By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Concert mixes with graffiti theme
Band
Patty Castillo Davis sang with Kent Whitt and the Down Beats at last weeks Ceres Concerts in the Park series. - photo by JEFF BENZIGER/Courier photo

The Tuesday, June 16 Ceres Concerts in the Park featured a graffiti night theme complete with a vintage car show and assorted activities.

A number of vintage car owners brought their vintage automobiles to Whitmore Park. Chuck Lyons of the Mapes Ranch entered his 1950 green Plymouth pickup truck that made an appearance in the recent Modesto Graffiti Parade. The pickup earned the "People's Choice" award at last week's concert. Ceres residents Felix and Janette Gurule brought down their 1967 Corvette Sting Ray, which has been restored during a 10-year project. The car was judged to be Best of Show and received first place in the 1969 and older category. Taking second place was Woodward Automotive while Mike McGinnis took third place.

Pete Rarick won first place in the 1970 and newer category while Jorge Estes won the second place prize.

Music for the night was supplied by Kent Whitt and the Down Beats and Patty Davis Castillo.

Participating in the Voice of Ceres youth singing competition were Octavio Hernandez, Micaela Franco and Winter Lawson with Octavio voted as the evening favorite.

Winners of the Cash Pass contest prize of $250 were Mark Whitehead and Harry Mitchell. Had either been present, the first name drawn would have won $500 that night.

The city-sponsored Concerts in the Park series is held Tuesday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Whitmore Park in downtown Ceres until July 14. There is no admission for attendance.

"Even aside from the construction (of the new restrooms), they're well-attended, people are enjoying the music and kids' activity and the Farmer's Market," said Recreation Supervisor Cambria Pollinger. "Overall we are very pleased."

The remaining concerts in the summer series are:

• June 30 - Gottschalk's Jazz Band;

• July 7 - Local church choirs;

• July 14 - The Van Diemanns, an Irish band and the reggae A La Lune, performing on World Night.

A farmer's market, beer and wine sales, barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs, snow cone sales and the cash contest are all a part of the concerts. Concerts are free but a $35 season Cash Pass is sold that enable people to have a chance to win $500 during the concerts. Winners must be present to win the entire $500 amount but those who are not present if their name is drawn will be awarded $250. Passes may be ordered by calling the city at 538-5628; or the Chamber of Commerce, 537-2601. Those who wish to participate in one concert drawing may buy a single "prize pass" for a 50/50 drawing for $10 per ticket. Passes are available at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, at the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, 2938 Fourth Street.