The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to traffic Monday, linking Detroit and Windsor in what workers are calling a historic milestone.

For ironworker Casey Whitson, the celebration marked the end of a long personal journey one that included an iconic moment two years ago when he and a Canadian ironworker connected the bridge high above the Detroit River.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Detroit ironworker reflects on four years building the Gordie Howe Bridge ahead of opening

"Everybody that's touched this bridge, doesn't matter if you're ironworker, an operator or any other trade that was a part of this, it was definitely a part of a historic thing," Whitson said.

Whitson is a member of Iron Workers Local 25 in Novi and spent four years working on the project.

"This has been four years of my life I've had to dedicate to this job," Whitson said.

He said seeing the bridge completed means everything to him as a trades person.

"It's always important for an ironworker. Doesn't mater if it's a building, a bridge, whatever it is to see a completion of a job and it to be able to function and do," Whitson said.

7 News Detroit first spoke with Whitson two years ago after he and a Canadian ironworker took a photo together following the bridge's final connection a moment that went on to become one of the defining images of the project.

"We would see each other, but we were across the river a part for all these months working and waiting to actually get to be able to meet each other and shake hands and say hello and actually work together a little bit at the final connection," Whitson said.

Watch our 2024 coverage with Casey Whitson below: Man in iconic Gordie Howe Bridge photo is 2nd generation ironworker from Southgate

Whitson is a second-generation ironworker. His father helped build the Renaissance Center and Joe Louis Arena.

"My dad did get to come down to the project a couple times before he passed away, but he would totally be proud of what we've all done, Local 25 in general. He was very proud of his local hall," Whitson said.

Whitson said the bridge represents a broader legacy for Detroit's ironworking community.

"There's a lot of other second and third generation ironworkers out here that work the skyline of Detroit," Whitson said.

He and other trade workers plan to be at the bridge Monday for its opening.

"I'll be down on the ground taking pictures with the traffic going across hopefully," Whitson said.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Ann Arbor is bracing for a massive weekend as country artist Morgan Wallen brings two concerts to the University of Michigan's Michigan Stadium, known as the Big House.

About 75,000 people are expected each night, creating heavy traffic, packed parking lots and high parking prices around the venue.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Morgan Wallen brings two huge concerts to University of Michigan's Big House

Shana Sayre, a Belleville resident attending Friday's concert, has been preparing by packing her truck for tailgating and securing a pre-paid parking spot at the golf course across the street from the stadium.

"I can't wait. It's my third Morgan Wallen concert and I can't wait to experience it down there," Sayre said.

Sayre said the parking came at a steep price.

"Two hundred and sixty five dollars, which is the most I've ever paid for parking but yes, it will be worth it just for the peace of mind of being able to get down there and have parking," Sayre said.

Lyndsay Stone, from the Mount Pleasant area, is attending the concert with her daughter. Stone said she was able to secure free parking at a family friend's house a former University of Michigan athlete.

"That is saving us. That was a huge relief when Zane offered that because I was stressed about parking like everyone else and seeing the outrageous prices that are being charged," Stone said.

Stone said even if free parking hadn't been available, she still would have paid the fees.

"Yes, because we already paid for the concert tickets. You don't want to walk, I mean, we're going to be wearing cowboy boots," Stone said.

Related: Alleged scam tied to Ann Arbor group leaves some Morgan Wallen fans without concert tickets Alleged scam tied to Ann Arbor group leaves some Morgan Wallen fans without concert tickets

Ann Arbor police say they are deploying significant resources to manage the crowds both nights.

"The concert pulls most of our staff that isn't their regular working day. They are going to be working at the concert and I know that's the same case with a lot of other agencies that help us out for concerts as well," Ann Arbor Police Sgt. Kory Petterle said.

Petterle said if parking near the stadium is not available, concertgoers should consider using one of the city's parking garages. He also noted that parking in certain residential neighborhoods is prohibited.

"We got a lot of staff out there to assist with people getting them safely in making sure they can access parking and at the end of the night making sure they are able to get safely and hopefully quickly out of the city," Petterle said.

