Lodi knows how to celebrate

By News-Sentinel staff

Lodi is a town of festivals and events.

Not a month passes in Lodi where there is not a community-based celebration — be it a hot concert playing cool jazz at Hutchins Street Square, a patriotic celebration of Fourth of July topped off with a spectacular fireworks gala at Lodi Lake, or a step back into yesteryear with a farmers market in downtown Lodi or a number of festivals celebrating the area’s rich agricultural heritage, especially its growing renown as one of the most important wine centers in California.

Below is a sample of some of the events awaiting visitors to Lodi.

Dates are subject to change, so it may be worthwhile contacting the events’ organizers before making plans. All telephone numbers, unless noted, are in the 209 area code.

Also, for additional information, contact the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau, 2545 W. Turner Road, Lodi, CA 95242; 365-1195 or 1-800-798-1800.

JUNE 2001

Downtown Farmers Market and Festival

What: Fresh vegetables, fruits and other items are available at this old-fashioned farmers market, as well as entertainment and some delightful crafts, at booths which line the streets of downtown Lodi.Ý

When: Begins June 14 and will run each Thursday afternoon through Sept. 27.

Where: School Street, between Elm and Oak streets.

Cost: It’s free to just wander from stall to stall and browse to your heart’s content while viewing the wide variety of offerings which range from fresh produce to prepared foods to various homemade preserves, etc. Prices vary from booth to booth.

Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, 369-8052.

Springtime on the Farm

What: This is a real family event aimed at illustrating what life was like on a California farm in the 1800s. Exhibits include sheep-herding dogs, goat milking, chicken hatching, sturgeon fish exhibit, and cornhusk doll making. Games and food are also included.

When: June 2 and 3. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: At Micke Grove Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi.

Cost: $5 for adults and $1 for children 7 and under. Tickets are available at the History Museum in Micke Grove Park.

Contact: San Joaquin County Historical Society by calling 331-2055 or 953-3460.

Live Blues in the Grove

What: A series of blues concert which run through Sept. 8 is being staged by Jessie’s Grove Winery.

When: June 9, Kast-n-Krew; July 14, Greg Garker & Highway 61; Aug. 11, TBA; Sept. 8, a musical battle with multiple dueling bands. All concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the winery’s picnic grounds.

Where: Jessie’s Grove Winery, 1973 W. Turner Road, between Davis and DeVries roads.

Cost: All concerts cost $3 general admission except for the Sept. 8 event which costs $5.

Contact: Call the winery at 368-0880 or visit the Web site.

Under the Columns

What: This annual outdoor music performance series is presented by the Lodi Arts Commission. The concerts, which run the second Saturday of the month from June through September, are all under the stars.

When: June 9, Mombo Hernandez and Tony Windle; July 14, TBA; Aug. 11, Sabar; Sept. 8, Stringin’ Along.

Cost: $5 general admission.

Where: Wishek Amphitheater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Contact: The Box Office is at: 339-8119. The Lodi Arts Commission is at 367-5442.

Jazz ‘N’ Wine

What: A series of evening concerts presented by Peirano Estate Vineyards which runs from June 10 to Aug. 26.

When: A Tribute to Billie Holiday, June 10; Latin Jazz and Bossa Nova, A Tribute to Carlos “Tom” Jobim, June 24; A Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams Tribute, July 8; Jazz ‘n’ Samba Group, July 22; World Global Jazz Kiva Rhythm, Aug. 12; and Delbert Bump Trio, Aug. 26. All concerts run from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: Check for ticket information.

Where: Peirano Estate Vineyards, 21831 N. Highway 99, between Acampo and Peltier roads., Acampo.

Contact: Call 369-9463 or go to the winery’s Web site.

JULY

Ooh! Aahhh! Festival/Fourth of July celebration

What: One of the county’s better fireworks shows takes place over the water at Lodi Lake. It’s an all-day event in which families can celebrate the nation’s birthday with a variety of activities, rides, crafts, beach projects and boating for the daytime hours.

When: July 4, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Lodi Lake, at Mills Avenue and Turner Road.

