MODESTO —The spirit of “American Graffiti” is back for Graffiti Summer 2023.

The Modesto cruise centered on 10th & 11th Streets that inspired George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” film is being celebrated Saturday, June 5, at the 10th Street Plaza.

The “Walk of Fame” Class of ’24 is being unveiled with a special new addition of the Grand Marshal of the American Graffiti Festival Pete “Kiki” Rodriguez, the founding member of the Modesto Impalas and representing Modesto’s low rider community, who were largely responsible for helping overturn the Ban on Cruising here in Modesto.

 This years’ markers will be added to the Walk of Fame alongside the American Graffiti film stars that have been recognized, such as Mackenzie Phillips, Candy Clark, Paul LaMat, the late Bo Hopkins, and director George Lucas.

The Graffiti USA Museum Park ‘n’ Shine Show will begin at 5:30 p.m. featuring over 300 hot rods and classic cars along 10th Street between J and K Streets, in conjunction with the Faros and Modesto Area Street Road Car Club.

The ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. with live music with Third Party until 8:30 p.m.

 The Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route Walk of Fame sidewalk markers celebrate the Legends of the Cruise that made it all happen.

They are the cruisers, the racers, the musicians, the students, the DJs, and the dreamers that inspired a young George Lucas and continue to bring Modestocana to life today and are the inspiration for the under construction Graffiti USA Museum.

 Five local legends and a fraternity will be added to the Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame: Raymond Lee, Vito Masellis, Larry Pippin, Pete “Kiki” Rodriguez, Don Wenstrand, Larry Wing, and the REGS – Fraternity

 . Host of the evening is ModestoView’s Chris Murphy.

 The Legends of the Cruise “Walk of Fame” and Modesto Historic Cruise Route was created by Chris Murphy in partnership with the City of Modesto and the Graffiti USA Museum. \

The Walk of Fame markers and were fabricated and donated by ModestoView, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group, and the amazing team of Mat Rogers and the Flying Turtle Concrete team and installed by the City of Modesto Streets Team.  Legends are selected by the Legends of the Cruise Members.

Want more Modesto Historic Cruise Route information, or have a few cool pictures you want to share? Visit www.modestocruiseroute.com, www.graffitiusamuseum.com and www.visitmodesto.com