Sandhill Crane Festival

JERRY R. TYSON/News-Sentinel
Gabe Kerschner lets David Roberts, 6, of Sacramento, pet a beaver at a wild animal demonstration during the last year's Sandhill Crane Festival. Crowds flock to Lodi for Crane Fest

When the first Sandhill Crane Festival was being planned in 1997, organizers were hoping that visitors would flock to Lodi to attend the event.

It was a way to showcase the community to people outside of the area and boost the local economy at the same time.

But the organizers talked about more than just bringing visitors to the Lodi area — they talked about educating people in the area about the natural resources in their region.

Things like the greater and lesser Sandhill cranes, prehistoric birds that make their winter homes in the wetlands of the Central Valley, many of which lie within a 30-minute drive of Lodi.

With the festival heading into its fourth year, it seems that both missions have been accomplished.

“I think moving the festival to Hutchins Street Square last year was a great move,” said Ken Wieland, manager at Micke Grove Zoo and a member of the public steering committee appointed to organize the festival. “It’s a beautiful site and makes the community look good. The visitors were very impressed with the site.”

And a survey taken after last year’s event proves just how successful it was in attracting outside visitors.

Out of the 1,200 people who attended the festival, 74 percent were outside of San Joaquin County and 87 percent outside of Lodi, Wieland said.

And 76 percent said they would attend the festival again. Lodi’s fourth Sandhill Crane Festival is scheduled for Nov. 3-5, to celebrate the majestic cranes and other wetland wildlife found in California’s Central Valley.

As with previous festivals, the event will feature more wildlife exhibits, video presentations and children’s activities.

This year will also mark the return of the fine art show, which will be coupled with a children’s art show. And of course, there will be tours — more than 50 naturalist-led trips of regional wildlife areas.

Field trips will offer opportunities for walking, boating and canoeing, along with wildlife viewing, Wieland said.

“When this first started we said it’s something that’s right here in our own backyard, and we should be increasing awareness of it,” said Jeri Hansen, executive director of the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau.

Lodi’s natural attractions go beyond the cranes to wildlife areas such as Cosumnes River Preserve, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

Speakers for this year’s Crane Festival have yet to be announced. For information, call 1-800-798-1810.

With the success the Crane Festival has enjoyed, Lodi has adopted a Salmon Festival as well, now in its second year.

The event highlights the city’s natural jewel, Lodi Lake. It also coincides with Pow Wow in the Parks, a Native American Indian program.

The event will feature a cross country Salmon Run, boat rides and tours, Native American crafts, dancing, exhibits, face painting, displays and barbecues.



Contents • Bicycle Tours • Business Traveler • Downtown Lodi • Downtown Lodi Dining • Downtown Lodi Shopping • Family Activities • Farmers Market • Galt Market • Golf • Hill House • Hutchins Street Square • Lodi Arch • Lodi-area Events • Lodi Facts • Lodi Street Faire • Museums • Rae House • Sacramento Street • Sandhill Crane Festival • Wineries • Wines • Younger Generation
		JERRY R. TYSON/News-Sentinel Gabe Kerschner lets David Roberts, 6, of Sacramento, pet a beaver at a wild animal demonstration during the last year's Sandhill Crane Festival. Crowds flock to Lodi for Crane Fest By News-Sentinel staff When the first Sandhill Crane Festival was being planned in 1997, organizers were hoping that visitors would flock to Lodi to attend the event. It was a way to showcase the community to people outside of the area and boost the local economy at the same time. But the organizers talked about more than just bringing visitors to the Lodi area — they talked about educating people in the area about the natural resources in their region. Things like the greater and lesser Sandhill cranes, prehistoric birds that make their winter homes in the wetlands of the Central Valley, many of which lie within a 30-minute drive of Lodi. With the festival heading into its fourth year, it seems that both missions have been accomplished. “I think moving the festival to Hutchins Street Square last year was a great move,” said Ken Wieland, manager at Micke Grove Zoo and a member of the public steering committee appointed to organize the festival. “It’s a beautiful site and makes the community look good. The visitors were very impressed with the site.” And a survey taken after last year’s event proves just how successful it was in attracting outside visitors. Out of the 1,200 people who attended the festival, 74 percent were outside of San Joaquin County and 87 percent outside of Lodi, Wieland said. And 76 percent said they would attend the festival again. Lodi’s fourth Sandhill Crane Festival is scheduled for Nov. 3-5, to celebrate the majestic cranes and other wetland wildlife found in California’s Central Valley. As with previous festivals, the event will feature more wildlife exhibits, video presentations and children’s activities. This year will also mark the return of the fine art show, which will be coupled with a children’s art show. And of course, there will be tours — more than 50 naturalist-led trips of regional wildlife areas. Field trips will offer opportunities for walking, boating and canoeing, along with wildlife viewing, Wieland said. “When this first started we said it’s something that’s right here in our own backyard, and we should be increasing awareness of it,” said Jeri Hansen, executive director of the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau. Lodi’s natural attractions go beyond the cranes to wildlife areas such as Cosumnes River Preserve, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Speakers for this year’s Crane Festival have yet to be announced. For information, call 1-800-798-1810. Success spawns Salmon Festival With the success the Crane Festival has enjoyed, Lodi has adopted a Salmon Festival as well, now in its second year. The event highlights the city’s natural jewel, Lodi Lake. It also coincides with Pow Wow in the Parks, a Native American Indian program. This year’s Salmon Festival is Oct. 14-15. The event will feature a cross country Salmon Run, boat rides and tours, Native American crafts, dancing, exhibits, face painting, displays and barbecues. For more information on the Salmon Festival, call 333-6742 or 333-6800.
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