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Stars and Strips Festival Mt. Clemens, MI
Prior to the mall visit, we made a stop in Mt. Clemens, MI, at the Three day Stars and Strips Festival. Unknown to us, no pets were allowed inside
the festival perimeter, so we made the best of it. We ventured around the
complete festival perimeter, which must have been at least a mile or more.
I need to get
an odometer for Peanut's car!
Along our way, we were stopped for pictures of Peanut with the kids, who also gave Peanut a treat.
There were those
that pulled over to the curb and jumped out to get that picture. There were, also those that drove along with us just so they could watch or just had to tell
us "How funny!", "What a cleaver idea!" and "Great job!" (Thank-you so much).
As Peanut cruised by each of the festival's four entrances on our perimeter walk, we received the
same exciting attention, with comments and
jaw dropping expressions, just like all the other times.
It's always a blast for Peanut and me, to be able to provide something different and so enjoyable to so many others.
Telegraph Cruise Back to the top
We will title this review the West Side Story (yes, we're from the Eastside!).
I had planned to start in the city of Taylor and work our way North to Redford throughout the day. We left our "Crib" around Elevenish and the navigator was given charge of getting us there. She was not compliant with this task. Wow! Somewhere in all the detours (typical Michigan highway repairs, which is a good thing) we ended up 180 degrees off. Oh well, at least we ended up in Redford, MI and not
Ohio. With my expert driving skills and her navigation, we were both somewhat surprised we made it at all!
There were only a few classic cars at this point, now 12:30, as onlookers were setting up there canopies, grills, campers, tables, refrigerators and kitchen sinks (Huh?), along this 6 lane highway.
I expected to see more people, along with classic, vintage and unique vehicles. As the day went on, it became apparent that the activities didn't really get underway until mid-day.
I guess it all depends on where you decide to park since there are several miles between the two cities, with pockets of activity along the way.
The majority of our time was spent in Taylor since there were more places to congregate and sidewalks for the "P-Mobile". I was surprised when a past work associated called me and met up with us to see first hand, the claimed excitement he heard so much about. Yes, Mike is the man / my source behind this web site and many other fantastic media type talents www.com-four.com
We were spotted before I even had all our gear together and the hat and glasses on the "P" knuckle. No, I don't have experience in dressing animals or other stuff, just myself, so don't even go there!
www.WOMC 104.3.com was there and, of course, I had to stop by, thus the photo on the home page of their web site. One of the staff (Cathy Roman) quickly identified this perfect opportunity to place a WOMC sticker on the "P-Mobile" windshield. I'll provide a beverage the next time we see ya Cathy.
We moved on, with bubbles coming out the back of the dog house trailer, stopping for photos and videos along the way. Another thing that I like to do is circle around at a side street intersection, a more open area for the passing cruiser's and spectators to see. Our adventures were halted for approximately 15 minutes as an unexpected down pour washed us all down. Why is it animals end up with this unappealing odor when they get wet? Luckily, we were only a few hundred feet from our full size car for shelter. This gave us a break to have Coney's across from Home Depot and an opportunity to dry out.
Well, we cruised for a bit more, said so long to my friend, the webmaster, as we continued north. We stopped at the www.WCSX.com booth in Redford. We met radio personality Dave Doran and a few of the staff. Dave also has a dog named Peanut but it’s a bit to large to fit into the "P-Mobile".
After a nice 30 minute stay and, of course, the purchase of tickets in hopes to win that Stone Soup Camero, we headed back to the Eastside. Stone Soup projects, great cause and boy, what a lot of hard work by all involved to pull this together. Thanks to all.
Hey, this has me thinking (what, again?), maybe we could take up donations to support, The Local Michigan Human Society, Leader Dogs, etc.
If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, please help us with this by sending an e-mail to Peanut.
Gratiot Cruise Clinton Township, MI Back to the top
It was a great day to be out, enjoying perfect weather, people and all sorts of vehicles. From the classic to modified rides, the 4 mile circuit just overflowed with many styles. Several local radio stations were there, WCSX, WOMC, WNIC, as well as The Macomb Daily, and maybe reporters from other media that I didn't spot. The Detroit Free Press short video www.FREEP.comIt seemed that the majority of businesses and various parking lots all had something going on for all ages and was nicely organized. Nice flat, smooth sidewalks were a plus for Peanut and her
"P-Mobile”, something I tend to identify right away.
