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American Graffiti Cruise attracts attention Thursdays

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Other than confusion about whether Ramona’s Thursday night car cruise activity is called American Graffiti Cruise Night Ramona or Ramona American Graffiti Cruise, the cruise night has experienced initial success.

“So far everything’s gone really smoothly,” said Jerry Teller, who others credit as being the organizer.

The first cruise night took place June 4 and drew approximately 40 drivers. The second cruise on June 11 attracted the drivers of approximately 50 vehicles.

“We had a good time,” Teller said.

The Cajon Classic Cruise is on Wednesday nights in Downtown El Cajon. Cruisin’ Grand is Escondido’s Friday night car show. Both of those involve the cars being parked for viewers to appreciate.

Ramona American Graffiti Cruise participants drive around Ramona streets.

“We cruise,” Teller said. “I thought that maybe it would be kind of cool to do.”

Teller made flyers and handed them out in front of Ron’s Tires.

“One of the guys just took a picture of it and put it on Facebook,” Teller said. “Everybody jumped on Facebook and kind of got it going.”

The cruise night’s name on the Facebook page is Ramona American Graffiti Cruise.

Downtown La Mesa has also traditionally had a cruise night that has been on Thursdays. Due to construction in that area, La Mesa is not having a cruise night this year.

“I just thought Thursday night would be a good night for us to do it,” Teller said.

The drivers depart from Ron’s Tires at 2560 Main St. and make approximately four passes around Main Street. The cruises begin at 7:15 p.m. and last for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Unlike the classic car shows elsewhere, Ramona American Graffiti Cruise does not have a cutoff date, and both older cars and newer cars participate.

Restaurants in other communities see increased business on the nights of the car shows. The cruising format rather than a static show has not hurt Ramona restaurants.

“A couple of places had quite a few people in front of the restaurant watching,” Teller said. “We had a lot of people along the street this last time.”

The El Cajon, La Mesa, and Escondido car shows are seasonal. Ramona American Graffiti Cruise will likely be year-round if weather permits.

“As long as it ain’t raining, we’ll do it,” Teller said. “There will be Thursdays that rain, and nobody will go out then.”

Teller added that earlier sundown times during fall and winter will likely lead to earlier starting times for the cruise nights then.

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