Ramona American Graffiti Cruise to suspend weekly parades Sept. 8

Ramona American Graffiti Cruise, the weekly event that started last year, will end its 2016 run on Sept. 8, giving area residents two more opportunities to enjoy the colorful show.

The popular event, started by Ramona residents Jerry and Kristy Keller in the spring of 2015, quickly became a phenomenal happening that turns Ramona into a celebration of Americana each Thursday evening. Spectators line up along Main Street, sitting on lawn chairs, blankets or vehicles, to watch the parade of vehicles cruise by. Some bring picnic dinners while others take advantage of the outdoor seating Ramona restaurants offer.

The cruise has been a boon to businesses as many merchants keep their doors open later on Thursday evenings. Restaurants and other businesses offer “Cruise Night Specials.”

The cruise nights are just being suspended for the winter and will resume in April, the Kellers told the Sentinel.

Vehicles participating in cruise nights traditionally start at Ron’s Tire & Brake at 2560 Main St. about 6:15 p.m. and ride up Main Street through Old Town and back until dusk or a bit later, but riders of classic and vintage cars, motor bikes and more may enter the parade anywhere along the route.

For a sample of what will be on Main Street the next two Thursdays, Sept. 1 and 8, see the Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Facebook page.