We were recognized by several folks from previous events we had been to with and without Peanut and her custom ride. A lot of people spotted us, normally seen at other types of events, since we have been wearing shirts with the "P-Mobile" advertising logo and yellow ball caps with “Peanut the Dog” embroidered on the front. Our logo is shown at the bottom of this and other pages.
We are now being asked if shirts and hats are available for purchase. Well, they can be but in order to offer a fair and reasonable price, we would need to receive more interest / inquires. Please send an email to Peanut if you would like to purchase either of these items.
My friend, Mike, who’s assisting me with this website and other media, owner of www.com-four.comarrived with his video and digital camera in hand ready to roll. We covered almost the complete cruise circuit. We stopped for the many requests for pictures, videos and opportunities for those to interact with Peanut and give her a treat. A few people even wanted to purchase the vehicle, Peanut or both!
I noticed one band stumble a second in there playing of a song as we cruised by. Oops!
Sorry guys, or was it from the bikini gals playing in the pool?
WOMC Oldies 104.3 www.WOMC.com radio personality Ted "The Bear" Richards took time away from the microphone for a picture with Peanut. His wife even took time to chat with us. I forgot to ask how Ted's nick name "Bear" came about. Is he that difficult? A few photos and a movie can be seen at this person’s location on www.Flickr.com
Just down the way from WOMC we were spotted by Mitch Hotts (a Macomb Daily reporter), another highlight. It’s always nice to be stopped by the media.
Well, it's like this, I can't afford a real classic at this time, but I did have several in the past. Peanut really enjoys going places; it doesn't matter as long as she can be with me. This is something different for all ages and getting a few laughs makes it all worth while. The real goal was to have a unique item that would be entertaining for children at parades and events, far beyond the police and fire vehicles and the elected officials’ cars. This idea easily flows into our new form of mobile advertising. Lastly, we would also like to visit hospitals or care centers for children. Maybe we can perk up their day, even if it's just for a minute or two, something we can all use from time to time.
Back to the cruise, very simply, another great day with new acquaintances, great assortment of vehicles and the smell of high performance fuel. Hey, a new cologne for men (and some women) "fragrance of fuel".
There was one vehicle that would shoot out flames from the tail pipes. This was a perfect set up for a comment from the crowd, "Don't get Peanut to close to those flames or she'll become a HOT DOG"! Ok, funny.
Now, my turn, so I shouted out "or she could become a Hot Roasted Peanut"!
Maybe we should have a pun contest with the name Peanut and who ever gets the most votes could win a shirt, hat, poster, or something along those lines. Sorry, no trips to Hawaii, at least not now.
Nice time. Nice day. Well done. We’re looking forward to next year, now to come up with something different. Hummm, does anyone have any ideas?
Bark in the Park at Stoney Creek Shelby Township, MI Back to the top
About an hour or so north of Detroit is a huge park just under 4,500 acres, with many separate coves for gatherings, hiking, biking, trails, beaches and wild life, and smaller inland lakes for fishing and boating. This event was located at one of the two beach areas. We just had to follow the event and radio station signs about half way around the park. A few large white tents (the circus style) identified the location of dogs, dogs and more dogs. At various times, there were events that you could register for like; how far can your pooch jump; standing on a platform and jumping into a huge pool to fetch the toy. Another was agility. The up, over, under, through, and my favorite "the weave". Also, there was the chasing of the white rag inside a fenced in path, which was pulled around by a rope with a high speed motor, kind of like the dog races, which was also neat to watch.
They had about twelve or so vendors, a cooling tent which was really great. I needed it. Oh sorry, it was for the dogs, humans just tagging along. There were a dozen or so pups for sale and a multi-tiered cake for the dogs that must have been 5 feet tall and 3 foot in diameter at the bottom. Peanut was treated to a small piece but chose not to eat it, not enough "Peanut" butter I guess (you knew that was coming).
We didn't take the rig out as it was too bumpy and hilly in the event area, so I walked around with Peanut under arm and found her a new hat. She didn't seem to be interested in all the hoopla, so after an hour or so, we headed back to the car to get the “P-Mobile” car out. Peanut cruised the sidewalks and concession area over by the beach, lot's of open space to drive around, which of course attracted the attention of those all the way down at the beach and those at the doggy event.
