Ramona car cruise event returns April 15

The eighth annual Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Nights will make Main Street a happening place again starting April 15.

All types of vehicles are welcome to participate in the free event, where drivers cruise up and down the main drag from 6 p.m. until it gets dark.

Graffiti Cruise organizer Leroy Clubb said the route will alternate with three weeks of cruising on Main Street and one week of cruising in Ramona neighborhoods each month. The format was modified last year as a way to entertain people who were at home, quarantining or avoiding crowds as a coronavirus precaution.

“We’ll try to pick a different route each time in the neighborhoods,” Clubb said. “Everyone is welcome to come out and cruise with us.”

Highlights of this year’s season, which will continue through early September, include a graduation cruise. Clubb said the cruise will be planned on a Thursday near the graduation dates of Ramona High, Montecito High and Olive Peirce Middle schools on a date to be determined.

Another highlight will be a 1950s-style Sock Hop on June 24 in the Albertsons parking lot at 1459 Main St. The Sock Hop will feature entertainment by Elvis tribute artist Todd “TNT” Torres, music by DJ Paul Palombo and a photo booth provided by Renee Ramos.

A Ramona American Graffiti Cruise Car Show will also return May 15 after a yearlong break due to COVID-19, Clubb said. Although the Ramona Senior Center fundraising event has traditionally been held outside the Senior Center/Community Center at 434 Aqua Lane, it is being moved to Grace Community Church of Ramona at 1234 Barger Place — at least for now.

“We weren’t allowed to have it at the Senior Center so the church kindly stepped up and said we could use their facility,” Clubb said. “A big thank you to them for stepping up.”

The car show, which includes free hot dogs, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spectators can attend for free, but participating vehicle owners will be asked to contribute a donation to the Senior Center.