What's newFestival’s theme comes with two meanings
The term, “It’s a jungle out there,” conjures up many ideas. Johnny Weismuller portraying Tarzan in several movies. Lush tropical forests with rivers nearby. And how busy it is in today’s world.
And for this year’s edition of the Lodi Grape Festival and Harvest Fair, it’s the theme.
Tens of thousands of people flock to the annual Lodi Grape Festival and
Harvest Fair to enjoy the displays, entertainment, carnival rides,
food vendors and games. This year’s festival, with a theme of “It’s
a Jungle Out There” runs from Sept. 16-19.
(J. Paul Bruton/News-Sentinel)
“That’s a joyful time,” Glen Wilson said about the annual Grape Festival, which runs from Sept. 16-Sept. 19, and its chosen theme for this year. “We want to have humming birds; we want blue jays; we want all things that are out in the orchard with the grapes.”
Wilson, a north Stockton resident who works in Lodi, envisions squirrels and other wild animals as part of his jungle world.
The theme, “It’s a Jungle Out There,” was chosen in an effort to keep things simple and encourage a variety of murals that will adorn the Grape Festival grounds.
“If the theme was Ferris wheels, we’d have nothing but murals of Ferris wheels,” said Festival General Manager Mark Armstrong.
The jungle theme is also in keeping with last year’s “California Dreamin,’” with some of the grape murals in 2003 sporting palm trees, Armstrong said.
Some 40 grape murals — the festival’s signature event in much the same way flower-covered floats are for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena each New Year’s Day — mostly from nonprofit organizations or schools, are expected to be submitted. Prize money will be awarded to the winners.
However, when hearing the term, “It’s a jungle out there,” some people may conjure up more of the negative aspects of the phrase.
“Confusion in a whole lot of aspects — everyday life experiences,” was the response by Cheryl Harris, a nine-year Lodi resident who grew up in Galt.
Ford Kerr, who grew up in Lodi, opined, “Too many stop signs; too many stop lights.”
Lodi resident Norm Parker had yet a different idea for the jungle theme.
“The first thing that hits my mind is gang activity,” Parker said. “I remember when this town didn’t have that problem. It’s more prevalent than you think.” Nevertheless, Parker said, “It’s a lovely city.”
Whatever one thinks of the jungle, one can get away from the “asphalt jungle” and come to the serenity of the Grape Festival instead.
Nancy Gillaspy, whose Lodi Garden Club will enter a mural for the Grape Festival, said she was surprised referred to the “jungle” in a negative light.
“I just pictured the jungle,” Gillaspy said. “I didn’t even think of the negative connotation.”
And when it comes to the Grape Festival, Gillaspy will accentuate only the positive.
“We are going to do real jungle theme,” she said. “We’re the Garden Club, so we’re going to go with all the flora and fauna you find in the jungle.”
Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.
