The BigView – Graffiti Summer 2021
By Chris Murphy
Graffiti Summer is here! Wow. In August!
Does this mean that we have our own Hot August Nights as for a few weeks, the classic car universe revolves around Modesto USA? So yes friends, let’s get out the poodle skirts, your Bill Haley and Chuck Berry records, shine up the chrome on your favorite classic, and head to a local drive in or your favorite hangout and do a bit of cruising. Ignore those signs and celebrate our history. We are indeed the “intergalactic home of American Graffiti” the “Home of George Lucas” and as such, the “birthplace of Star Wars”. Yes, it all connects and it is time to celebrate as we celebrate a delayed Graffiti Summer, introduce new Legends of the Cruise on the Walk of Fame and show the world how cool we are.
It Almost Never Happened
We can’t forget how close we came to having none of these things. Miraculously, George Lucas survived a horrific accident in his custom racing Fiat near his home off of Sylvan Avenue, before his high school graduation. His survival made him focus more on his education studying Anthropology and developing his passion of story telling and film-making at USC. As they say, the rest is history. Lucas continued to support the racing career of his friend and Shelby Cobra racer Allen Grant as he went to film school, even designing the yellow livery of the race-winning car. The future creation of American Graffiti, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and so much more was in motion.
Where it all began.
Burge’s Drive in was the Modesto place that started it all. The unique round drive-in opened in 1947 and was a refreshing motorist beacon along old Highway 99 in years after the end of World War II, when car travel became popular. But in the evenings, Burge’s became a place for the youth of Modesto to hang out. The classes of ’47 to ’67 made the weekend evenings a happening place. ModestoView readers get an exclusive look of never before seen Burge’s photos thanks to the personal photo collection of the late Tony Ramirez, son of long time Burge’s carhop and Cruise Legend, Gerry Ramirez. These are were the Graffiti stories originated along the downtown streets.
American Graffiti is a Hit
George Lucas’ American Graffiti was released to critical and box office success on premiering on August 2 and released on August 11, 1973. Since then, Modesto USA has been immortalized in one of the top 100 films of all time, launching the careers of Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark and more. There were so many people, cars and experiences that George drew inspiration from his nights on 10th and 11th Streets and these were all put together for this legendary film that is popular around the world.
Graffiti Night Gets Huge
The weekend after school got out was known as Graffiti weekend and the Friday was Graffiti Night. I remember watching Grease with my girlfriend at the Briggsmore Theater on Graffiti Night and then cruising McHenry along with thousands of our best friends. Graffiti Night grew through the years until it got too big in 1993 and was shut down.
Graffiti Night Returns
In the early 2000s, the Graffiti spirit came back to life with the North Modesto Kiwanis Club creating the American Graffiti Festival. This event grew and events like Back to Graffiti, Mid Valley Chevy Park and Shines and the Modesto Area Street Rod shows grew and became more popular. The Friday night cruise parade features over 1000 cars and attracts 25,000 spectators.
Graffiti Summer Lives On
Graffiti Summer is an international attraction, drawing people from all of the main continents to get their slice of “Modestocana”. There is a special feeling in the air during Graffiti Summer where you can hear Australian, French, Chinese and British accents on our downtown streets as the art and excitement of this era is on display on the streets, parking lots, movie screens and driveways of Modesto. The vroom of a big motor, and the squeal of tires can be heard all across the town.
Car Shows for Everyone
Graffiti Summer isn’t all about just classic cars. There are car shows and car styles for everyone. Modesto is home to many cool Low Rider and custom clubs like the Modesto Customs, Modesto Impalas and more. This is a very important part of our local culture as the Latino culture is a key part of Rockabilly culture, car culture and our musical culture and the future is so bright for these cool cars and you will see them at our local shows and on the cover of this August issue. Music, art, cars and culture all blend together in Modesto USA. It’s a beautiful tradition and the detail of these cars are amazing.
