Wednesday, May 30, 2018 — 25
Graffiti Summer – What’s Not To Love? Whether or not you have ever seen the movie American Graffiti, heard about or maybe even did a little ‘cruising’ along McHenry Avenue yourself or ever broke out in song when a selection from ‘Grease’ comes on the radio, there’s just something about Graffiti Summer that speaks to everyone. From root beer floats to baseball, car cruises to movie showings, parades and music, the iconic ‘graffiti’ mentality is alive and well. There are festivities throughout the month and most are family-
friendly, appropriate for all ages. It’s a great way to welcome in the summer season and pay homage to Modesto’s history. On Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, A&W Root Beer at 1404 G St., Modesto, will have car shows, hula hoop contests, karaoke and, welcoming back the old days, car hops on roller skates will be serve up root beer floats. Also throughout the summer, the Velvet Creamery at 2204 McHenry Ave., will feature car shows every Wednesday night, with raffles and fun activities.
Special programs at Modesto Symphony Orchestra, The State Theatre and Gallo Center for the Arts are scheduled throughout the month as well going along with the graffiti theme. A special ceremony, set for Wednesday, June 6, is this year’s induction of local celebrities into the historical Graffiti Walk of Fame. The event at the 10th Street Plaza in downtown Modesto starts at 6:30 p.m. and along with the ceremony, live music will be provided by the Third Party Band to add to the festive evening.
The Central Valley summer sun helps classic cars shine brightly; owners who carefully prep their prized possessions for display make sure even the headlights and everything under the hood is in pristine condition.
Admirers take their time to stroll along the avenues of cars, a familiar summer sight all around the Central Valley, with a plethora of car shows for classic car owners and lovers alike. A ‘Downtown Cruise In’ is planned on June 8, following the Kiwanis Club Classic Car Parade, with music honoring Buddy Holly and with several live bands ready to perform at 1010 10th St., from 9 p.m. to 111 p.m. As far as baseball goes, the Modesto Nuts get in on the action for Graffiti Summer by hosting a special Graffiti Night on Saturday, June 16. The evening will feature classic cars, root beer floats, rock ‘n roll music from the ‘50s and ‘60s and a game against the rival Stockton Ports. Topping off the night will be a fireworks show.
The fun is at John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive in Modesto and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. A car and bike show will be staged in conjunction with the Saturday, June 23 Modesto Blues Festival, at McHenry Event Center, 945 McHenry Ave. The music runs from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. with outside and inside stages; admission is $5 and must be 21 and over. Rounding out the month’s festivities, on Sunday, June 24, will be the 11th annual Rod and Custom Car Show, hosted at the Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto, benefitting the charitable works of the
Modesto Elks. No admission for spectators, the show opens at 9 a.m. and awards are presented at 3 p.m. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and there will be classic cars and custom hot rods on display, with music to enjoy as well as food and beverages available to purchase. Car registration is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event and includes lunch; call 209-529-0366 for more information. These are just a handful of the special events that will make up Graffiti Summer – for a full listing and additional information, visit www.VISITMODESTO.com.
Two-Day Festival Marks 20 Years Mark the calendar for Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, and make plans to enjoy the American Graffiti Car Show and Festival, hosted by the North Modesto Kiwanis.
Staged at the Municipal Golf Course at 400 Tuolumne Boulevard, this year marks the 20th annual event put on by the club. From humble beginnings to now being a major car show
that draws entries from throughout the Central Valley and well beyond its borders, the proceeds from the show benefit a number of local charities. Saturday show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday
hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Not only will there be hundreds of vehicles to view, but the two-day fest also features specially selected vendors and a wide variety of food booths. There won’t be a
shortage of food, drink or merchandise, making this the perfect family fun event. Live music will be provided throughout both days of the car show and festival as well. Admission is $10 for adults,
kids 12 and under free, tickets are available at the gate. Registration for vehicles is $60; more information is available at w w w.americangraff itifestival.com.