Here’s what people need to know about the long-running festival that kicked off Thursday and ends Sunday.
LODI, Calif. — The 85th Lodi Grape Festival kicked off Thursday, September 12, and will continue through the weekend.
It’s CEO Mark Armstrong’s 32nd Grape Festival. He says a lot has changed from security and maintenance, to message as they’ve had to switch from advertising in newspapers to social media to spread the word.
“The one thing that hasn’t changed is the community support,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong estimates the four-day event generates about $3 million for the community, most of which goes to nonprofit organizations. It takes him and his staff all year to plan.
“My favorite thing is watching people enjoy the fruits of your labor,” Armstrong said.
About the festival
The Lodi Grape Festival is all about highlighting the price crop of the area the wine grape. It features wine tastings, grape murals and play areas, so there’s fun for the whole …