Stockton Asparagus Festival

A window of sunny weather between storms blessed this year’s 25th Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival and brought out over 85,000 people, raising $361,574 for 100 local non-profit organizations.  Checks were distributed at a Volunteer Celebration held at the Hilton Stockton, Wednesday evening, June 23.

This was a significant resurgence after last year’s downturn.  Proceeds for 2009 were $276,508.  In the past 25 years, over $5.1 million dollars has been contributed back to local charities directly from the Stockton Asparagus Festival.

“We celebrate the multitudes of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this 25th annual festival a ‘spear-ited’ success”, commented C.P. Riddle, this year’s President of the festival’s Board of Directors.  Some 5,000 volunteers work at the festival, making the Asparagus Festival the County’s largest employer for the three days of the event.  Each non-profit receives a “donation” based on a schedule of hours for the work performed by the volunteers.

Normally held annually during the last full weekend in April, next year’s event will be held earlier in the month due to Easter Sunday.  The 2011 festival will be held April 15th, 16th and 17th.  See you next year!

We’re talking about one of America’s and MTV’s most popular bands, Loverboy! Formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1980, these guys have won multi-platinum and numerous gold albums, and sold out arenas nationwide.

Loverboy has been on mega tours with Journey, Bob Seger, Cheap Trick and ZZ Top just to name a few. You’ll recognize the powerful vocals and high-energy stage presence of this band. You’ll remember the hits, too. “When It’s Over”, “Take Me to the Top,” “Heaven in Your Eyes” from the classic movie Top Gun. And of course, “Working for the Weekend!”

So get ready to feel the love when they hit the main stage on Sunday, April 25th. This will be a great concert to end our 25th Anniversary Festival.  Heck, if your lucky you may just find your own loverboy, or girl!

Check out their site for photos & information.

http://www.loverboyband.com/albums.htm

Opening for the 25th Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival is legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo, an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz and contemporary music. Pete’s name has been synonymous with the music industry for more than 50 years.

Growing up,  Pete lived in a small house with his mom, dad, sisters and brothers. As full as the house was with family, there was always room for more. Musicians constantly came to the house to play. Music was an everyday part of this family.

Pete first instrument in school was the saxophone. It didn’t take him long to discover that this was definitely not his calling. He decided to try another instrument, bongos. The first bongo set was made out of coffee cans and tape, and he painted it himself. He was determined to play, and he has not stopped since.

Pete has won a number of awards from the 1983 Jammie Jazz Musician Of The Year to being nominated for a Grammy in 1989.  He has released 10 albums in his long and entertaining career.  Pete is also the owner of a number of nightclubs in the bay area. (Escovedo’s in Oakland, Mister E.’s in Berkeley, Spotlight on the Square in Alameda, and Pete Escovedo’s Latin Jazz Club in San Jose)

Don’t miss Pete Escovedo and his fantastic band as they kick off the festival with a little Latin flavor.

Check out Pete’s site for photos, information and past performances.

http://www.peteescovedo.com/home.html

These cute creatures are Dr. Hurley’s world famous Sea Lions.
And you’ll get to witness first hand just how entertaining these creatures can be.

After all, they are world famous! Dr. Hurley & her animals have been featured in National Geographic, Explorer, Dateline NBC, BBC, New York Times, CNN, and Several Feature Films.
This show gives you an exiting mixture of marine information and demonstrations of their breathtaking behaviors.

They will be performing each day of the festival at 2 and 4:30pm. After each show, visitors can meet these amazing aquatic creatures up-close & personal. Audience members will also get the opportunity to have their photo taken with one of the sea lions. Don’t miss it!

#1 The Food!!!
Enjoy delectable treats like Deep Fried Asparagus, Asparagus Pasta, even Asparagus Ice Cream!

#2 Entertainment
Check out Tyson the Skateboarding bulldog at the Skyy Dog Arena. Or, catch the amazing Velocity Circus, with amazing balancing and contortionist skills. You also won’t want to miss the great line up of bands playing all weekend long on the main stage.

#3 Kids Activities
You’ll find face painting, frolicking Sea Lions, and even Asparagus Ice cream, to name a few. This festival has something for kids of all ages

#4 Shopping
You’ll find unique one-of-a kind creations from local artists. Pick up some gifts that capture the spirit of the festival.

#5 Celebrity Kitchen
Come see live cooking demonstrations by the amazing Martin Yan. You’ll also see local celebrities honing their cooking skills in this ever-popular area of the Asparagus Festival.