Graffiti Parade returns to Modesto. See the sights, sounds, stories and photos
Vintage cars cruised downtown Modesto once again Friday night in the annual parade celebrating the city’s history and, this year, the return of Graffiti Summer.
The June 2020 American Graffiti Festival Parade and other events were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this year’s parade being a slightly scaled-down version of its usual self, many attendees said they were happy to be back to their Graffiti traditions.
“Modesto feels good about being out and about again,” parade Grand Marshal Chis Murphy said. “There’s a general excitement all over town.”
Murphy, who founded the Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route and Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame, was announced Thursday as the surprise grand marshal. He said he was honored to ride beside other people who cruised Modesto back in its heyday and inspired hometown native George Lucas to make the movie “American Graffiti.”
Car entry was capped at 800 this year compared to typical numbers over 1,000 pre-pandemic, Murphy said. The North Modesto Kiwanis Club began planning their event earlier this summer, making the parade as big as they could as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in June and July.
“As every little door opened, they had to drop plans in right behind it,” Murphy said.
Families camped out up and down the parade route. One group of young cousins camped out along the route dressed up “old school,” sporting a mix of poodle skirts and white greaser T-shirts.
Abel Quezada, 7, even matched accidentally. He wore a pair of Crocs that looked like Lightning McQueen from “Cars” and a “Star Wars” shirt he picked out without knowing the man who made those movies was also the inspiration behind the graffiti parade he came to watch.
The half dozen children, who rattled off their ages as between 6 and 9, said they loved to watch the cars but hated how loud the revving engines could be. They all come with their families every year.
“Except last year,” 9-year-old Julian Prieto remembered, before agreeing that he was happy the event was back.
Despite owning a vintage 1950 Plymouth Business Coup herself, Oakdale resident Darla Coelho came only as a spectator. She said she was worried about her car overheating with its original parts, but she wanted to come support a friend in the parade and see other old cars.
“I like seeing how people fixed up their cars and customize them, all the love they put into it,” Coelho said.
Ron Gaut of Ceres drove his ‘66 Ford truck in the parade as he had in every one since 2017. The parade always reminds Gaut of the old days when he used to actually cruise downtown.
Since the 2020 parade was canceled, Gaut said he was glad to finally be back cruising the streets and showing off his truck again beside the vintage car community.
“It’s almost like a big family reunion,” Gaut said. “It feels really good.”
This story was originally published August 21, 2021 at 6:50 AM.
