COVID causes celebrity to drop out of Modesto Graffiti celebration; party to continue
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Despite a pandemic-related hiccup, Graffiti Summer in Modesto is under way this week with plenty of events planned for car lovers and fans of Modesto native George Lucas’ 1973 homage to his hometown.
Mackenzie Phillips, who had a role in “American Graffiti” as a young teen driving around with drag race champion John Milner (Paul LeMat), is among the inductees into the Legend of the Cruise Walk of Fame. She was scheduled to attend this year’s event but tested positive for COVID-19, organizer Chris Murphy confirmed Monday.
“We have a GREAT lineup of inductees,” Murphy said in an email.
The centerpiece of the activities is a three-day car extravaganza hosted by the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto.
Friday, June 10, brings the car parade, a nod to the “cruising” that took place for years and was at the center of “American Graffiti,” which is set in 1962.
Modesto City Councilwoman Jenny Kenoyer will be grand marshal of the parade and is being honored for her years of community service. She also will be inducted into the Legend of the Cruise Walk of Fame.
Saturday and Sunday bring the American Graffiti Festival & Car Show, where spectators can walk through rows of vintage and classic vehicles at the Modesto Junior College West Campus. Bands will provide music, and there will be special guest appearances and more.
Car customizer John D’Agostino and actress Candy Clark from “American Graffiti” will be at the festival.
MJC’s Great Valley Museum and planetarium will be open both days of the car show with a discounted admission of $1.
The Graffiti Museum, now under construction on North Ninth Street, presents this year’s inductees into the Walk of Fame on Wednesday. Along with Phillips and Kenoyer, inductees are Ron Pippin, Bob Rose, Vern Silva, Dan Vierra and the Deacons Car Club. There will be a car show during the event and live music following. Car show 5:30 p.m., inductions 6:30 p.m. 10th Street Plaza, Modesto. Wednesday’s events are free. www.modestocruiseroute.com.
