For over two decades, the Back to the Bricks car show has won the hearts of car lovers in Flint, Michigan, and beyond1. This iconic event, now in its 18th year, is a beloved tradition. It brings hundreds of thousands to Flint’s downtown to celebrate the American car’s rich history2.
Flint, known as the “Vehicle City,” is where the Chevrolet Corvette was born. It’s also where many car innovations started1. The Back to the Bricks car show honors this legacy. It shows Flint’s love for cars and its dedication to keeping its car history alive.
Key Takeaways
- Back to the Bricks is an annual classic car show that attracts over 500,000 enthusiasts to Flint, Michigan.
- The event celebrates Flint’s rich automotive history, including the birthplace of the Chevrolet Corvette.
- The festivities include Tune-Up Parties, Promo Tours, and a main event showcasing classic, custom, and collector vehicles.
- The event hosts a National Reunion for Corvette enthusiasts and features music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
- Back to the Bricks helps preserve the automotive heritage of Genesee County and boosts the local economy.
Origins and Inception of Back to the Bricks
The Back to the Bricks car show started in 2004. Car enthusiast Al Hatch and others wanted to create a special event in downtown Flint. They wanted it to be like the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit3.
The Flint Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Small Business Owners of Downtown Flint helped. They convinced city leaders to let them close a part of Saginaw Street. This was for the first Back to the Bricks event in August 2005.
Humble Beginnings in 2004
At first, the group had no budget or big sponsors. But they made promotional materials and got some support. This set the stage for the event’s success3.
The first event was small but grew fast. It brought people from all over to celebrate Flint’s car history and its “red bricks.”
Rallying Community Support
The first event’s success came from local support3. People and businesses in Flint backed it. They saw its potential to show off the city and attract visitors.
This support made Back to the Bricks an annual event. It’s now a big deal for car fans and the community.
The First Back to the Bricks Event in 2005
The 2005 event was a hit, with thousands visiting downtown Flint4. It included a ribbon-cutting at the Durant-Dort Factory. This factory was renovated by General Motors and now hosts car events and research4.
The main day, Saturday, August 19, was filled with classic cars, swap meets, and more. It was a day of fun for everyone.
Now, Back to the Bricks is an annual event. It draws hundreds of thousands to Flint. They celebrate the city’s car history and the famous “red bricks.”
This event keeps Flint’s history alive. It also brings back pride and passion for cars. Cars have been a big part of Flint for over a century.
The History Of Back to the Bricks Car Show In Flint Michigan
The Back to the Bricks car show in Flint, Michigan, has a fascinating history. It began in 2005 with a few hundred cars and spectators. Now, it’s a big event that draws half a million people from all over5.
In 2005, the event started with just three blocks of historic “red bricks” in Flint. It has grown a lot since then. Thanks to sponsors like General Motors and ELGA Credit Union, it’s now a big event5.
In 2012, Back to the Bricks added life-size bronze statues of car pioneers. This showed Flint’s deep car history. The event also gives back, offering $10,000 in youth scholarships every year5.
| Year | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| 2005 | The first Back to the Bricks event took place in downtown Flint, consisting of three blocks of historic “red bricks” under the arches of Saginaw Street5. |
| 2009 | The car show attracted 25,000 cars and an estimated 250,000 people6. |
| 2012 | The event added a Pinewood Derby race sponsored by the Boy Scouts, GM, and Thomas Appliance6. The first of several life-size bronze statues honoring automotive pioneers was unveiled5. |
| 2013 | The car show introduced the first “Artomotive” competition in which artists created pieces using car hoods6. GM announced financial support for Back to the Bricks for a period of five years6. |
| 2014 | Back to the Bricks was declared one of the “Best auto events of 2014” by MSN Autos6. |
| 2015 | The event introduced the Hot Ride High program initiated by Dale Frey6. |
| 2016 | Back to the Bricks organized their first Chrome and Ice winter auto show in February at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center6. The Promo Tours, initiated in 2010, have seen participation from 182 individuals during the Chrome and Ice event6. |
| 2018 | The organization has been giving back to the community through scholarships, offering $10,000 annually since 2018, totaling $70,000 in youth scholarships to date5. |
Today, Back to the Bricks is more than just a car show. It hosts many activities all year. These include classic car shows, Promo Tours, and more, celebrating Flint’s car history and community spirit57.
From its small start to its current status, the Back to the Bricks car show is a beloved tradition. It shows Flint’s lasting car legacy57.
Celebrating Flint’s Automotive Heritage
Flint, Michigan, is known for its deep automotive roots. The Back to the Bricks event celebrates this rich history. In 2012, it introduced statues of key figures like David Buick and William C. Durant8. These bronze statues are found in downtown Flint and other spots around the city.
Automotive Pioneer Statue Project
The Automotive Pioneer Statue Project is a big part of Back to the Bricks. It teaches the community about Flint’s role in the auto industry9. By honoring these pioneers, the event shows how much Flint has contributed to cars.
Educating the Community
Back to the Bricks also has educational parts. There are art tours, interactive displays, and talks about Flint’s auto history7. These activities make sure Flint’s auto legacy lives on, inspiring future generations.
Expanding the Experience
Back to the Bricks, Flint’s iconic car show, has grown a lot since it started. It now offers many events and experiences for car lovers all year10. In 2016, it teamed up with Buick to create the Chrome and Ice indoor car show. This event is a hit, held at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint. It features a “summertime” theme with sand, palm trees, and fun entertainment10.
Back to the Bricks also hosts Promo Tours, Road Rallies, and Tune-Up Parties in local areas all year10. These events build excitement for the Main Event in August11. The Promo Tours cover almost 600 miles in Michigan, with over 200 vehicles and 400 participants10. The Tune-Up Parties, held from August 7-12, are a big hit, with the first one in Davison being the biggest ever10.
