Rohnert Park's Inaugural Downtown Car Show Festival: A Celebration of Automotive Artistry and Community Spirit

On a beautiful fall afternoon, the old State Farm site in Rohnert Park, California, came alive with the inaugural Downtown Car Show Festival. This event, organized by Frankie Lemus, owner of Taqueria Sol Azteca, brought together a diverse array of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes, along with live music, food vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Revving Up for a Memorable Celebration of Automotive Passion and Community Engagement

Bringing the Vision to Life: Collaboration and Community Support

The success of the Downtown Car Show Festival was the result of a collaborative effort led by Frankie Lemus, who expressed his gratitude to the team behind the scenes, including Rudy Campos and Ernesto G. Lemus. Campos, the former owner of Healdsburg Customs, shared his initial skepticism about the event's feasibility, but the City of Rohnert Park's openness and support proved instrumental in making the festival a reality.

A Showcase of Automotive Artistry and Personal Histories

The festival featured a diverse array of meticulously restored classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, each with its own unique story. Herick, the owner of a 1952 GMC pickup truck, shared how the truck had been a part of his life since childhood, keeping him out of trouble and inspiring him to restore it to its former glory. Michael Umphenour, the owner of a 1932 three-window Ford Coupe with a powerful big-block Chevy engine, explained how he keeps the car in top condition to share his passion with others, even attracting the attention of the California Highway Patrol. Dave Cavanaugh, the proud owner of a 1964 Ford Galaxy XL 500, recounted his lifelong fascination with the model and his journey to acquire and restore the vehicle.

Celebrating the Lowrider Culture and its Influence

The festival also highlighted the vibrant lowrider culture, with a "hop competition" showcasing cars equipped with elaborate hydraulic suspension systems. These customized vehicles, often with lowered bodies, have their roots in the Mexican American youth culture of the 1940s, reflecting Latin traditions, pride, and community. The event featured a lifetime achievement award presented to Alberto Lopez, who has significantly influenced the lowriding scene through his work with Low Rider Magazine.

A Tapestry of Music, Dance, and Culinary Delights

The Downtown Car Show Festival was not just a showcase of automotive excellence; it also celebrated the rich cultural diversity of the region. The event featured a lineup of talented performers, including the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, Ballet Folklórico and Ballet Paquiyollotzin, Gata Mas Firme, Q-VO Band, and San Quinn. These artists captivated the audience with their vibrant dances, soulful music, and energetic performances. Complementing the entertainment, the festival also boasted an impressive array of food vendors, offering a tantalizing array of culinary delights from local and regional cuisines.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The festival held a special significance for Frankie Lemus, who brought his own 1953 Chevy and his late father's 1956 Chevy to the event. Lemus shared how his father, Ernesto Lemus, not only taught him the practical skills of using a pick and shovel but also instilled in him the values of being a successful businessman. This personal connection to the automotive culture and the legacy of his father made the festival's success all the more meaningful for Lemus, who undoubtedly would have made his father proud.