U-Matic

Freedom Fest Festival Duckie 500 @ Fox, 5-25-91

U-Matic tape containing footage of the 1991 Freedom 500, a remoted controller car race held between the mayors of Detroit and Windsor as part of the kick-off celebration for the International Freedom Festival. The event features mayors Coleman A. Young and John Millson, and is held in the lobby of the Fox Theatre.

The tape begins with silent footage of a banner promoting the Wheels of Freedom Antique Automobile Parade and Car show on Woodward Avenue. A motorcade, including a pair of antique cars and several Detroit Police Department cars, then turns from East Montcalm Street on Woodward Avenue, where they stop in front of the Fox Theatre. Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, and Windsor Mayor John Millson, are the filmed getting out of the car and entering the theater's lobby.

After a cut, filming continues, this time with distorted audio. Bagpipers and a Navy color guard are followed down the steps of the Fox's lobby by the mayors and other officials. After a brief introduction from master of ceremonies Dwayne X. Riley, Officer Harold Taylor sings "O Canada," and "The Star Spangled Banner." Riley then returns to the podium to introduce officials from both countries.

Next Detroit's General Chairman John Archambault addresses the crowd. He thanks the event's sponsors and volunteers, and announces the festivals theme, "salute to the armed services." He then recognizes Captain Steve Tate of the U.S. Air Force, the first airman to down a plane in the Gulf War. Archambault then continues to explain some of the events fitting the festival's theme including a drill team; the Desert Storm tribute; military bands; and a visits from the U.S. Navy frigate USS NICHOLAS, the U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker MACKINAW, and the Coast Guard buoy tender MARIPOSA. He also mentions Jeff MacInnis, who will leave from the festival in a solar-powered catamaran to circumnavigate the Great Lakes. He also lists the Spirit of Detroit Gold Cup hydroplane race; the Detroit Grand Prix; the Wheels of Freedom car parade; a screening by Cinema Canada at the Detroit Film Theatre; Children's Day in the Cultural Center; the Hart Beat Games in Hart Plaza; and music from McDonalds Gospelfest, Los Lobos, and Leon Russell. Finally he talks about the Hudson's Freedom Festival Fireworks.

Next, Rick Hamilton, president of the Windsor Freedom Festival Committee, talks about his city's plans for the festival. He mentions a new riverfront location for events, the Amazing Science Adventure exhibit, and the Wheels of Freedom antique car show and parade. He then announces Jim Moir as the winner of the annual Paul Lutzier Award.

Mayor Millson then takes to the podium to extend thanks the United States for their role in policing the world, and mentions Canada's recession and political difficulties.

He is followed by Mayor Young who talks about economic problems in Detroit. He also mentions plans to expand the Ambassador Bridge's plazas.

Riley then returns to the podium, where he presents Freedom 500 hats to both mayors. He also announces which remote controlled cars both mayors will be driving--Young with a 1949 Mercury, and Millson with a 1939 Ford 2-door sedan. The recording cuts as Riley explains the race's rules.

The recording returns with the mayors approaching the course. During the race, Young has difficulty with his car. Millson stops short of the finish line on his final lap, waits for Young's car, then speeds across just before Young can catch up. Riley proves commentary during the race.

Afterward, John Archambault takes to the podium, and presents Young with the trophy. Young, Millson, and Riley then joke about the unexpected decision.

After a cut, Young is then surrounded by reporters in the Fox Theatre' lobby. Although the room's ambient sounds muffle most of their conversations, the reporters appear to be asking him about a sting that caught several Detroit police officers attempting to provide protection to FBI agents posing as drug dealers. The tape then ends following a very brief clip from an Economic Club of Detroit event.

The video is on a 3M UCA-60 U-Matic tape with a handwritten 3M label on its top. The tape is housed within a black plastic latching U-Matic case with a matching label on its cover.