Do you have a hot rod, classic or exotic car? When we officially re-open Fulton Street, we’re going to start the celebration with a car cruise, Draggin’ the Main.
The first group of cars through will be 1964 and older. Why? Because that’s when the pedestrian mall (Fulton Mall) went in and the biggest cruise in the Central Valley was dispersed. We’ll start with the feel from those good old days that some of us have experienced, and many more have just heard about.
After that we’ll have groups of 1965 and newer cars, including more classics, customs, and exotics. All of them will drag the main for a couple of hours and then many will park on the street to give us all a great backdrop for photos we can share all over social media.
Surrounding communities supporting downtown Fresno
I am often asked, “How are you going to get people from north Fresno back downtown?” When people used to drag the main, they came from all over the Central Valley. It wasn’t just a Fresno thing.
People from the surrounding communities have been coming into town to shop, visit their doctor or lawyer, do their banking and shopping, and see a movie for years. I often think that Selma, Fowler, Kerman, Sanger, and Reedley will be great downtown supporters. Plus, the surrounding neighborhoods are connected by Van Ness and Fulton, Kearney and Huntington. There are 1.7 million people within a 45-minute drive of downtown. The freeway system that has gone in over the past few decades connects downtown to our whole region.
Pop-up businesses wanted
At the Fulton re-opening party, we have room for a few pop-up businesses, too. We are going to fill the vacant storefronts with real businesses to stage the downtown that will be unfolding. Just like vacant houses are staged with furniture to help people visualize space, we are going to stage downtown so that people can visualize what a revitalized Fulton Street will look like.
Plus, it will help potential businesses to understand this developing entertainment district. The pop-up businesses that are already participating include music venues, art galleries, restaurants, and shops. We only want businesses and nonprofits that have a business license, insurance, and a fun concept. Email randrade@downtownfresno.org if you are interested in a storefront.
How to register for Draggin’ the Main
Fulton Street Party is Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 10 p.m. You can register your car for Draggin’ the Main here.
More reading on Fulton Street:
Downtown Fresno Revitalization Part 1: Damn You, Dan Whitehurst!
Downtown Revitalization Part 2: Revitalization Begins October 21
Downtown Revitalization part 3: Get Involved
- The Rise, Fall & Rise of Fresno’s Lowell Neighborhood - June 11, 2021
- For the Love of Chocolate… - February 11, 2019
- Tower Yoga is about balance, flexibility, and community - October 25, 2018
Well Done Sir!!!
This may be one of the best and biggest events Fresno has ever seen. It is a honor to be a part of this and to help record the progress, as well as the event. The management and logistics are not easy.
Thank you and thanks to your crew at Downtown Fresno Partnership for the incredible hard work. Special thanks to Bruce Batti with JSA (Jeffery-Scott and Associates) to put a beautiful face on this event, with excellent promotion and branding.
This proves there is no “me” in “team” unless you move letters around.