GONZALES — Hundreds turned out for the City of Gonzales’ 75th anniversary celebration last Saturday, featuring a “show and shine” car show with music and food vendors in downtown Gonzales.
More than 120 cars participated in the April 2 event, along with a number of motorcycles and bikes.
Henry and Janet Ventura of Soledad entered three cars at the show, including their 1947 Chevy, which won as the Best of the Best Top 12 vehicles. The couple also displayed a 1963 Chevrolet Impala and a 1955 Chevy truck.
“We really enjoyed the Gonzales car show,” Henry Ventura said. “We go to a lot of car shows and this was great to have a good one so close to home.”
The New Arrivals Car Club of Salinas, one of the oldest lowrider car clubs on the Central Coast, also attended the 75th anniversary event. The New Arrivals will celebrate 50 years as a club in 2024.
Performers included the Gonzales High School marching band and the folklorico dance group Alma y Tradicion from Salinas, as well as the dance groups Hip Hop Junkies and the Royal Hip Hop Dancers.
Additional anniversary events are being planned throughout the year.
Michael Ramirez contributed to this article.