Cost: $5 for adults; and $3 for children and seniors

Contact: Steve Whyte of Whyte House Productions, 368-5442.

Celebrate America

What: The Lodi Arts Commission will present its 12th annual patriotic prelude to the Ooh! Aahhh! Festival. Includes music and picnic in the park behind Hutchins Street Square. Wear your red, white and blue. Prizes are given for patriotic dress and table decoration.

When: Tuesday, July 3, daytime.

Cost: Free.

Where: At the Omega Nu amphitheater, outdoors behind Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Contact: The box office number is 339-8119. The Lodi Arts Commission is at 367-5442.

Lunch Time Live

What: The Lodi Arts Commission presents Lunch Time Live, a seven-week event series of free entertainment. The concerts, which run form noon to 1 p.m., will be held every Thursday, from July 12 to Aug. 23. All performances are subject to change.

When: July 12, Levi Huffman; July 13, Sarah Klaren; July 26, Lodi Community Band; Aug. 2, Renz; Aug. 9, Hank & Frank; Aug. 16, Virgil Rucker; Aug. 23, Randy Perris.

Where: At the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Lodi.

Cost: Free.

Contact: Lodi Arts Commission number is 367-2771.

AUGUST

Community Concert Season

What: The Lodi Community Concert Association opens its season this month and continues through next April.

When: Aug. 18, Valley Concert Band; Oct. 5, The Limeliters; Nov. 26, Linda Wang; Jan. 19, Pops Concert; March 26, James Lent; April 11, The Song Company.

Where: The Valley Concert Band’s park concert will perform on the West Lawn of Hutchins Street Square beginning at 6 p.m. All other concerts will be held at the Hutchins Street Square Performing Arts Theatre, 125, S. Hutchins St., beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: The park concert is free. Check for the cost of the other concerts.

Contact: The box office is at 339-8119. (Reservations are recommended.)

Delicato Grape Stomp

What: Take your shoes off (or leave them on), climb into a barrel, and stomp 25 pounds of grapes in 90 seconds to raise money for charity.

When: Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Delicato Vineyards, 12001 S. Highway 99, Manteca.

Cost: Entry is $5 for all ages 13 and up; those 12 and under are free; $10 for a single stomper and $5 each for doubles.

Contact: Delicato Vineyards at 824-3505.

Downtown Lodi Beerfest and Chili Cookoff

What: Food, microbrews and open houses at many downtown businesses. All included in entry fee.

When: Aug. 18, 4 to 9 p.m.

Where: School Street, Lodi Avenue to Elm Street.

Cost: $20 per person.

Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, 369-8052.

Children’s Summer Theater

What: Children’s performance of plays. This year’s production is under the direction of Gary Erwing.

When: Aug. 10-12. Show times are: Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Cost: $5 general admission.

Contact: The box office number is 339-8119. The Lodi Arts Commission is at 367-2771.

SEPTEMBER

Kiddie Parade

What: A children’s parade with school participating. Includes floats, dancers, etc.

When: Sept. 15.

Where: Starts on School Street and ends at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Cost: Free.

Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, 369-8052.

Grape Festival and Harvest Fair

What: This is a premier festivity for Lodi, and its oldest, dating back to 1907.

The event features wine tasting, wine-making exhibits, grape murals, carnival rides, live entertainment, food and lots of fun and a parade on the morning of Sept. 16.

When: Sept. 13-16.

Where: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St.

Cost: $6 for adults; $3 for youths 6-12 and free for children under five.

Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, 369-2771.

Senior Follies

What: Talent show and Broadway-style review for those over 55.

When: Sept. 30

Cost: Admission is $15 for adults while the cost for senior citizens and children is $12.

Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Contact: The box office number is 339-8119. The Lodi Arts Commission is at 367-5442.

Rodeo at the River

What: The Isleton Chamber of Commerce will host the International Professional Rodeo Association’s Western Regional finals complete with a parade, dance, barbecue, barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping and more.

When: Sept. 8-9

Where: At various spots in the town of Isleton. Take Highway 12 west from Lodi and follow the signs.

Cost: $10

Contact: Call the Isleton Chamber of Commerce at (916) 777-5880.

