T Medley and 1929 Medley will play both days. On Saturday night, authentic vehicles turn on their early electric, gas or kerosene lamps for a Gaslight Parade of Cars concluding with fireworks. Nineteen-twenties dance tunes fill the air for observers and dancers alike.
Other activities include perusing a pre-1924 commercial vehicle display or viewing an automobile demonstration by historian Wade Leonard. At 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., see a presentation on 1920s auto touring – and at 10:30 a.m., hop inside a Model T to learn about its social significance and how it operates.
For more information on the Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, check out the Metro Parent listing.