If you are attending either concert, there are a few additional things to know. Michigan Stadium enforces a strict no-bag policy.

Concertgoers must also have a digital copy of their ticket ready, as printed tickets are not accepted at the stadium.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota blanketed metro Detroit on Thursday, but crowds still filled the streets of Ann Arbor for the annual Art Fair.

Many attendees wore masks to protect themselves from the hazy conditions. Festival organizers also took steps to keep artists and vendors safe.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Smoky skies from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires don't stop crowds at Ann Arbor Art Fair

Emily Blunt, an Ann Arbor resident, attended the fair with her father. Both wore respirator masks.

"I'm glad that people are out here even with the poor air quality, so I think it's great to support the artists," Blunt said.

Blunt said her time living abroad gave her experience dealing with poor air quality.

"I lived in Beijing for four years, so I'm familiar with taking precautions against the high air quality. So I pulled this one (mask) out and it makes me feel more comfortable being out here," Blunt said.

One woman who traveled from Columbus, Ohio, said she bought a mask 30 minutes before arriving at the fair.

"We were ready for the heat but not for the haziness," Janet Menges said.

One artist who came from Pittsburgh was not wearing a mask but said he had another tool ready if the smoke became a problem.

"A few years ago in Pittsburgh, we had a bit of smog from fire as well. So just stay out here. I have my inhaler with me just in case," Dante Campudoni said.

Doug Botsford, operating partner at Blimpy Burger, said he was initially worried the hazy skies would keep people away.

"Definitely concerning about how much product you want to bring. You're worried about the turnout from the crowd, but we're committed and we're excited to be here," Botsford said.

Nick Lemmer, executive director of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, said he and his team went out and purchased respirator masks for artists and vendors. Lemmer said he has also been in contact with local health and emergency officials.

"We're taking the situation seriously. We've been in communications with the city of Ann Arbor Emergency Management, Washtenaw County Health Department," Lemmer said.

Related video: Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered

Artists and vendors also have the option to close their booths early if they choose.

"Just making sure they have the option because they're busy. Some of them were out here until early in the morning and we're just going to make it as easy as possible," Lemmer said.

Lemmer encouraged people to attend the fair at their own discretion.

"We're taking the health risks very seriously and we're encouraging people to make the decision on their own, but the fair is open," Lemmer said.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A homeless shelter in Warren has shut its doors after losing funding, leaving the people who depended on it back out on the streets.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's report below Warren homeless shelter closes after funding falls through

Friend of the Father Foundation operated a shelter at East Nine Mile and Memphis Ave.

"We rotated weekly maybe between 100-200 people," Deloatch said.

For about a year and a half, founder Ray Deloatch ran it using his own money.

"I didn't care if whether I made one penny, I just wanted the individuals to move forward, get a job, move back home to where they came from," Deloatch said.

When Deloatch realized he could no longer sustain the shelter on his own, he reached out to the city of Warren for financial help.

"I felt bad because the lease on the building, we could not pay the owner and I explained to the city and the community even though they wanted me to stay, I can not continue to operate on someone else's property and we can't fund to pay them," Deloatch said.

Deloatch closed the shelter for good Saturday. Clients who had been staying there were forced to find new places to live, and Deloatch had to turn away dozens of other people experiencing homelessness.

Warren City Council members attempted to secure funding for the shelter, but the effort fell through.

Councilman Jonathan Lafferty said the city cannot directly write a check to a shelter, so he proposed a broader solution in January.

"Back in January, I had proposed that city council direct the city's attorney's office to offer a contract that would allow non-profit homeless entities to provide shelter for homeless individuals," Lafferty said.

Lafferty said drafts of a contract have been written, but the proposal has not yet received approval from the mayor. He said he plans to push the issue at an upcoming city council meeting.

"We are going to direct the city attorney's office to provide a draft of their agreement that was requested seven months ago and we will address it directly from the legislative body of the city and if the mayor so chooses, she has the option to veto that agreement and which case and point, I will ask my colleagues to override that veto," Lafferty said.

The mayor's office was closed on Sunday and has not responded to a request for comment.