OCTOBER

Lodi Street Faire

What: This twice annual Lodi event that fills nearly every downtown street with booths featuring a wide variety of antique, arts & crafts, commercial and food vendors.

When: Oct. 7 this year and in 2002, the Faire will take place May 5 and Oct. 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lodi.

Cost: Nothing to walk around and just look at the wonderful assortment of collectibles and assorted odds and ends.

Contact: Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, 35 S. School St., Lodi, CA 85240, 367-7840.

Salmon Festival/All-Nations Pow Wow

What: A two-day festival celebrating the fall salmon run up the Mokelumne River and Native American culture. Includes riverboat rides, crafts, barbecue, exhibits, face painting, raffles, 5-K Salmon Run ($15 entry fee, T-shirt included), Pow Wow competition dancing (with prize money), Salmon Fishing Derby ($5 entry fee for this catch and release event), a children’s village along with a variety of other events, games, food vendors and craft displays.

When: Oct. 13-14. Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Lodi Lake, corner of Turner Road and Mills Avenue.

Cost: The event itself is $2 for ages 13 and over . Parking is $2 for residents ($3 for non-residents); riverboat tours are $6 (limited capacity, so reserve if possible); while the salmon barbecue is 10 for 14 and over $5 for 6 to 13 and under five free.

Contact: Lodi Parks and Recreation Department, 333-6742 or Grant Plath, 333-6890., or Deana Johnson, 745-7338. For vendor information, Glenda Aitkens, 748-2845.

NOVEMBER

Sandhill Crane Festival

What: A celebration of the migratory Sandhill crane which includes tours, featured speakers, exhibits and an art show.

When: Nov. 3-4 during the day.

Where: Starts at Hutchins Street Square.

Cost: $10 registration fee. Additional costs for the tours.

Contact: Lodi Chamber of Commerce, 367-7840.

Downtown Holiday Open House

What: Annual holiday event staged by Downtown Lodi merchants and sponsored by the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership.

When: TBA

Where: Downtown Lodi.

Cost: Free.

Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, 369-8052.

Parade of Lights

What: Easily, the city’s largest and brightest parade. This holiday event includes bands, floats, various entertainment units, plus float after float lit with more lights than anyone can count. Last year, more than 25,000 people attended.

When: Nov. 29.

Where: Starts at Lodi City Hall and ends at the Lodi Public Library.

Cost: Free.

Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, 369-8052.

DECEMBER

Festival of Trees

What: Annual Christmas event features a showcase of decorated trees, plus entertainment, food and activities all geared for children.

When: Dec. 1 and 2.

Where: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Park.

Cost: Call for information.

Contact: San Joaquin Historical Society, 331-2055.

Winter Wine Wander

What: Open houses at wineries in the Lodi area.

When: Dec. 1-2. Usually noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Various Lodi-area wineries.

Cost: Call for information.

Contact: Call 1-888-700-LODI (5634) for additional information.

JANUARY 2002

Nite Time Live Concert series

What: A six-week series of jazz-based artists presented by the Lodi Arts Commission.

When: Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 1 and 8. Times are 8 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m.

Where: Hutchins Street Square’s Kirst Hall, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Cost: $15 per person, $6 for students with ID

Contact: The box office number is 339-8119. (Reservations are recommended). The Lodi Arts Commission can be reached at 367-5442.

FEBRUARY

St. Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Weekend

What: Open houses at Lodi area wineries. Most have chocolate and special gifts for Valentine’s Day.

When: Feb. 9-10, the weekend before St. Valentine’s Day.

Where: Events take place at several Lodi area wineries.

Cost: Free in the past. Call for information.

Contact: For more information, call the Lodi Appellation Winery Association at 1-888-700-LODI (5634) or locally at 368-4793.

MARCH

Young Renaissance Art Show

What: This is a juried art show displaying the works of local students in the Lodi Unified School District. There will be an instrument “petting zoo” for kids along with a concert by the Stockton Symphony.

When: March 13 to 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (to 10 p.m. Friday)

Cost: Free

Where: Hutchins Street Square’s Kirst Hall, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Contact: Lodi Arts Commission at 367-5442.

