For the first time in six years, Hagerty Insurance is not playing a lead role in the National Cherry Festival’s classic car show.

Set for July 3, the Old Town Classic Car Show draws throngs of classic car lovers and has traditionally been sponsored by Hagerty, a national leader in insuring classic cars and boats. In addition to cars, show visitors can check out vintage trucks, tractors and motorcycles from across the Midwest.

“The reason we decided not to host the Cherry Festival Car Show this year is due to the elimination of our space at our Lake Street Campus that is currently under construction,” Hagerty Public Relations Manager Jonathan Klinger tells The Ticker. “We will be on site at the show welcoming the exhibitors with our signature “Dawn Patrol,” which is providing exhibitors and early-bird attendees with fresh donuts and coffee. “

Instead of hosting the one large show, Hagerty plans to hold several smaller events throughout the summer, such as two Saturday morning “Cruise and Coffee” events, Classic Car Night at Wuerfel Park, and Friday Night Live on July 22.

This year’s Old Town Class Car Show is co-sponsored by Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, 94.3 FM – The Fox and WGTU TV- ABC 29 & 8.

But classic car lovers don’t have to wait until next month to get their fix of chrome and tailfins. 

On June 21, hundreds of clean classics will cruise into Traverse City when the Back to the Bricks Mitten Promo Tour hits town. If you’re a fan of Fords or passionate for Pontiacs, you’ll want to check out the vintage vehicles parked along Grandview Parkway between Cass and Union Streets.

The show is a big one. Last year Back to the Bricks attracted more than 350,000 car enthusiasts and 35,000 classic cars to Flint. It’s been named one of the top 20 car shows in the nation.

The promo tour is expected to inspire even more crowds. It started in Port Huron on June 17, and is making stops in Bay City, Alpena and Mackinaw City before heading to the Cherry Capital. It continues with visits to Ludington, Holland and Brooklyn before arriving in Flint on June 25.

“There’s just something unique about seeing so many classic cars, and car lovers, all together for one purpose,” says Karen Borton, promotional co-chair of the event. “We think this event is truly something special and we want to see even more new faces on the Bricks this summer.”