Despite the closure, Deloatch said he is not giving up.

"The warming season starts around November, we have enough time to continue to do our fundraisers and seek donations," Deloatch said.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy

Westland's police department will not renew its contract with Flock Safety, the company behind AI-powered license plate reader cameras.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Westland police dropping Flock Safety camera contract amid privacy concerns

The city's two-year contract with Flock expires at the end of the month. The cameras capture license plate numbers to help police identify vehicles they believe are linked to crimes and investigations.

Some residents say the cameras help deter crime and keep the community safe, but others worry the technology goes too far and raises major privacy concerns.

Maya Lewis, a Westland resident, said the decision has mixed implications.

"I think it could be bittersweet. I think it's a good thing to have, but I understand where people are at with the privacy part," Lewis said.

Jandrea Kiester, who travels to Westland often, said she supports scaling back surveillance.

"I think we have more than enough surveillance going on. Some should be tamped down," Kiester said.

Westland resident Debbie Olson said she has no objections to the cameras.

"I don't have a problem with it I don't," Olson said. "I think it's probably more good than harm."

Councilwoman Melissa Sampey said city council was divided over whether to keep the camera system, with many residents raising concerns about who can access the data.

"Flock cam can actually be retrieved by anyone across the United States, so a lot of people that came to us were really concerned that their information was going to be accessed by anybody," Sampey said.

Sampey said Police Chief Kyle Dawley ultimately made the decision not to renew the contract after hearing from residents at city council meetings.

"The police chief obviously did his due diligence but ultimately, he was listening to individuals who came to the city council meeting," Sampey said.

Dawley released a statement about his decision:

The current contract with Flock ALPR expires at the end of this month. Police administration has had several conversations with councilmembers, including demonstrating how W.L.P.D. uses the technology, along with our agency specific policy governing its use. During these discussions, it became clear that Council is deeply split on this matter. Police administration and City Council have an exceptionally strong and collaborative professional partnership. Because of this highly valued partnership, the renewal contract will not be sent to Council seeking approval. W.L.P.D. is fortunate to have great support from Mayor Coleman and City Council as we move toward future progress.

Sampey said she is confident the city will remain safe without the Flock cameras.

"I think our officers do an amazing job," Sampey said. "It is an enhancement tool for technology, but our police department is equipped with anything that they need in terms of technology to make sure we are safe here in Westland."

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Saline Township officials are set to vote Wednesday evening on whether Oracle should receive a 12-year tax abatement for a data center project now estimated to cost more than $43 billion.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Saline Township to vote on 12-year tax break for Oracle's $43B data center project

The tech company is asking for a 50% reduction in real and personal property taxes. Supporters say the data center would pour money into the region and help position Michigan as a leader in AI technology, but some community members say a company of this size should not need tax incentives.

The township's attorney said Oracle's request is not unique it is part of a common state program used to attract large industrial and technology developments. The tax abatement would temporarily reduce some property taxes in exchange for the company making a major investment in the area.

Saline Township resident Kathryn Haushalter said she opposes the abatement.

"It doesn't seem logical that this billion-dollar project, multi-billion dollar project now is going to get a break and the regular people surrounding this project that are already going to have to deal with pollution, rising power costs we get no break," said Haushalter.

Haushalter said she hopes the trustees vote no.

"I do believe that they should vote no to send a message and let the chips fall where they may," said Haushalter.

Fellow Saline Township resident Jordan Kleinsmith said he is also holding out hope that the data center won't be completed.

Related Story: OpenAI CEO speaks on new data center in Saline Township OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks on new data center 'The Barn' in Saline Township

"The best case scenario, they don't get their abatement, they pull out and they go away," said Kleinsmith.

Kleinsmith said he wants to see the community continue to apply pressure.

"We would like to see continued pressure from the community," said Kleinsmith.

Oracle sent us this statement in regards to the abatement request:

Oracle is excited to grow in Michigan, a longtime powerhouse in manufacturing with a strong union workforce, and now a national leader in AI. The project is anticipated to generate billions of dollars of tax revenues, averaging more than $150 million per year for the better part of two decades, including tax revenue for Saline Township that will be roughly more than 2,000 times what it would have received had this remained farmland. We look forward to partnering with state and local leaders as we build in Michigan, fuel economic growth, create jobs, and deliver lasting benefits for the local community.

The Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Neighbors on Gaylord Street say they complained about smells and feral cats for years before officials acted.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Welfare check reveals deplorable conditions at Redford Township home

A welfare check at a Redford Township home on Gaylord Street uncovered deplorable living conditions and an unknown number of cats inside the residence.

Animal control and firefighters entered the home Thursday afternoon and found the property in deplorable condition. The homeowner was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Martez Moore, who has lived on Gaylord Street off West 8 Mile for 14 years, said he had been complaining to Redford Township officials for years about the smell and feral cats coming from the neighboring home.

"I felt like it was something deceased, feces, animal smell, just horrible," Moore said.

Moore said the odor was unlike anything he had experienced before.

"Like a smell I never smelt before, flies on the house, winter time, just horrible," Moore said.

Moore said he was not surprised by what officials found inside.

"I figured they were going to find out what I kept calling and complaining about; it just took some time," Moore said.

He described the homeowner as someone who rarely interacted with neighbors.

"He was just weird acting, you know, would come out, cut the grass, and then leave. That's it," Moore said.

Another longtime neighbor, Lorrie Jackson, said she rarely saw anyone at the home and had no idea cats were inside.

"You barely seen anyone come out of the house, so I didn't know if anyone was living here or if it was empty, so it was quite a shock to find that out," Jackson said.

Animal control will work with the Redford Township Building Department to clean up the property and rescue the cats.

Moore said he hopes the situation leads to lasting change at the home next door.

"It's probably going to take a lot to get it back together, but hopefully it won't be as bad," Moore said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroiters celebrated Juneteenth Friday from the riverfront to the heart of downtown, with two major festivals drawing crowds to Hart Plaza and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Hundreds celebrating Juneteenth in Downtown Detroit

The Hart of Detroit Festival featured live music, cultural programming, and vendors from Black-owned businesses.

Musical artists took the stage as the celebration was set to continue until midnight.

Joe Willie, an attendee at the festival, said, "I love to see my people out celebrating being free... I'm loving it."

Tahjee Washington, another attendee, said, "Music brings everybody together, so I'm glad this was an event that was held on this day."

June 19 honors the day the last enslaved people in America were set free.

Silver Moore, a Detroit resident, said, "We are celebrating Black people in this country, our freedom and our culture, and what better place to do that than Detroit, which I consider the capital of Blackness in America."

Shoppers at the festival were also able to support Black-owned businesses.

Penny Fombi, owner of Goddess Beads, said, "To see that everybody is supported and keeping the money flow within our people is great."

Across town at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, residents gathered along the Detroit Riverfront for a separate Juneteenth celebration that also featured Black-owned business vendors.

Damia Taylor, an attendee at the riverfront event, said, "It's a great day to get out and celebrate our freedom, what our ancestors have done, and look forward to the future of what we're going to do with our community."

Sirrita Darby, owner of Elevated Sillage, was among the vendors at the riverfront celebration.

Darby said, "Being a person here and being a vendor and giving back to the community and extending the economy. That is what Juneteenth is about."

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launched her "Occupy the Summer" program Friday at the Andrew Butzel Recreation Center on the city's west side.

The kickoff comes weeks after multiple teen takeovers occurred downtown and on the city's west side, some of which turned violent, in stories 7 News Detroit has been following.

Watch Megan Lee's video report from the event below: Detroit leaders launch 'Occupy the Summer' program

"I think it's about playing a role in ensuring that young people have productive, safe, and enhancing places to keep themselves occupied," Sheffield said.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report from the event below: Mayor Sheffield launches Detroit's 'Occupy the Summer' program

Sheffield said she spoke directly with teens who participated in the takeovers before launching the program.

"We had the opportunity to engage with the teens who participated in the teen takeover, and what they expressed was a desire to have fun and engaging activities for them to be a part of the city's resurgence," Sheffield said.

