Bring arts and crafts back to the Grape Festival

Once again I'm appealing to the public to help bring arts and crafts back to the Grape Festival.

I wrote and gave my number for those interested in this division coming back and received many signatures. I wrote to the committee and sent those signatures (maybe 75) with my letter. I have since collected 20 more. I wrote that some who signed may be entering their handmade crafts as well as attending to see other crafts.

The answer I received was not to my liking because they brushed aside my concern that people who go to the festival like to see and enter their handmade crafts. Their reasoning was the Rose Society was added, they have more entries in quilts and table setting, and that they cannot hire anyone to manage the division when there are few entries. They reviewed and determined very few of them ever entered items in that department.

The Rose Society only shows two of the four days; I'm wondering why they cannot let the "crafty" people have the other two days. In my opinion, and probably a lot of other women, they could eliminate the reptile display altogether and let us have that building. I'd rather see ceramics, wreaths, hooked rugs and other crafts instead of snakes, lizards and other creepy critters. This fair is a family outing, and instead of cutting displays, we should see more.

I agree with another writer that the variety show should continue. It was always fun to see local talent. They said it was always the same people that performed. Well, it is always the same people who attend this festival and if we don't see what we want, we may as well stay home. It's probably the same reptiles on display, year after year, so why don't they cut that display?

The crafts have always been a family pleasing venue. I entered 21 items at the recent San Joaquin County Fair, and it would've been nice to show those same items at our local festival.

Please call the Grape Festival committee if you would like to see some changes, whether it be my concerns or concerns of your own. You can call me at (209) 334-3245 and maybe collectively we can get something done.

Georgia Owens
Acampo

Reader Feedback

artsy person wrote on Oct 3, 2009 9:23 PM:

" to OH Bull,
please call the number in the paper because I'm sure with all the 4-H groups we could make a difference, and thanks for responding.
Georgia "

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craftygirl wrote on Sep 27, 2009 7:37 PM:

" Georgia is absolutely right local fairs and festivals were built on these wonderful crafty women. I would hate to see the end to these good, wholesome, creative ,activities.Crafty creations are important things for are children to see. It only promotes creativity and uniqueness. The chance to see something they would like to try and this can only help make arts and crafts stronger.I have already signed the petition Ihope more moms and crafty people will do so also. "

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Oh Bull ! wrote on Sep 24, 2009 9:58 PM:

" We have a 4-H club and our kids would love to enter items!! Think about it they take away the Grape Festival parade then crafts What next???.What happened to our good ol fashion Fairs and festivals when everyone use to have a good time enjoy walking around. "

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shaggy wrote on Sep 24, 2009 5:28 PM:

" While I agree arts/crafts can be interesting, I would hate to lose the reptiles. Kids are facinated by them. "

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cedar wrote on Sep 24, 2009 11:27 AM:

" Bring back arts and crafts! That's what makes local festivals interesting. Its fun to see friends, family and neighbors entering their work. Its what makes living in smaller communities more intimate. So what if the same people always enter, others can enter too. Its a great creative outlet and allows people to show off their talent. "

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Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Sep 24, 2009 11:22 AM:

" While Ms. Owens probably worked hard to gather those 95 signatures in furtherance of her quest to bring back arts and crafts, statistics bear out that perhaps this sort of venue has run its course at the Lodi Grape Festival. Clearly, .16% of the population of Lodi is hardly a mandate. Nevertheless, I would gladly add my signature to her list. "

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Word Slugs wrote on Sep 24, 2009 9:57 AM:

" I agree with Georgia. I know my children would rather look at homemade cra.....fts than reptiles. Who wouldn't? I mean maybe someone will have bedazzled a vest or basket or something! I also think they should have veggie platters in the food booths (families love veggies). And, why not Lawerence Welk cover bands? "

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