What sets the Grape Festival apart from those in other communities is the grape murals. You can see them inside and outside the Pavilion.

Clubs, school groups and individuals have once again created the festival’s trademark murals while competing for cash prizes.

The  grape murals first made their appearance in 1950, according to newspaper archives. In the beginning, entire grape bunches were used to depict artistic scenes on flat boards, but later, the technique was refined and individual grapes were glued down to create the colorful designs.

In Chardonnay Hall, you can see all sorts exhibits, many of them created by Lodi-area residents. They include paintings, plates of grapes, tablesetting, scarecrows, roses and cut flowers, potted plants, needlework and quilting, sculpture, wood, pottery and photography.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.