This is where we first met Misty and her family who had the 1960's carriage full of cute Yorkies www.yorkies unlimited.net. She noticed the attention we were getting and our mobile advertising method as a perfect fit. We spoke for a bit and then told “You’re hired”, come on out to Plymouth the following weekend. Misty had already seen the article in the paper about us and later mentioned, "You are going to be a Rock Star"!
We stuck around for another hour or so, having lunch and enjoying a pleasant time with others. I noticed dark clouds moving in quite fast. Well they moved off to the Northwest, but the second group, about 30 minutes later, was headed dead on towards our area. As Peanut's rig is not for speed, I figured we had better start heading towards the car which was about 5 minutes away. We made it to the car just in time, with only a few sprinkles finding us. Then, in a split second, it really came down, a real down pour.
Finishing lunch in the car, we watched all those running for cover with their dogs and noticed a few people caught out in the lake in their canoes paddling like mad. I held off leaving right away to let the crowd leave, and then headed out. It was another nice time.
We had fun meeting and spending time with others. I should have entered us in the costume display but we learned of this too late.
There are a few photos in the Peanut (photo) Gallery when we stopped by WJR and Doug FM radio station vehicles, but nobody was home. They must have gone out for a dog.... a hot dog that is.
Music in the Air Plymouth , MI Back to the top
Let's set the stage of our evening at Kellogg Park, located in the center of town. The city and residents should be very proud of what they have here. The park is a terrific gathering place for events, music, art shows and much more. A quarter block area with mature trees, brick paver sidewalks arranged in a spoke pattern, with calming effects from a fountain, at least 30 inches in diameter, right in the middle of the park. Antique style lamps lit the way around the park and through the main street areas. Very nice locations to just sit back, relax, watch, listen and enjoy the surroundings and the company of others. All the people here were very polite and friendly. It surely seems like a swell place to raise a family and enjoy life.
We arrived at 6:30, a bit behind schedule. We wanted to have time to look over the town before the music event started. Looks like we will have to go back for another visit and spend time looking around and checking out the various shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafe's.
Our purpose for attending was to cruise around with Yorkies Unlimited owner with her cute bunch of 5 Yorkies in an old style baby carriage. We did our "P-Mobile" Advertising gig displaying signs on the Peanut's dog house for Yorkies Unlimited services as an exclusive Yorkie breeder, groomer and day care/sitter. www.yorkies unlimited.net
Rain clouds moved in but it only sprinkled for a bit and they moved on. Peanut and I took shelter going from one store front canopy to the next and shook it off just like everyone else.
The band for the evening was www.Fifty Amp Fuse.com they were fantastic, songs from the past and very well done. This is a group that will make your event just come alive; they really put everything they have into their show and music. Well done fellas, well done!!
A good friend and owner of www.com-four.com surprised us once again, this time with a friend from out of town. Remember, if you need professional media such as custom posters, video, photography, web site work, give Mike an opportunity to work with you and tell him "Peanut the Dog” sent you.
North Gratiot Cruise Chesterfield Twp, MI Back to the top
It was a balmy, humid day but... one with a nice breeze at this North Gratiot Cruise event. You could, of course, tell that something special was going on in the area. We pulled up to Gratiot and Hall Rd (20 Mile Rd) and then headed north. Immediately you noticed the classic cars and the folks on the sidelines with those nice canopies, lounge chairs, feet up on the coolers or the gals in swim wear taking in the rays. Was that helping the sales of cotton candy or what?
Classics, as well as the standard factory vehicles, filled both lanes heading north, as we inched towards to our destination near the 22 Mile Road area. I had heard that between 22 and 23 Mile Roads would be best area for the "P-Mobile” and a few more kick’in activities. It was, and for a number of reasons: sidewalks were 98% on both sides of Gratiot; nice areas for the masses of people and cars; and just a more developed area than further south.
Thanks Ken for the follow up call on Monday following the cruise, something that is just typically not done, nice touch and appreciated.
Our arrival was 2:00p.m. We located a shade tree and off loaded our gear somewhere just north and east of 22 Mile, and then off we went. On our way south I spotted WCSX, fire trucks, one with its ladder reaching towards the sky with our country's honorable flag, waving in the breeze at the very top. I get chicken bumps when I see the US of A flag, my country, my home…My gosh, I'm glad I'm here!!!
