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We delayed this newsletter to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Back to the Bricks®
November 2025 Newsletter
| | Latest from the Chairman of the Board | | |
Hello Back to the Bricks® Friends,
As we gather our thoughts during this season of gratitude, I want to reflect on what an exciting and productive month November has been for Back to the Bricks®. We recently held our Annual Meeting, and it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm, dedication, and unity of our Board of Directors. This organization is driven by passionate individuals who care deeply about our mission, our history, and the positive impact we continue to have in our community. Their commitment to stewarding this nonprofit is the foundation of our ongoing success.
As we wind down the 21st year of Back to the Bricks®, we are already gearing up for an even stronger 22nd year. Momentum is building quickly. Our President, Amber Taylor, has been hard at work cultivating sponsorships and partnerships that will sustain and expand our events. Meetings are already underway for Chrome & Ice, Dust ‘em Off, the Promo Tour, and even our Summer Events. Our team is preparing early so we can deliver the high-quality experiences our participants and fans look forward to every year.
Another exciting development is the upcoming launch of our Members Only Program. We’re confident our supporters will be thrilled with what’s coming, and we can’t wait to share more details soon.
This month, I also want to highlight two individuals who embody the spirit of volunteer leadership that makes Back to the Bricks® what it is. First, our sincere gratitude goes to Bob Ayre, who has expertly managed our Food Truck Vendors for years. Bob has been with Back to the Bricks® since the very beginning, contributing on nearly every committee and serving wherever he was needed. Bob and his wife, Jill, have been pillars on the Promo Tour Committee—helping with the kickoff breakfast and working the information booth alongside Chairman Pete Cimbala. Bob’s dedication has been invaluable, and now is a well-deserved moment for him to take a break.
I also want to congratulate Stam (Stan) Cohoon for stepping up to lead our Food Truck Vendors. I first met Stan on the Promo Tour many years ago, and after seeing the energy and support he and his wife, Cheryl, brought year after year, I invited him to join the committee. He eventually agreed—and has been a reliable, enthusiastic volunteer ever since. From Dust ’Em Off to Tune-Up Parties, the Main Event, and countless moments in between, Stan has been a tremendous asset and friend to all of us.
As we look forward to next year’s excitement, I want to wish each of you a warm, joyful, and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support and the part you play in helping Back to the Bricks® thrive.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Thank you,
Al Jones
Chairman of the Board
Back to the Bricks®
810-625-2713
aljones@backtothebricks.org
| | | Chrome & Ice™ Registration is OPEN | |
11th Annual Chrome & Ice™ Winter Indoor Classic Car Event
Feb 13th - 15th, 2026
Were planning the FIRST Car Show of the NEW Year, Chrome & Ice™. It is a three-day indoor car show held at Dort Financial Center in Flint Michigan, presented by General Motors, and brought to you by Dort Financial Credit Union.
Year after year, the Back to the Bricks® team works hard to bring you a wonderful display of unbelievable cars, and this first show in 2026 will be another to get excited about. Our ever-favorite VIP Experience event will be back, but this year will take place on Thursday, Feb 12th.
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This year, you have 3 choices for registration:
High Octane: $90 a $206 Value
This package includes everything and is ideal for a couple or group of friends.
- Parking for the weekend
- 2 Wristbands – Entry for the weekend
- 2 Collector Long Sleeve T-shirts
- 2 Saturday Driver Catered Lunches
- Car Placard, included.
- Coffee/Snacks each morning included.
Premium: $80 a $181 Value
This package is perfect for two, but it only includes one shirt.
- Parking for the weekend
- 2 Wristbands – Entry for the weekend
- 1 Collector Long Sleeve T-shirt
- 2 Saturday Driver Catered Lunches
- Car Placard, included.
- Coffee/Snacks each morning included.
Unleaded: $70 a $133 Value
This package is recommended for a single participant for the entire weekend.
- Parking for the weekend
- 1 Wristband – Entry for the weekend
- 1 Collector Long Sleeve T-shirt
- 1 Saturday Driver Catered Lunches
- Car Placard, included.
- Coffee/Snacks each morning included.
You will be able to purchase extra items separately, like an extra Collector Shirt, Wristbands, or even a Catered Driver Lunch Ticket on Saturday.
| | Chrome & Ice™ VENDOR Registration is OPEN | | |
VENDORS
Want more information about being at this years event???
