By Jim Bloch
Get ready for a lungful of pre-catalytic converter exhaust, an earful of unmuffled V-8s and the body-thrumming rhythm of hot rod rock.
The 10th annual Hot Wheels Weekend blasts into Marysville Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23.
Friday’s events are centered around the Village Green Plaza on Gratiot Avenue. At 6 p.m., a custom, hot rod and classic car cruise will enliven Gratiot until dusk.
New this year is “The Hot Wheels Rock-Hop,” where organizers will set up a stage and delineate a dance floor. Rattletrap, the outlaw country outfit, plays at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Blue Blazes Blues Band out of Port Huron. Headliners Los Gringos close out the hop, which runs until 10 p.m.
Saturday is the big day, with Marysville Park turning into showplace for candy-colored, streamlined cars and trucks of all makes and models. The car show starts at noon with Barbara Payton and Julianne Ankley singing the National Anthem. The afternoon’s highlights include the Hot Wheels Pin Up Contest at 2:20 p.m. Look for a new exhibit of a dozen or so vintage race cars from the 1950s through the ‘70s.
Each year, the organizers bring in an actor whose TV fame rests in some way with hot rods and souped-up cars. This year, the star is Henry Winkler, who played The Fonz on “Happy Days,” which ran on television for 10 seasons, 1974-1984. Fonzie was known for his TV toughness, leather jacket, white T-shirt, blue jeans, motorcycle – and lovability.
Just like his start on “Happy Days,” where Fonz was a secondary character who became the main draw of the show, Winkler’s booking at Hot Wheels seemed no more significant than another aging actor whose appeal is somewhat narrow to a similarly aging audience. His agent arranged for him to read from his new children’s book Here’s Hank at the Marysville branch of St. Clair County Library System. The event proved so popular that it was moved to the new bandshell in Marysville Park at 3 p.m. Friday.
Winkler meet fans and sign autographs noon-5 p.m. on Saturday in the park.
Music has always been integral to Hot Wheels Weekend, and the 2025 edition is no exception.
The bands include Hillbilly Casino, the Bellfuries, Deke Dickerson, Union Avenue and Kitten and the Tonics.
In other words, Hot Wheels Weekend celebrates the individually imaginative – sometimes wacky — side of American car culture.
Crafters and vendors will be peddling scented candles, soap, baked goods, air plants, natural skin care products, crocheted items, beads and more.
In 2024, Hot Wheels Weekend drew more than 450 cars and 2,500 people. Organizer Chris Troy is hoping for a similar turnout this year.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