At the FILLIN STATION BAR, which was today's HQ landing spot for Motor City Street Rodders Club, there was a nice size gathering of folks. We started on our mission of collecting donations for the local Police K-9's, which was the main purpose for us being there. Well ok, so we like to show others what we have too, and hunger to hear the fun things like laughs, screams, and see smiles as we pull into the crowds. Now, even though this was the HQ point for the club, many folks still came over to see Peanut and drop a nice donation into the collection box located on her Dog House Trailer. If you could hear above the engine rumbles, a recorded message played, "Thank-you for your donation" anytime the lid was opened.
Mr. Ken Novik, VP of this charity car club and Market Tech at Century 21 Gratiot, Chesterfield, novken@comcast.net, spotted either Peanut or me. I'm 6'-4" and had on my yellow Peanut the Dog ball cap, but I'm sure it was Peanut 20" above the pavement who was noticed though. We met up and did our introductions. We had only spoken on the phone or via e-mail a few times. Ken, you are an alright person, but next time, Peanut and I want a picture of you feeding her a treat and placing a donation in OUR box. Thanks Ken for the follow up call on Monday following the cruise, something that is just typically not done, nice touch and appreciated.
Thank you, very much, to all those involved and dealing with today's event. Taking time out from your lives helping out, to better the lives and safety for all of us! We, also, applaud the sponsors, car clubs, public services from the Police and Fire Departments, the attendees, and of course, those folks with those truly special classic vehicles.
It's now 10:30p.m. I can still hear the loping and rumble from those engines, feeling the power, and hearing the whine from a super charger/blower and let's not forget, the fragrance of that high performance fuel, just makes ya tear up (the vehicles or is it the fuel exhaust?)
In closing, another nice day, to all those that came over to the "P-Mobile", parted with their hard earned money by dropping in a donation for MCSRC charity event or even just to visit with Peanut the Dog and me, Thank You Very Much.
PS. Peanut is sitting right here next to me (on the desk or sitting between me and the monitor, "No Peanut, stay off the keyboard") as I type this review. Hum, wonder if I should let her try her paw at typing? What's next! I can't even use the restroom without her pawing at the door.
Romeo Peach Festival Romeo, MI Back to the top
It's been many years since Laurie and I have been to the Village of Romeo, spending the day, taking pictures of the Victorian homes with the gingerbread and unique design of that era. We were looking for ideas for use on our home remodeling some 18 years ago.
Labor Day 2008 became the date of our return visit as we were selected to be a part of the morning parade. I call the first parade morning as there are two parades, morning and afternoon, each with different groups, floats, bands, etc. The parade titles just do not match or represent a theme of Children's and Floral as they are called.
Now, both parades have children and floral, however you had to look very hard to find floral items on a parade entry. The morning (Children's) parade was a mix of all sorts of groups and ages from the very young to adult, floats, bands and yes children, just as the afternoon parade which has far more entries. We felt very odd to be placed in the Children's category, but hey, at least we had an opportunity to become part of Romeo event officially and our goal was funny stuff for the kids.
We arrived well in advance of the 9:15am check-in (I think it was 8:30) and easily located a central parking spot to the parade route and the "Four Corners" of down town. This extra time gave us an opportunity to, once again, explore the tree lined side streets, drive by the ice cream shop our parents and grandparents would take us to, take a closer look at the all girls school of many years ago now converted to a suite of offices. As a child, I had always thought the place was an asylum, haunted and it did look quite spooky. We scoped out the parade route and headed back to the still empty parking area about 4 blocks south of our assigned staging area. Of course, we took the back streets, yet another opportunity to see the older style homes and still keep somewhat hidden from others until parade time.
The parade started off at 10:00, with the parade organizers directing the order and spacing from groups located on either side of the main street parade route. "Ok Peanut, your up. Have fun," said Pam Mann with a smile, one of the Children's (morning) parade organizers. Interesting, before we hit the "stage", Peanut would look at me as if to say, “Let's get going, what are we waiting for?” and the minute we did hit the stage on Main Street, she went into a "Here I am, take pictures and give me treats stature". Now if you ask me who was before or after us like my sister did, I can only respond, "I don't recall". I just know, there we no horse before us but, we were ready and could have crossed over those "piles" with Peanut's monster style, off road vehicle.
We did our best to keep the requested distance of 30 feet between each group, but we quickly fell behind in the first 100' either from the other groups walking faster in front of us or, possibly, from many spectators wanting pictures, or to interact with Peanut.
