Gateway Center's Rock and Rod Festival a Success!

This past weekend was Monterey's 15th Annual Rock and Rod Festival! The Rock and Rod Festival is a throwback and celebration of classic rock and classic cars with all proceeds benefiting Monterey County's very own Gateway Center. WRD principal, Chris Barlow, was in attendance to admire the hot rods and show his support for an amazing cause. Festivities started last Friday evening with a Sock Hop at the General Stilwell Community Center in Seaside, and continued the next day in Monterey's Custom House Plaza.

The Sock Hop featured live music from bands such as Jeremy "Elvis" Pearce & The Memphis Sons, Yard Dogs, and Lost & Found Band. A variety of food vendors, a full bar, and a live and silent auction were set up at the venue. In addition, there was some friendly competition in the form of a Best Dance and Costume Contest.

Friday night also kicked off the Car Show & Shine which boasted classic cars from 1975 and older. The event was curated to include American cars, trucks, and European classics.

The party continued on Saturday at the Custom House Plaza in Historic Monterey with an enormous car show and rock'n'roll event. The show featured more than 150 pre-1975 custom and classic cars, the best of which lined the plaza, surrounding the performance stage. Live music was playing all day leading up to the event's headliner, Big Brother & the Holding Company, which you may recognize as none other than Janis Joplin's original band.

We can all agree that this event is unbelievably entertaining and fun to boot, and the best part about it is that all proceeds go to Gateway Center. Gateway Center of Monterey County provides services and programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The center has been serving Monterey County since 1954 and continues to provide the highest level of support and care for their clients. Services range from full time care and living facilities to day programs that promote learning and independence.

If you would like to support Gateway Center of Monterey County or learn more please visit their website at https://gatewaycenter.org/.