Over the next 10 weeks, nine recreation centers will stay open late with events including late-night basketball and other activities.

7 News Detroit interview: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks ahead of Occupy the Summer kick off

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks ahead of Occupy the Summer kick off

Extended recreation center hours are at Crowell, Adams Butzel, Kemeny, Farwell, Heilmann, Butzel Family, Coleman Young, Helen Moore and Northwest Activities Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. All nine locations will remain open until 11 p.m. throughout the summer.

Weekly Friday Activations in neighborhoods across each city council district, similar to the Occupy the Corner series, featuring community activities, city resources, local vendors and cultural programming.

RELATED STORY: Another so-called 'teen takeover' happened in downtown Detroit Another so-called 'teen takeover' happened in downtown Detroit

The summer Friday lineup will run Fridays at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.:

June 19 - Juneteenth Celebration / Crowell Recreation Center July 10 - Skate Night with Royal Skateland / Corrigan Park July 17 - Sports Night / Lasky Recreation Center July 19 (Sunday) - HOOPFEST in Partnership w/NW Goldberg Cares/Curtis Jones Park July 24 - Small Business and Sheff Tank Pitch Competition / TBD July 31 - Arts & Culture Night / TBD August 7 - Bike Night / Joe Louis Greenway Pavillion August 14 - Finale in Partnership with Metro Detroit Youth Day / Diehl Club Watch 7 News Detroit reporter Megan Lee's report on the bike giveaway: Bike giveaway kicks off Mayor Sheffield's 'Occupy the Summer' program

Not all residents are convinced the program will be enough. Detroit resident Darryl Taylor questioned whether teens would show up.

"How many young folks are going to play basketball at that time of night. I think we have to come up with a better plan," Taylor said.

Detroit resident Kim Bell said change needs to come from at home first.

"A lot of people don't understand when it comes to children and the troubles they're having, it starts at home," Bell said.

Other residents are more optimistic.

"I like her plans for it, gives them something to do. Keep them off the streets and keeps them occupied with something that's positive," Pamela Richardson of Detroit said.

Sheffield said the program extends beyond activities, offering support resources for parents as well.

"We have wrap-around services on site, so whether it's job information, housing information, utility assistance information, and several city apartments that will be on-site," Sheffield said.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Nearly 60,000 drivers will be impacted daily as new ramp closures on I-94 at Southfield Freeway take effect starting at 9 a.m. Monday as part of MDOT's "Restore I-94" project.

Watch reports from Tiarra Braddock and Ryan Marshall below I-94 and Southfield Freeway ramp closures begin Monday, affecting nearly 60,000 daily drivers Ramp closures begin for restore I-94 project

Eastbound I-94 ramps to northbound and southbound Southfield Freeway will be closed, along with westbound I-94 ramps to northbound and southbound Southfield Freeway.

MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross says the closures are part of a broader construction effort.

"So this project includes lots of different types of work, some of it's reconstructing the freeway itself, some of it's bridge work, some of it's ramp work and concrete repair," Cross said.

Cross offered detour options for drivers navigating the construction.

"We want you to take either Michigan Avenue to go west and use that between 94, Telegraph, maybe to Michigan Avenue, although we do have some work going on at Telegraph in that area so you're down to one lane," Cross said.

Cross says drivers should expect heavier traffic on those alternate roads while the closures are in effect.

Dearborn resident Londa Hoskins says she is already feeling the strain of construction in the area.

"Can't get around now, I'm taking side streets, and it's get packed and packed, it's like we're not going to be able to go nowhere," Hoskins said.

"Everybody is trying to maneuver and get where they got to go but it's making it hard for everybody," Hoskins said.

Romulus driver Stepfanie Marcum echoed that frustration.

"It's frustrating, it's very frustrating," Marcum said.

Dearborn driver Matia Burch says she already has her alternate routes mapped out.

"I plan to take Van Born, Michigan Ave, just take the side streets as much as I can. I live off of Telegraph, so I avoid Telegraph so just knowing your way around and taking the side streets, you get there a little bit quicker," Burch said.