You can visit our website to find out more on becoming a sponsor or vendor, or click here to be just be a vendor at this show.
| | Chrome & Ice™ VIP EXPERIENCE | |
VIP Experience Thursday, February 12th
Get your tickets NOW!!! Proceeds from Chrome & Ice™ and the VIP Experience will support the Back to the Bricks® Youth Scholarship Fund. Tickets for the VIP Experience are $50.00 each.
They will include:
* General admission to the car show
* Live musical entertainment
* A complimentary adult beverage at any of several bars/concession stands in the arena
* Gourmet hors d’oeuvres catered by Creative Catering
* Delicious desserts, courtesy of the Dort Financial Credit Union.
A ticket for the VIP Experience also entitles guests to free parking, a lanyard, & complimentary coat check. Event held at the Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503.
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The Back to the Bricks® Holiday Market is BACK!
Pick up some great new and older items, and SAVE.
We will have some ALL NEW items we know you will love. So please come see us at our partner and sponsors' location, Denam Auto Brokers & Trailer Sales,
G4510 S Dort Hwy, Burton, the corner of Maple and Dort Hwy.
Thursday, December 4th, 12pm - 8pm
Friday, December 5th, 10am - 6pm
Saturday, December 6th, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, December 7th, 10am - 3pm
| | Back to the Bricks® Online Merchandise Store | | | |
Our Online Store is OPEN
We've got new merchandise coming to the online store. GET your Holiday Gifts shipped right to you.
Start Shopping HERE
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By: Gary Fisher
President - Genesee County Historical Society
It’s that time of the year when the Genesee County Historical Society celebrates the
birthday of William C. “Billy” Durant, co- creator of the Durant Dort Carriage Company,
savior of Buick, creator of General Motors, Chevrolet and Frigidaire.
You are cordially invited to join us for this big annual party that also doubles as a
Christmas celebration. This year we’ll be having our usual fantastic dinner at the Elks
Lodge where Billy was member #1. Music will be provided by Varsity DJ services, and
the food and service will be provided by the always terrific Elks team.
Our program this year is called “Turning Point” and will feature a lively conversation with
myself and former Flint Mayor Matt Collier, and longtime television anchor and
personality newsman Bill Harris. There will also be lots of other fun stuff and of course a
great birthday and Christmas party to boot!
For more information and to get tickets to to: GeneseeHistory.org
Hope to see you there!
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Al’s Garage
Vol. #6, Issue #11
"What happened to 2025"
We now find ourselves in the throngs of fall may be asking ourselves ‘what happened to 2025?’ Is it just me, or does it seem like the older I get the faster time goes by? Do you remember when we were kids and the days seemed to drag on? So what does this have to do with the car hobby?
Like many of you, we all know someone who has a ‘project car’ sitting in the corner of their garage. The typical answer is ‘I’m going to restore it.’ Unfortunately, that answer has been the same for the past ten, twenty years or more! My question is ‘why not sell it to someone who will get it back on the road’? I have been fortunate to purchase a couple of garage/barn finds in the past couple of years. My wife and I purchased a 1953 Nash Healey LeMans coupe a couple of years ago. It languished in a single car garage in the Chicago suburbs for over fifty years. For the most part the car was all original and sported a very good body. All parts were present, but the engine and transmission were out of the car. The engine had been rebuilt but after fifty years of sitting in an engine stand it had seized up. It was nothing that some acetone and ATF transmission fluid could not free up. My good friend, Hector, and I tore the engine down and low and behold all of the internals were brand new. What is the old saying, ‘even a blind squirrel can find an acorn once in a while’ proved to be true.
Moving on, the car is now road worthy with the help of my friends and son. What turned out to be the biggest challenge was installing a new wiring system, but the challenge was overcome. The car (which is one of one-hundred and six) is a survivor car. The paint and trim are what I call ‘serviceable’ and will remain that way for the foreseeable future.
The point of this is ‘why keep something squirreled away for decades? Why not sell it and let someone else get it back on the road As for Nash Healey, we purchased it from an estate sale and unfortunately the owner never saw it back on the road. We sent his brother who handled the estate sale a video of the car on the road. His response, my brother is smiling down on us knowing that the car of his dreams is now road worthy.’
As for the year going by so fast, that comes with old age. Not that I am firmly planted in ‘geezerdom, but I know about procrastination, and I am not getting any younger. Next issue of ‘Al’s Garage’ will be another story of a 1940 Midget Sprint car that was recently rescued out from a barn.
Have a great ‘Thanksgiving’ and try not to eat too much.
Keep on rollin'
Al Hatch
Founder of the Back to the Bricks®
Chairman Emeritus
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