This summer has seen one of the most successful weekly events in downtown Imlay City. The Friday “Bike Night at the Crossroads” was an overwhelming success to its organizers and the community at large.
A group of concerned and dedicated citizens breathed new life into Imlay City downtown weekend nightlife. Members of the Imlay City Chamber, Imlay City Eagles and Imlay City Lions Club helped make it a success. From families with their kids on minibikes to long time motorcycle riders—they’ve converged on the north side of the railroad tracks. The attendance at the events has been growing faster than we can accommodate in our limited area; therefore, to follow state guidelines, we believe it be best to postpone the event until the guidelines are lifted. The safety of all involved is our number one concern.
Even though this is just a five hour pop up event one day a week, it has managed to attract additional business to our restaurants, gas stations, hotels and specialty shops. It has brought people to our downtown district who never even knew one existed. It has brought an awareness to Imlay City and its status as a “Crossroads” at the corner of the “International Trade Corridor I-69” & Van Dyke or M-53.
The public and community support of this event has been over the top. Everyone I talk to has been positive and happy that people have actually taken action to promote this city and businesses. In the works is a walking map of our downtown with incentives to patronize our downtown businesses as well as the greater Imlay City area businesses. The event has featured a bike blessing incorporating our local clergy, a bike show, a swap meet and our end-of-year blow out celebration of our police, firefighters, EMT and military heroes.
I am proud of this event and the dedicated citizens who selflessly volunteered their personal time to make this a success. I am proud of the Imlay City community which has embraced the event. I am proud of the Imlay City DDA board and Imlay City commission who have supported this progressive idea. Most of all I am proud of all the diverse participants who traveled from all over Michigan to come together peacefully and celebrate the freedoms that this great country affords us.
We will be back soon for the community and all our motorcycle enthusiasts. See you down the road at the Crossroads.
—Raymond Krakowski, Stages Estate & Brokerage Services LLC,
Imlay City
