Latest news with #CaliforniaStateFair
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lodi remains home of prized vineyards
Apr. 11—One of the oldest vineyards in Lodi has been given a top honor from the California State Fair. Marian's Vineyard was named the 2025 Vineyard of the Year by the State Fair Wine Industry Task Force last month. Planted in 1901, the vineyard consists of 8.3 acres of Zinfandel grapes owned by Mohr-Fry Ranches. "Obviously it's quite an honor for our family and vineyard to receive the award," CEO Bruce Fry said. "It's really great. The timing is really good, because this recognizes old vine Zinfandels, and with the uncertainty in the wine industry right now, this will show how unique and special many vineyards are." Marian's Vineyard is part of the Frys' 225-acre farm located west of West Lane between Harney Lane and Armstrong Road. When the Mohr-Fry family purchased the property in 1965, it was called West Lane Ranch and consisted of Zinfandel, Flame Tokay, Alicante Bouschet and Palomino grapes — the latter of which is used to make Sherry — as well as almond and cherry trees. The vineyard would eventually be renamed in honor of Fry's grandmother, and today, more than 90% of the acreage still consists of the vines originally planted in 1901. In the 1990s, St. Amant Winery founder Tim Spencer approached the Mohr-Frys about highlighting some of their old vine Zinfandel. The family loaned him seven tons, and in 2003, the winery's 2001 Marian's Vineyard varietal was named Best Zinfandel in California at the California State Fair. Today, Marian's Vineyard Zinfandel is bottled by St. Amant Winery as a "Reserve" wine. Fry said the vineyard's grapes are also purchased by Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County. "(Marian) was a very special lady, and the vineyard is very special," he said. "It keeps on producing fines wines, and for it to survive this long ... it goes along with how the family has been in business for so long. We've got six generations working for the family business. That's pretty unique in California." Marian's Vineyard is the second Lodi vineyard to be honored by the State Fair. Bechthold Vineyard, the oldest in Lodi that was planted in 1886 and is still harvested today, consists of 25 acres of Cinsaut grapes. "It's just an honor to be on the list with all the people who have won this award in the past," Fry said, adding the family plans to commemorate Marian's Vineyard locally sometime this year. Mohr-Fry Ranches will be formally presented with the "Vineyard of the Year" award on Wednesday, April 16 at the California State Fair Wine Judges Dinner at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. To learn more about Mohr-Fry Ranches, visit
CBS News
28-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Horse racing at Sacramento's Cal Expo could be in jeopardy
SACRAMENTO — In what could be a first at the California State Fair, there may be no more thoroughbred horse racing at Cal Expo. Cal Expo CEO Tom Martinez announced that he will make the recommendation to the board on Friday. Harness racing could also be on the chopping block. Chip Lackey has been harness racing at Cal Expo for 50 years. "The sport has definitely changed from what it was," Lackey said. "I graduated from UC Davis in '73." Lackey left the track Wednesday and filed into a packed meeting to try and save his sport at Cal Expo. "My father told me once that at one time, horseracing was the largest spectator sport in America," Lackey said. Martinez said that the horse racing landscape has changed since the closure of Golden Gate Fields last summer. Thoroughbred horses have left Northern California. County fairs are no longer applying to host races. And now Martinez expects the state fair will not host any racing either. "I'm digesting this just as fast as you guys are," Martinez said. "It's been synonymous with state fair for over 150 years. So it's going to be missed." The potential change now leaves Lackey and others in limbo. Many horsemen and women live on the grounds at Cal Expo year round. "Certainly, it's foolish not to be concerned," Lackey said. "But in some respects, it's almost a waste of energy to worry about it because what's going to happen is going to happen." Cal Expo reports that last year, thoroughbred racing at the state fair accounted for $650,000. Revenue from harness racing last year was $22,000.
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Rapper Ludacris to headline 2025 California State Fair opening night
SACRAMENTO — Two massive names in music are coming to the California State Fair this year. Kicking off the 2025 Toyota Concert Series for the state fair is Grammy winner Chris Bridges, better known as rapper Ludacris, known for hit songs like "Act a Fool," "Money Maker," "Stand Up," and "Area Codes" as well as his role as tech wizard Tej Parker in the "Fast and the Furious" film franchise. Ludacris will headline the opening night for the state fair on Friday, July 11. For country fans out there, the second artist announced was superstar Dustin Lynch, known and loved for songs like "Thinking 'Bout You" and "Small Town Boy." He'll take the stage Thursday, July 17. Each week for seven weeks, the California State Fair will announce two artists who will be performing at Cal Expo during the fair's run from July 11 through July 27. For those enjoying the rest of what the fair has to offer, there is a major change to hours this year. Monday through Thursday, Cal Expo will open its gates at 4 p.m. rather than its usual 11 a.m. to help limit attendees' exposure to high summer heat. Last year, the heat kept fair-goers away during those peak hours. Friday through Sunday, the state fair will open at 10 a.m.
CBS News
10-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
California State Fair announces later weekday opening hours for 2025
SACRAMENTO – It may still be winter, but Cal Expo is already making plans for the state fair by changing a long-standing tradition. Starting summer 2025, the California State Fair will open at 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. Organizers say shifting to later hours will better match the peak visitor times and improve comfort. "This change reflects our commitment to continuously improving the fair for our attendees and vendors alike," said Cal Expo CEO Tom Martinez. Last year, attendance increased about 10 percent despite a stretch of triple-digit heat during the fair's run. Friday and weekend hours will remain the same, with gates opening at 10 a.m. This year's California State Fair is set to open July 11 and run through July 27. Officials say more announcements will be coming soon over additional attractions and how they are preparing for this year's fair.