The Back to the Bricks event is expected to draw a huge crowd10. It’s predicted to attract around 600,000 people and 40,000 cars10. The five-day celebration includes rolling cruises, a free concert, a swap meet, and a Corvette reunion. These activities highlight Flint’s rich car history11.
By offering more events and reaching out to Michigan communities, Back to the Bricks has become a top event for car fans. It celebrates the region’s car legacy12. The organization’s dedication to growth and promoting Michigan towns has earned it a loyal fan base and a reputation as a true ambassador for the state’s car culture12.
Community Involvement and Impact
The Back to the Bricks car show in Flint, Michigan, is more than just a car show. It shows the organization’s strong commitment to the local community13. Since starting in 2004, it has grown to draw thousands of car lovers from all over. They see a wide range of vintage cars, showing over a century of car history13.
Youth Scholarship Program
Back to the Bricks knows how important it is to help young car fans and leaders grow. They have a youth scholarship program13. Since 2018, they’ve given out $10,000 each year, adding up to $70,000 so far13. This shows their dedication to helping Flint’s youth with their education and careers.
These scholarships and the many events Back to the Bricks hosts have made a big difference in Flint13. The show includes vintage aircraft and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard. It celebrates Flint’s rich car history and gets the community involved13.
The Back to the Bricks car show is not just about classic cars. It shows the strong spirit of Flint and Back to the Bricks’ commitment to the next generation of car lovers and leaders13.
| Automotive Pioneer Statue Project | Educational Initiatives |
|---|---|
The Back to the Bricks car show has a big impact on Flint. It supports youth scholarships, honors automotive pioneers, and teaches the public about Flint’s car history1314.
Conclusion
In the last 12 years, Back to the Bricks in Flint, Michigan, has grown a lot. It started with 600 cars and 7,000 people. Now, it’s expected to have 45,000 cars and 500,000 to 600,000 visitors this year15.
The event is known for its Main Event, wide range of activities, and community projects. It shows Flint’s lasting impact as a center of innovation and car excellence16. Highlights include a military flyover and special car displays, making the city’s car history fun and interesting16.
As Back to the Bricks prepares for its 20th year in 2024, it keeps inspiring the community. It helps keep Flint’s car history alive for future generations17. Thanks to volunteers and car lovers, the event boosts the local economy and builds community pride17.
FAQ
What is Back to the Bricks?
Back to the Bricks is an annual car show in Flint, Michigan. It draws over 500,000 car lovers from everywhere. The event honors Flint’s car history with classic, custom, and collector cars. It also has music, food, and fun for families.
When did Back to the Bricks start?
It began in August 2005. Car fans Al Hatch and others wanted a car show in downtown Flint. They got help from the Flint Convention and Visitors Bureau and local business owners.
How has Back to the Bricks grown over the years?
It’s grown a lot. From a small event to a big celebration with half a million visitors. Now, it includes Promo Tours, Tune-Up Parties, and the Main Event. There are also Chrome and Ice, Dust “Em Off, Road Rallies, and Cruise “N” Concerts.
How does Back to the Bricks celebrate Flint’s automotive heritage?
In 2012, it started a tribute to Flint’s car history. Life-size bronze statues of car pioneers like David Buick and William C. Durant were unveiled. These statues are in downtown Flint and around the city, teaching about Flint’s car industry impact.
What other initiatives has Back to the Bricks launched?
In 2016, it started Chrome and Ice, a winter car show with Buick. All year, it hosts Promo Tours, Road Rallies, and Tune-Up Parties. It also gives out ,000 in youth scholarships each year to support future car enthusiasts.
Source Links
- Back to the Bricks showcases Flint’s automotive legacy – Flint Beat – https://flintbeat.com/back-to-the-bricks-showcases-flints-automotive-legacy/
- Car shows keep Flint’s auto legacy alive – Grand Blanc View – https://grandblancview.mihomepaper.com/articles/car-shows-keep-flints-auto-legacy-alive/
- Back to the Bricks: Saginaw Street’s bricks go way, way back in history – https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/2014/07/back_to_the_bricks_the_history.html
- Back to the Bricks kicks off rolling cruise at Factory One, birthplace of GM – https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2023/08/back-to-the-bricks-kicks-off-rolling-cruise-at-factory-one-birthplace-of-gm.html
- History of Back to the Bricks – https://backtothebricks.org/historyofbttb/
- Back to the Bricks – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Bricks
- Home – https://backtothebricks.org/
- Automotive Pioneers Historical Marker – https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=180216
- BACK TO THE BRICKS – Davison Index – https://davisonindex.mihomepaper.com/articles/back-to-the-bricks-3/
- Back to the Bricks Car Cruise returns – Davison Index – https://davisonindex.mihomepaper.com/articles/back-to-the-bricks-car-cruise-returns/
- Everything you need to know about 2018 Back to the Bricks – https://www.mlive.com/news/erry-2018/08/753560c34e4159/everything-you-need-to-know-ab.html
- Back to the BRICKS – Lapeer Area View – https://lapeerareaview.mihomepaper.com/articles/back-to-the-bricks/
- Back to the Bricks car show draws thousands to downtown Flint – Flint Beat – https://flintbeat.com/back-to-the-bricks-car-show-draws-thousands-to-downtown-flint/
- Statues – https://backtothebricks.org/statues-page/
- AL HATCH Founder, Back to the Bricks – My City Magazine – https://www.mycitymag.com/al-hatch-founder-back-bricks/
- Opening Ceremony 2024 – https://backtothebricks.org/openingceremony2024/
- Back To The Bricks: Genesee County businesses prepare for Tune Up Party Week – https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/2014/08/back_to_the_bricks_genesee_cou.html