Marilyn and Chuck Rowland: What caused hold up in Graffiti Parade? Why did it end so soon?
Every year my husband and I look forward to the Graffiti Parade. We drive our 1963 Volvo station wagon in it, and knew that it would be especially enjoyable this year since the weather was perfect. Everything seemed to be just fine for about the first half hour. Then all movement stopped, and we waited and waited and waited northbound on McHenry, wondering why there was this lengthy delay.
There didn’t seem to be any accident or breakdown. After about half an hour, we finally got moving again and assumed all was well. But no, there was another stop as we were going south. Again, the unexplained stop was for half an hour. By the time we finished the first complete circuit of about 4 1/2 miles, we were back downtown and it was 8:30. To our complete surprise, the police were directing us away from the planned route. In other words, we were not allowed to drive a second circuit.
We assumed there would be an explanation in The Bee. But there wasn’t. Will there ever be some information as to what caused these glitches in Modesto signature event? We are left with an unpleasant memory of Modesto’s major claim to fame.
Marilyn and Chuck Rowland, Modesto
Editor’s note: Modesto police report the large number of cars involved in this year’s parade accounted for occasional delays.
This story was originally published June 12, 2017 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Marilyn and Chuck Rowland: What caused hold up in Graffiti Parade? Why did it end so soon?."