More than 225,000 Devotees Flock to Blue Oval Mecca

The tents are down and crowds have departed from Ford Motor Companys 152 acre world headquarters complex, but still the memories remain of the automakers centennial celebration that lasted from June 12 through 16.

Ford estimated that more than 225,000 people came to the five-day affair, called "The Road is Ours."

"Attendance at the event was far beyond our expectations, said Gary Nielsen, executive director, Centennial Operations, Ford Motor Company. "We anticipated about 100,000 guests over the five days and we are thrilled by the huge turnout. Including todays visitors, our total numbers topped 225,000."

There are still several ancillary events related to Fords 100th anniversary that will be occurring

Ford was expecting around 100,000 guests for its five-day centennial celebration, but was pleasantly surprised when numbers topped 225,000. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

One of the many ancillary events of the centennial celebration included the Model A Restorers Club meeting in Dearborn, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the successor to the Model T. (Photo: Joseph Cabadas, American Auto Press)

There will be a Model T tour of the Detroit area later in July (this is separate from the cross-country Model T tour leading up to the centennial), a national Mustang Owners Club

In addition to the cross-country Model T tour leading up to the centennial, there will also be a Model T tour of the Detroit area later in July. (Photo: Ford Motors)

Heres a run down of some of the more interesting things that occurred at the centennial celebration, in no particular order:

- An overflow crowd of an estimated 1,500 shareholders attended the 48th annual shareholders meeting at the companys Conference and Event Center, near the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, in Dearborn. Security guards were stationed

Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and current CEO, and 66 other members of the Ford family were on hand to attend the stockholders meeting. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, is the fourth member of the family to head the company. Edsel B. Ford I officially served as president from 1919 until his death in 1943, although many historians would argue that he was overshadowed by his father and rivals like production

Ford is on track to turn itself around from the $6.4 billion loss in 2001-2002, with an increase in quality and 65 new or revised vehicles debuting in the next five years. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

About 66 members of the Ford family attended the stockholders meeting, including Bill Fords father, William Clay Ford Sr., and cousin Edsel B. Ford II.

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