We've lived in Modesto for close to eleven years now. And echoing my own bitching and complaining in past blogs, "We hate it here!" Sorry, Modesto lovers everywhere. Yes, it was our choice. No lectures, please.
Despite this aversion for our current location, Modesto does hold that one claim to fame for us fans of American Graffiti. No, it wasn't filmed here (Petaluma and San Rafael were chosen). It was based on George Lucas' actual teenage experiences in the town where he lived for quite a while including attending high school. Many of the street names and other geographical references remained in the script, ie, Paradise Road (where the climatic car race scene was suppose to have taken place).
A few years ago, the American Graffiti Car Show was resurrected. And, it is going on this weekend at Modesto Junior College (one of Lucas' alma maters before heading south to USC film school). Loretta and I managed to spend a few hours there yesterday. It has gotten quite huge. Hundreds of people from all over California and the U.S. converge here with their hot rods and classic cars of all shapes and sizes. There is also the usual contigent of nasty, tomane-potential, fair food peddlers and vendor booths selling almost everything except car-related products. We did buy a bag of fresh-popped pop corn and a couple soft serve ice cream cones. We passed on the polish sausages on a stick, chicken skewers and fried rice plates (the best chance for acquiring a three day case of the runs), and other dangerous, though great smelling barbequed animal flesh concoctions. We were there to gawk at and me to envy the cars! And there were lots to look at.
My favorites: the 60's and 70's muscle cars not customized much beyond their original showroom appearance. Chevelle Super Sports, Pontiac GTO's, and '69 Mustangs tickle my fancy the most. The older, completely-restored-to-original 50's Buicks and Chevys are also sights to behold. I did bring the camera and a new lens. I forgot to bring my wide angle lens, so all the shots are closeups from the telephoto.
As usual, I couldn't help snapping a few self portraits in the shiny chrome bumpers and paint jobs!
The weather was perfect. We ran into a few old friends. And, we had a great time. What else is there? Well, next weekend: The Pismo Car Show.
