PETALUMA - AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

  Petaluma is gearing up once again for the Annual Salute to American Graffiti, scheduled for May 14 and 15 in historic downtown.

  Ask anybody who grew up in the 50s and 60s, they all know what American Graffiti is about, or think they do.  

  Film critic Roger Ebert summed it up pretty well in his original review of the now classic American movie about

coming-of-age in a small California town.

  Real fans know that although American Graffiti is based on the growing up years filmmaker George Lucas spent in Modesto, California, much of the movie was filmed on the streets of Petaluma in the early 1970s. While the streets of Modesto have changed considerably since Lucas was there and many of the locations that were the basis for the memorable scenes in the film have disappeared; much of Petaluma remains the same as it was when the film was shot here. For those fans that come to Petaluma wanting to see the same town that appeared in the film, there's a map available from the Salute website.

  Each year, some of the cast members of American Graffiti come for the Salute. Actress Candy Clark, who was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of gum-chewing, dumb-like-a-fox Debbie Dunham in the film, dubbed Petaluma "America's Quintessential Hometown," at the first Salute and summed up the essence of what makes Petaluma attractive and memorable to so many people.

  Many things can change, however, the spirit of "America's Quintessential Hometown," remains on the streets of Petaluma - the Annual Salute to American Graffiti is just one expression of it. It's a "cruise" down good ole memory lane minus the feeling of loss. It's fun, family, friends - topped with cool tunes and hot cars.  

  Come on and re-live the early 60s with the folks in "America's Quintessential Hometown," on May 14 and 15 and feel like you never grew up and left home.

  Let the Petaluma Visitor Center tell you how to be there or be square, baby!