Seniors will line up in their vehicles on State Street using the former Metaldyne parking area. They will be decorating their vehicles, wearing their caps and gowns, and waving to family and friends along the parade route.
The parade route continues from State Street to Russell Street and then right on Main Street through the downtown area. The parade will turn left on Grand Rapids Street and ends near Crane Road.
Community members are encouraged to attend and line the streets to show support for our TKHS Class of 2021.
TK senior Mary Hoogwerf is one of the organizers for the event. She and her mother created the cruise for the Class of 2020 and have decided to continue this as a new tradition this year.
“I had some very close friends who were in the 2020 graduating class and it was with heavy heart that my friends weren’t getting the celebration they deserved to congratulate them on finishing their last four years of education,” said Mary in an email conversation.
The 2020 cruise was put together in just a few weeks, but this year, planning for the cruise started in February.
“We are so excited to have the Middleville Lion’s Club presenting and sponsoring this year’s car cruise. The Lion’s Club has volunteered to help us get the cars lined up and keep everyone safe,” said Mary.
Mary said she hopes underclassmen will adopt the event and make it a tradition for all graduating classes.
“The event was created to be a light for students, such as myself, who have lost so much to the pandemic. It was truly an honor and joy to be able to make so many students feel acknowledged and commemorated for the past year. I am so excited to have this event be put on again this year and the years to come,” said Mary.