Spring Wine Show

What: This event includes tasting and other wine-related entertainment. You must be 21 to attend this show.

When: March 22 and 23

Where: Lodi Grape Pavilion, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St.

Cost: $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door.

Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, 369-2771.

Spring Art Show

What: This will be the 43rd outing for this impressive art show which is sponsored by the Lodi Art Center and held at the Mondavi Winery. The show features a wide variety of art works ranging from paintings to photographs to sculptures to multimedia pieces.

When: TBA

Where: At the Robert Mondavi Winery, 5950 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo.

Cost: Free. However, many of the pieces are offered for sale with price tags running from a modest $45 to more than $3,000, with a portion of the profits going to the Lodi Art Center.

Contact: The Lodi Arts Center at 368-4925.

APRIL

Asparagus Festival

What: Ranked by Sunset magazine as one of the best festivals in the West. Features just about every edible permutation of asparagus — including asparagus ice cream.

When: Last weekend in April.

Where: Grove Park in Stockton.

Cost: Call for information.

Contact: For additional information, call 943-1987.

Cherry Blossom Festival

What: An annual springtime event based on the Japanese celebration of Sakura — cherry blossoms. Typically, this coming of spring event features Japanese music, dance, crafts, food and drink.

When: April 6 and 7, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Micke Grove Park, Micke Grove, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road at Armstrong Road.

Cost: Event is free; parking is $4.

Contact: San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Department, 953-8800.

Smooth Jazz Concert Series

What: Venue for the performance of some of today’s best contemporary jazz music.

When: April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17 . Show time is 8 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Hutchins Street Square’s Kirst Hall, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Cost: $15 for adults and $6 for students with identification.

Contact: Box office, 339-8119.

MAY

Art on the Square

What: The showcase is an opportunity for local artists to display their creations.

When: May 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Hutchins Street Square’s Kirst and Crete halls, 125 S. Hutchins St..

Cost: Call for information.

Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, 367-5442.

Vines to Wines

What: Sponsored by the Lodi Winery Association, this event features tours of local wineries, where visitors can see grapes growing and wine being made.

When: May 17 to 19.

Where: Various area vineyards.

Cost: Call for information

Contact: For more information, call the Lodi Appellation Winery Association at 1-888-700-LODI (5634) or locally at 368-4793.

Springtime on the Farm

What: A family event illustrating what life was like on a California farm in the 1800s. Exhibits include sheep herding dogs, goat milking, chicken hatching, sturgeon fish exhibit, and cornhusk doll making. Games and food are also included.

When: TBA

Where: At Micke Grove Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi.

Cost: $5 for adults and $1 for children 7 and under. Tickets are available at the History Museum in Micke Grove Park.

Contact: San Joaquin County Historical Society. Call 331-2055 or 953-3460.

Lodi Street Faire

What: This twice annual Lodi event that fills nearly every downtown street with booths featuring a wide variety of antique, arts & crafts, commercial and food vendors.

When: May 5 and Oct. 6, 2002, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lodi.

Cost: Nothing to walk around and just look at the wonderful assortment of collectibles and assorted odds and ends.

Contact: Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, 35 S. School St., Lodi, CA 85240, 367-7840.

Clements Stampede

What: This year will mark the 61st annual time the small town of Clements will celebrate its Old West legacy with a three-day series of events ranging from a first-rate rodeo to one of the biggest dances around.

When: TBA

Where: The town of Clements.

Cost: Call for information.

Contact: 609-0830.

Delta Fest

What: This will the 27th year for the area’s premiere water sports and boat show. Seemingly anything and everything dealing with boats and boating will be on display including a new and used boat show, sports and outdoor show along with plenty of food vendors, entertainment and even a fashion show.

When: TBA. Event hours have traditionally run noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where: At Tower Park Resort, 14900 W. Highway 12, between Lodi and Rio Vista, 5 miles west of Interstate 5, on the water at Little Potato Slough.

Cost: The events are free. However, there is a $3 parking fee.

Contact: The Delta Chamber of Commerce, 369-1041, ext. 233.