Description
The Lodi Grape & Wine Show Collection consists of programs, memorabilia and clippings from the Tokay Carnival (1907), as well
as programs (1934-1959), premium lists (1947-1977), fine arts awards lists (1952-1966) and histories of the Lodi Grape and
Wine Festival (1934- ).
Background
The first Lodi Grape & Wine Festival, styled the "Tokay Carnival" (1907), was the brainchild of Charles Ray, local viticulturist
and land developer. Other Lodi businessmen, including Henry F. Ellis, owner of the Lodi Sentinel, soon backed Ray's idea and
the first agricultural festival in San Joaquin County was launched September 19-21, 1907. Celebration events included a speech
by California Governor, James N. Gillett and a parade of floats. The Lodi Arch, a California Mission Revival style free-standing
archway erected at the time of the Festival, still stands in downtown Lodi. Although the community was pleased with the Tokay
Festival, backers lost money and the experience was not repeated during the pre-Prohibition years. Following Repeal, however,
Lodi revived the Grape and Wine Festival (1934) and it has been celebrated each September since that date save for a four
year hiatus during World War II. The Festival is made up of a number of events and activities, including a parade, a floral
show, a fine arts show, grape exhibits and special appearances by noted entertainers.