Cars and Coffee
Do you love the exotic cars of the Fast and Furious? Fancy a sharp Ferrari or super fast Honda? Do you feel that need for super speed, sleek lines and high power motors? The Cars and Coffee movement is growing all over and some of these cars are becoming classic and part of our culture. There is a special event this month with a special day of Fast and Furious series films at the State Theatre and special free concert with 5-time Grammy winner Julius Melendez and his All-Star band in 10t St Plaza on August 28 at 5 pm for the Furiously Fast Weekend.
For more info – www.visitmodesto.com and www.thestate.org
www.facebook.com/carsandcoffeemodesto
Graffiti USA Museum
For years, Modesto has been working on a variety of ways to celebrate our classic history, educate the public and draw tourists from around the world and now, the Graffiti USA Museum is under construction, that will be a beacon to Graffiti fans of all ages from all around the world. Please consider being a part of this exciting project. You can learn more at www.graffitiusamuseum.com
Classic Graffiti Murals
Modesto USA is home to some of the best classic Graffiti themed murals anywhere. From the ’32 Deuce at 13th & J to the State Theatre inspired mural in the Art Alley on J Street, there are big works of art to check out. Some of these murals may be at risk as two of the buildings have sold. So please get out and enjoy this while they are there and in the meantime, we will be looking for new places to place classic murals. You can also check out the hometown themed murals by Murals in MoTown and DoMo Walls in the Alley connecting J and 10th Street.
So many great things to see and show to your friends.
www.facebook.com/classiccommunitymurals
www.facebook.com/muralsinmotown
Graffiti Future
<<75 word text coming soon>>>
Hey Kids!
Get your Graffiti on!
It is never too early to learn about Modesto’s awesome classic cruise history! Modesto USA has a cool history, in Rock ‘n’ Roll, cool cars, sparkle paint jobs, film making, racing in addition to our wine making, rock climbing, acting and performing and music making history. Modesto has many mascots to help young people learn about our businesses, sports teams and civic programs.
Meet Chuck, Rodney and Tina and all of their friends. Learn how cool Modesto can be and get acquainted with some of Modesto’s legendary cars, cruises and stories. Chuck and friends will introduce you to our history, our cruise legends and make it fun to learn about Modesto USA.
You can get your own T-shirts at Modesto Graffiti USA on-line and at the Graffiti USA Museum. Look for the Modesto Graffiti USA trailer at local car shows and events and you can get a coffee mug, fuzzy dice or cool t-shirt. You can even get a “onesie” for a new Graffiti baby!
You can download a free coloring book here:
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Graffiti Shakes
Graffiti Summer & Classic Cars go hand in hand with a delicious milk shake. We are not talking about an oily fast-food milk shake, but we are talking an ice cream and milk loaded blended treat. Complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top. These are some of the most wonderful things ever. Two straws? Instant date loaded with memories.
There are some hall of fame milk shakes in Modesto. Also, many of these places have amazing burgers and fries so you can make it a Graffiti Summer meal with your significant other. The ViewCrew has worked really hard to taste test all of these so that you won’t be let down when you get there. So here are some of our faves.
Scenic Drive In
A & W Drive In
Velvet Creamery
Ice Cream Company
Sno-White Drive In
Picadilly Deli
Sonic Drive In
Frosty King
Fast Eddie’s MOAB
Adult Shakes @ Rivets
Honorable Mention
Chocolate Dipped cones
Sno White Drive In
Frosty King Drive In
Graffiti Word Search
Can you find all of these Graffiti USA words?
Coupe
DragRace
Drive In
Downey
Modesto
Chrome
Burger
Fries
Shake
Impala
Ford
Tenth
Eleventh
TBird
Debbie
Toad
Milner
Faros
Cool Graffiti Things to Check out in town:
Modesto Historic Cruise Route
Classic Community Murals
Lucas Plaza
Graffiti USA Museum (opening Late Fall 2021)
Eat at Graffiti Dogs
Drive in at A & W Drive In
Knock Out Burger at Scenic Drive In
Graffiti Summer Resources
www.modestoview.com
www.visitmodesto.com
www.graffitisummer.com
www.graffitiusamuseum.com
www.facebook.com/classiccommunitymurals
www.modestomusichistory.com
Side Bar
Graffiti Summer Schedule for 2021