Cross says MDOT is hoping to have the ramps reopened within a year, meaning drivers should be prepared for a long-term disruption.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Livonia police have arrested the suspect behind two attempted home invasions in the Laurel Park neighborhood.

Police announced the arrest on June 6 after investigators identified and located the person who had been seen wearing a white protective-style jumpsuit attempting to enter two homes.

Formal charges are pending from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The 2 break-in attempts occurred less than a mile apart. The first was reported on May 13, 2026, and a second related incident followed on May 14, 2026. During the investigation, a neighbor told police the suspect dropped his white paint suit in their trash can, where officers recovered it as evidence.

Victoria Williams says she was at her home off Newburgh Road on the morning of May 13 when she saw the man walking around her house wearing white coveralls, a mask, and a ball cap. She went outside to confront him and called 911.

"I said what are you doing? Like can I help you? He had a mask on and I couldn't really understand him, something about checking something," Williams said.

As Williams stayed on the phone with 911, she and the man got into a physical struggle.

"He was trying to get out of our fence and I'm standing there with 911 and he grabs me by the neck of my shirt and started pushing me backwards and I'm yelling 911 like on the phone, like just send help. I need help, he has his hand on me," Williams said.

The man eventually let go of Williams and ran down the street.

"He pushed me toward the side of my neighbors house," Williams said.

The homeowners shared Ring doorbell video showing the man outside the home, peering into windows and sliding open a door. After Williams posted the video on social media, people commented that they had seen the man jump over her fence.

Williams says the experience shook her sense of security.

"No, not at all, I've always felt safe here and now I don't," Williams said.

Her mother, Kim Williams, says she is grateful her daughter is OK.

"Heart-wrenching to get a call, I'm in Dearborn now working and she said you need to get home now, someone tried to break into the house," Kim Williams said.

Victoria Williams urged neighbors to stay alert and report anything suspicious.

"Even if something looks out of place and you don't know, call the cops, someone said we saw him attempt before it happened, you could've called the cops and they could've responded before I got home," Williams said.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit's Grand Prix is drawing racing fans from across Michigan and beyond Friday, with "Free Prix Day" giving attendees a chance to experience the sights and sounds of professional racing at no cost.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Families flock downtown for Free Prix Day

Grandstands 1 and 9 are open for free seating on a first-come, first-served basis, and more than half the track offers public viewing along Jefferson Avenue and the riverfront. The event features IndyCar, IMSA, and Indy NXT racing in the heart of downtown Detroit.

A steady flow of fans made their way to the Grand Prix throughout the day, traveling from cities including Ann Arbor, Flint, Lenawee County, and Toledo.

Angie Boston and her boyfriend came from Ann Arbor to attend. The two had their first date at last year's Grand Prix and returned to celebrate their anniversary.

"We love free day here," Boston said. "We love coming down, we ride our bikes, we take the shuttle, we come up the river walk, and then we get the free stands."

She said Free Prix Day makes the Grand Prix accessible to people who want the experience without the cost.

"Free day to come and see everything, I want to bring my kid next year and take him out of school, he would enjoy this in the middle of the city," Boston said.

Michele Hanks, who came from Flint, said the atmosphere alone made the trip worthwhile.

"Just the sound of hearing the cars, it's exciting," Hanks said.

Heather Genereaux made the trip from Lenawee County with a friend.

"I'm a mom of five just trying to get out, get some good time in with my best friend," Genereaux said.

Beyond the racing, attendees can enjoy food vendors, purchase racing merchandise, and get a behind-the-scenes look at racing teams in action. Fans also have the opportunity to meet drivers on the course.

Brianna Marovich, who came from Toledo, said that access is a highlight of the event.

"I love going around meeting all the drivers and chatting it up with them," Marovich said.

The Grand Prix is also drawing younger fans. Gary Mercer, who came from Downriver, brought his kids to the event.

"The kids love it, they absolutely, he says, " Papa, I want to be a race car driver. Are you sure?" Mercer said.

"Free Prix Day" activities wrap up at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Grandstands reopen Saturday at 8 a.m.

-

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.