by Janice Limbaugh
With the help of over 20 volunteers, WKTV Community Television & Media pulled off the prestigious production of “Metro Cruise—The Concourse” Friday night, featuring 26 rare and unusual cars in the transformed parking lot of the old Klingman’s building. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Metro Cruise, the cars made a grand entrance from behind twenty-five foot tall red drapes to roll down a 100 foot long red carpet before a live audience, lights and multiple cameras. The show hosts, David Knisley from SPEED Television and Kim Carson from WLAV FM, interviewed the owners and gave inside facts about each of the cars presented.
“It’s like Oscar night for car collectors,” said Tom Norton, producer of the two-hour show and WKTV general manager. WKTV staff and volunteers spent six months and over 100 hours getting ready for the show’s production which showcased classic collectors from all over Michigan and Wisconsin. This year’s red carpet event was a salute to classic car clubs with special appearances by the West Michigan Rodders Club, West Michigan Buick Club and the West Michigan Cobra Club.
Kicking off the show with gusto was the 200-strong East Kentwood Marching Band with a fanfare salute to the music of Queen. Metro Cruise bystanders stopped by throughout the evening to check out the show while in progress. The outdoor live production gives residents the opportunity to experience what it takes to pull off an elaborate television program.
“We could never pull it off without the help of our volunteers,” Norton said. “Once trained on the equipment, volunteers come back time and time again to be a part of this production. It’s a lot of fun and we’re always looking for new volunteers. The potential for doing community TV programs like this are plentiful with more involved volunteers,” he said.
In the past, ‘Metro Cruise on the Concourse’ was aired live. This year the show was taped for editing purposes. The air date and time of this year’s show will be announced at a later date.
