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At 5:00 p.m., the originators of Onawa’s GRAFFITI NIGHT, the “CLASSICS” Car Club, took the event back to where it all began 25 years ago. . .to Michael’s Drive-In. Vehicles began pouring in around 4:30 p.m. and continued up until 8:00 p.m. There were dash plaques and ‘goodie bag’ items to the first 300 vehicles .cruisin’ into the drive-in. The Car Club also offered up some full-color souvenir 25th Anniversary GRAFFITI NIGHT T-Shirts which sold out fast.
A DJ played everyone’s favorite tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, while drawings for a large number of door prizes were called out every 10 minutes. During the evening, a wedding party even visited Michael’s to look at all the vehicles. . .in full formal dress!!
Some 233 of the koolest street rods, customs and classics were all lined-up in the late afternoon sun. Cars came from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, Texas and even Arizona!!
Architect’s drawings of Onawa’s new fire station were on display, and the “CLASSICS” were accepting free-will donations from participants to assist the fire department in the purchase of tables, chairs, kitchen accessories, etc. for the new station.
The fire department flew their huge flag from the top of the department’s ladder truck, first downtown and then at the Drive-In. . .almost every participant commented that it was very impressive.
At 8:30 p.m., many participants lined-up for the Cruise down the “Widest Main Street in the U.S.A”, which made this event so popular in its formative years. The Cruise line extended up and down Onawa’s “Infamous” Tenth Street “Loop” and through the State Park Loop at Lewis & Clark State Park, where the Friends of Discovery were also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Onawa’s Lewis & Clark Festival.
After the Cruise, many participants headed for home or lingered at Michael’s before heading out or calling it a night at the Super 8 Motel.
Back downtown, the “locals” and spectators in town for the event during the day, were treated to live bands in the City parking lot on 8th Street from 9:00 to midnight. O’Neill’s Tavern also offered up an outdoor service area, and Suds ‘n Jugs featured karaoke “where you could be the star”.
To relive the good ol’ days, the Iowa Theater sponsored a free late show at 10:00 p.m. featuring the movie American Graffiti.
The members of the “CLASSICS” Car Club would like to thank everyone who supported their 25th Anniversary Celebration of Onawa’s Original Blast from the Past GRAFFITI NIGHT.A BIG THANKS to the members of the Onawa Police Department, Onawa Fire Department and City of Onawa and I.D.O.T. Garage in Onawa for all their help.. . .see ya next year
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