This weekend, Petaluma gears up for its annual homage to the iconic film “American Graffiti” with an array of festivities sure to delight car enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike.
Among the highlights is the return of VW Row at the Mail Depot, a nod to those rebels who dared to drive Volkswagen Beetles back in 1962. Last year, Maureen McGuigan, owner of the Mail Depot, spearheaded the initiative after learning that VW owners were excluded from the main car show due to its focus on American-made models. This year, 18 classic air-cooled VWs will proudly be on display, a testament to McGuigan’s initiative and the diversity of automotive culture.
But the main event, of course, is the Salute to American Graffiti itself. Kicking off with a Cruise-In and Kickoff Social at Plaza North Shopping Center on Friday night, the festivities continue throughout Saturday in downtown Petaluma. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the streets will come alive with classic cars, live music, retro food, and a variety of ’60s-themed attractions. Attendees will have the chance to admire hundreds of vintage vehicles, many parked along the very same streets immortalized in the film.
Notably, this year’s car cruise route is expanding, offering drivers a longer journey through Petaluma’s historic downtown and even venturing into residential areas along D Street, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage.
It’s important to note that this is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event, with proceeds supporting charitable causes such as the Petaluma Save-A-Life Project and scholarships for local initiatives in arts, education, and history.
For those looking to dive deeper into the “American Graffiti” experience, additional events like a screening of the film at the Mystic Theatre on Friday night and the VW Row showcase at the Mail Depot on Saturday offer added excitement.
So, rev your engines and join us as we celebrate the spirit of classic Americana and the enduring legacy of “American Graffiti” in the heart of Petaluma.
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