by Christopher Johnson
This past weekend, Clare welcomed the return of the annual Old US 27 Motor Tour. Held every third week of August, the six-day event spans 13 cities along the historic route of the same name. Right here in Michigan.
The event began with the vision of one man: Craig Parrish. Born in Lansing, into a family with deep roots in the auto industry. Craig developed a passion for cars at an early age, which intensified into adulthood. He spent a decade working with the City of Lansing and downtown merchants to organize summer cruises before turning his sights to something bigger.
In the early 2000s, Craig pushed to have Michigan’s stretch of Old U.S. 27 designated a historic highway. From there, he imagined a traveling motor tour that would celebrate the road’s history, much like the Route 66 experience that often comes to mind. His idea was simple but powerful: a weeklong rolling car show, moving town to town with a police escort. As he pitched it to communities along the route, Craig promised, “I’ll bring the cars and the people—you bring the party.”
Now, over two decades later, the party continues. Drawing crowds and car enthusiasts from every direction of the state. Punctuating the dog days of summer and populating our streets like a collection of immaculate matchbox cars.
Sadly, Craig passed away in July of 2021 at the age of 67, due to cancer.
“I had a good 15 year run with the tour,” he wrote in a post on the Old U.S. Motor Tour Facebook group. “Many good times, friendships made…It was my pleasure to be your leader for years…God bless you all and the 27 Motor Tour.”
In a manner that would have made Craig beam with pride, Saturday’s show turned Clare’s main street into a river of bustling bodies—both human and automobile. Roughly 230 cars were present and lined up to admire. The polished hoods reflecting the summer heat that remained idyllic well into nightfall. Keeping people engaged and mingling well after dark.
Many of our most prominent community leaders were present, offering additional personality to the good vibrations. Cops & Doughnuts remained a helpful hand with street setup and breakdown. Also offering exclusive Historic US 27 t-shirts to commemorate the occasion.
Live music sprouted up in various places as the afternoon progressed. Such as the Doherty’s patio and side lot, which became absorbed into the car show’s peripheral landscape. Prominent business owner, John Gross, entertained foot traffic with karaoke–setting up his system outside his ice cream shop. Beneath the street, the Trap Door Speakeasy was also an active venue.
Honorable mention was given to Kim Davis, Craig’s wife, who was present in Clare as the show concluded. Who continues to keep the legacy alive as the show’s ongoing ambassador and secretary. Going from city to city, meeting with city managers, local police, and everybody in between. Working tirelessly to make sure the good times keep rolling.
“This was Craig’s dream”, says Peter Blaine. “But all of you ladies, especially know, that behind every man, is a good woman. Doing all the paperwork, taking care of the money, and making sure everything gets done–and that good woman for Craig was Kim.”
On social media, the entire show can be seen leaving Clare in magnificent fashion from the Doherty rooftop. Stretching from downtown all the way to the northernmost end. Where it continued to Grayling, after a stop in Harrison.
The community is looking forward to its return next summer.
