Fun for the Whole Family, Ford's Celebration Had Something for Everyone
DEARBORN (Mich.)--Day one of Ford Motor Co.'s centennial celebration was soggy, thanks to steady rain all day, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those arriving to see a parade of Model Ts or their favorite NASCAR champions on the grounds of the "Glass House." As very few say you only turn 100 once.
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| From June 12-16, the 152 acres of the Ford World Headquarters was turned into a giant entertainment venue celebrating 100 years in business. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
Over a period of five days, from June 12-16, 152 acres surrounding the Henry Ford II World Center--also known as Ford World Headquarters or the Glass House--has been transformed into an entertainment venue complete with Ford race car drivers Ricky Rudd, Dale Jarrett, and Mark Martin signing autographs Thursday, who would go on the next day to start their qualifying runs for a NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway.
Also on hand were displays of classic Ford cars from the 1920s on up to modern concept cars, such as the stylish Lincoln Navicross and Ford Mustang GT.
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| A lineup of Model Ts that are ready to take visitors to the Ford Centennial on a ride "into the past" at a display outside of Ford World Headquarters on a water-logged June 12th day. (Photo: Joseph Cabadas, Canadian Auto Press) |
The day included special media tours of the yet to be completed Dearborn Truck Plant at the Rouge Center, where the new F-150 pickup truck will be built next year; to Ford Motor Chairman Bill Ford Jr. making the rounds with visitors; and the arrival of a caravan of Model Ts, some of which started out on the west coast.
"This has been a fun experience, all on backroads into small towns, to see all the real nice people," said John Cranford, who was dressed up along with his wife Lois in "dusters" to keep their clothing clean while on the road. "It makes you realize how great the country is."