Fenton Ready for Back to the Bricks

Get ready for some major traffic in downtown Fenton.

That traffic will include hundreds of classic cars and likely thousands of people.

The will come to Fenton on August 9, starting in Linden from 11 a.m until 3:30 p.m. when the event will move to downtown Fenton until 9 p.m.

The classic car cruise was a hit with visitors last year and organizers expect another big turnout this year.

"I was in shock. I had never seen that many people in Fenton other than a few parades," said Lesley Tarsi, who is helping organize the event for . "We were so pleased with the turnout, we were extremely excited to be selected as a host city again."

The 8th annual Back to the Bricks will take place in Flint from Aug. 14 to 18. Before then, however, "Tune-up" events are being held in Clio, Flint Township, Linden and Fenton, Richfield Township and Davision Township and Mt. Morris.

The event is being put on by Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation with help from the Fenton Downtown Development Authority.

Classic cars are encouraged to cruise to pit stops where they can have a punch card stamped to receive a T-shirt and be entered in a drawing for $250. Stops include the Caretel Inn, , , , , and .

"I've never seen anything like that in downtown Fenton with that many people," Fenton DDA Director Michael Burns. "It wonderful thing for the businesses and the downtown district."

Broad Street in Linden will be closed from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and South Leroy Street will be closed from 3:30 until 9 p.m. There will be a DJ and giveways at each event. The entire event is free for car owners and spectators.

“Fenton has jumped aboard and it has been a tremendous boost to the community,” said. “It made it exciting that people wanted to come and stay in Fenton. It sounds like it’s going to be even bigger and better this year.”