Now this next item I really thought was funny. A young man with the parade staff came over to me and nicely said "You need to get control of your animal". Huh? I didn't realize there was a problem of my animal getting out of control, remember she's inside of an RC car with a safety leash on and I'm the one driving it. I must have misunderstood his meaning/expression or he really felt Peanut was out of control and really driving, just then I looked up and noticed she was hitting the curb. This all took place in just a few seconds so I need to stop talking to the crowd and watch the driving. If I hadn't been talking on my mobile phone this would have never happened!
A wheeled backpack with all sorts of backup items is pulled along, a must when you’re out on the road. Think about it, what would we do if a break down were to occur, call AAA? (This would be too funny I should call them one time) "Wait, stop the parade, I need to change batteries" or "You guys go ahead, I'll have this flat fixed in a jiffy"? So far, we haven’t had any break downs and only one case of very, very low battery power and when they go that's it and quick. My towing method is attaching Peanut's leash to the front of the vehicle and away I pull with no steering.
It was a wonderful day for parades, getting out, and meeting, watching and speaking with people who came from all over Michigan even some from our US of A southern states. It sure is a lot hotter walking on the asphalt than concrete, no large shady spots along the parade route for a quick relief from the sun. Soon I will be whining about the cold but like my Dad would tell me, "You can always add more clothing to keep warm, but you can't do the opposite to get cooler and still be proper". Another lesson from dear ole Dad (I'm now thinking of an old cartoon with father & son beagles) come on help me out here!
Our walk down Main Street lasted about 30 minutes, with all of us going by the judge’s stand and the several local TV station cameras, www.WBRW.org as well as the crowd that jam packed each side of the street, standing room only. Oh, the folks here seem to be well prepared as we noticed on our arrival into the village, chairs, boxes, yellow caution tape, canopies or what ever they could get there hands on, were placed along the entire parade route! Wow, these folks must have been up early and went back to bed as there wasn't a soul to be seen.
A few more long blocks and the parade route ended after a big sweeping turn to the left onto a side street. Yes, I just had to follow every inch of the parade route and followed that big sweeping turn right up to the toes of the crowd. Everyone else seems to cut the corner short. There's also no way to get to each side of the street to provide a close up for all so, the best I could do was snaking back and forth which does take longer. Now, Laurie made that perfectly clear to me as we fell behind a bit more with each random turn. I just wanted to give as many on lookers an opportunity to have a close up view vs. going down the center of the street with all only a view from a great distance. The street at the four corners is extremely wide, approximately 7- 8 lanes to allow parking and vehicle lanes so thus my reasoning.
We followed the other parade groups down the side street, but then we turned off taking another street back towards the four corners, not knowing that we should have gone back directly to the judging area where they announced the parade awards. Now it was never our intent to receive an award, it was just to have fun. Folks were coming up to us as we took a break for a tasty pulled pork sandwich, "You won 1st place"! Huh? The comments were the same as other stopped to say hello and congratulate us and Peanut. Well there ya go Peanut, your first trophy and first place to boot. We finished lunch and had a nice time in the company of others and headed back up town. I should apologize to everyone for the gatherings that take place on the sidewalks and crosswalks anytime we had to stop. We try to be respectful, pulling off to the side, but most of the time, it just doesn't work out. Many want a picture or just to see if Peanut is actually real, sorry
Now were back to the four corners, center of town, all charged up to cruise the main drag further and have more fun. If the parade was over, why then are people once again starting to line the street even further north and south? You guessed it, the Floral (afternoon) parade which I'm sure I was told about but, just passed it off as Floral, you know flowers and such. Not the case at all. I later found out we could have been in this parade since we won 1st place in the earlier (morning) parade. Oh well, there would be a blank spot in this parade which did seem to be true as we later watched, from a shady spot by the old red brick State Police building. It's now used by the historic group, but I forget what for.
Well, I could go on and on but what I intended was for a short review from each event. I'm a talker and this is fun stuff. Next year, you folks get out to Romeo and experience their festival first hand.
Nice village, nice people, nice time.
Thanks to all, for a fun day and all the best to you and your families, enjoy.
I don't know if anyone is reading this stuff but it's kind of fun to write.
Until next time.
To all those people (now considered our fans), thank-you, so very much, for all the great comments, laughs, smiles, giggles. This makes it all worth while, what fun.
Please send us your photos & videos for posting on the site.
It's impossible for me to capture the activities on film and be able to share with others, I need your help. Remember don't film and drive!
Sincerely,
Peanut the Dog
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