Sideshow (automobile exhibition)

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A sideshow (sometimes sydeshow) is an informal demonstration of automotive stunts held on public street corners, most often in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, United States. The most common activities at sydeshows are maneuvers such as doughnuts, but occasionally full-fledged street racing also takes place. Another popular activity is ghost riding. This involves driving a car, opening the door and climbing out onto the hood while the car continues to roll. It is typical for one to dance around on the hood while the car is still moving. Violent incidents, including shootings, sometimes occur at the events, leading to a public demand that the exhibitions be halted. The phenomenon is most strongly associated with Oakland, California, with the events there often being attended by those in the hip hop community. Such events are promoted in local rap by artists such as E-40 and Keak Da Sneak.

On June 8, 2005, the Oakland City Council narrowly defeated a measure (pushed by then-Mayor Jerry Brown) which would have subjected spectators at sydeshows to criminal sanctions, such as fines and even jail terms. Drivers face various penalties, including having their cars impounded.^[1]

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