Photos: 'Salute To American Graffiti' Car Shows Draws 550 Entries

PETALUMA, CA — Big crowds turned out Saturday for one of the largest-ever "Salute to American Graffiti" car shows, with 550 registered entries this year.

Although portions of "American Graffiti" were produced in other Northern California locations, most of the memorable scenes in George Lucas’ timeless, coming-of-age movie were filmed right here in Petaluma in June and July, 1972.

This year marked the 50th year since the movie was released on the silver screen. Organizers of the annual "Salute to American Graffiti" event invited American model cars 1972 or older to join the annual parade of classic American cars cruising through the streets of downtown Petaluma where most of the movie was filmed.

The event is put on by Cruisin' the Boulevard, Inc., an all-volunteer nonprofit group founded in 2005 by a group of classic car and American Graffiti enthusiasts to pay tribute to the film, rekindle the "happy days" it portrays, and benefit Petaluma.

Net proceeds from each annual Salute are invested in community projects as well as other community programs that benefit arts, education, history, safety and welfare.

Enjoy the photo gallery above, courtesy of local photographer Al Francis.