ABOUT THE GROUP
2016 — The Beginning
Great Lakes Car Meets began in 2016 under the name Poor Guys Car Meets.
At the time, local car enthusiasts didn't have many options. Most shows were focused on classic cars, large annual events, or expensive builds. If you were a teenager, drove a daily driver, or owned a project car that wasn't show-ready, there weren't many places where you felt like you belonged.
A small group of friends decided to change that.
What started as a handful of enthusiasts gathering at the 2nd & Center Street Park & Ride in downtown Brighton quickly became something more. The goal was simple: create a place where anyone with a passion for cars could show up, hang out, and feel welcome.
None of us knew it at the time, but this small meet would eventually grow into one of Michigan's most recognized automotive communities.
2018 — Finding Our Identity
In 2018, the decision was made to rebrand as Great Lakes Car Meets (GLCM) and relocate to Hawkins Elementary School in Brighton. The move provided more room, better organization, and the opportunity to continue expanding.
What had started as a local gathering was now becoming a true community.
Throughout the next several years, GLCM hosted both weekday and weekend events, attracting enthusiasts from all over Michigan and surrounding states. Friendships were formed, projects were shared, and the community continued to grow beyond anything the founders originally imagined.
2020–2022 — The Peak Years
The years between 2020 and 2022 marked some of the biggest moments in GLCM history.
Like many organizations, the pandemic temporarily disrupted events and forced adjustments. However, once restrictions eased, attendance exploded.
Some events attracted well over 500 vehicles, filling parking lots beyond expectations. Weeknight meets regularly reached capacity, and special events such as holiday cruises and Christmas light shows became community favorites.
For many enthusiasts, GLCM had become more than just a car meet. It had become a place to see friends, share experiences, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
2022 — The Final Meet
In 2022, after years of growth and hundreds of events, GLCM announced that it would be stepping away.
As life changed and priorities shifted, running the organization at the level it required became increasingly difficult. The founders committed to full racing schedules and other responsibilities, making it impossible to continue giving GLCM the attention it deserved.
The final official meet was held at Barnstormers in Pinckney, Michigan.
For many, it felt like the end of an era.
2024 — The Revival
What was supposed to be the end didn't stay that way for long.
In 2024, plans began to bring Great Lakes Car Meets back.
The automotive community had changed, but the demand for a welcoming, organized, community-focused group remained. GLCM returned with a renewed focus on consistency, venue relationships, and building a positive environment for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
Starting with smaller weekday events, the organization began rebuilding from the ground up while preparing for a much larger goal.
2026 — Celebrating 10 Years
Ten years after that first gathering at the Brighton Park & Ride, Great Lakes Car Meets is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Over the past decade, GLCM has hosted hundreds of events, welcomed thousands of enthusiasts, and created countless memories throughout Michigan's automotive community.
While much has changed since 2016, the mission remains the same:
To provide a welcoming place for automotive enthusiasts to gather, connect, and share their passion.
The story of Great Lakes Car Meets is still being written, and we're excited to see where the next chapter leads.
Thank you to everyone who has attended an event, supported the community, volunteered their time, or helped make GLCM what it is today.
Here's to the next chapter.
CONTACT
Contact Us
Tel: (517) 418-7145
Email: greatlakescarmeets@gmail.com