There are many ways to enjoy the 2012 Woodward Dream Cruise, but if there's anything local police are trying drive home to participants this year is that Saturday is a family affair. And that it's alcohol free.

"Remember, this is a family event, minimize the alcohol intake, maximize the viewing pleasure of the nostalgic cars and don’t entice the cruisers to spin their tires," said Chief Richard Matott of the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety. "Spinning tires enhance the “Wow” factor but the public is in greater danger than they realize by being in such close proximity to a car spinning it’s tires that could go out of control."

Of Interest:

• Woodward Dream Cruise Guide 2012
• Bloomfield Township Dream Drive

Officers will be looking for cruisers who are driving recklessly on Woodward Avenue, which is a misdemeanor violation that could receive a fine up to $500.

They'll also be paying attention to gawkers setting up in the medians.

The grassy medians might look like a great place to watch the cruising action, but Royal Oak Police Lt. Thomas Goad pointed out they must remain clear for law enforcement vehicles and ambulances if they need to maneuver around traffic.

Cruisegoers can set up chairs and blankets between the sidewalk and curb, but sidewalks must remain clear.

Other Tips from Law Enforcement

• Don't jay walk; you will be ticketed. Walk to an intersection and use the cross walk.
• Drivers must have registration and insurance documentation, proper license plates and obey traffic laws.
• Leave the alcohol at home or enjoy it inside designated spaces in bars, restaurants and party areas. If you are intoxicated on the sidewalk you could spend the night in jail.
• Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. 

Woodward will close on Friday night at 10 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. Cars will be fed onto mile roads to clear the avenue and all pedestrians will be cleared from the roadsides.

"We will tell everybody sitting on the shoulders to go home and then we'll open it back up," said Greg Rassel, director of public services for Royal Oak and President of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Patch editors and contributors assisted with this report.