Twice a year the streets of Lodi play host to the Street Faire and Sunday, October 3 was the final faire for this year.  So what exactly is a Street Faire?  For some folks it’s a giant yard sale …. for others it all about the food …. for still others it’s about a place to be and a time to share.  For Lodi, it’s all of those things and more – it’s also a time when the city comes together and does amazing feats of coordination and cooperation.  I hope the following pictures will give you a sense …. Of being “unstuck in Lodi, again!”

Animal alley – it’s not a circus, but it is a rural community!

Rides for kids – I stood there for five minutes and I was dizzy.  I can only imagine how the attendants and horses felt after all day!

Service Animals - These folks train all kinds and breeds of dogs for all kinds of purposes – sight and hearing impaired are the most common, but by all means not the only service training available.

They start early …. “Get away kid, you bother me!”

All that glitters is not gold, especially if it’s a collection of table glass.

Antiques … it’s great to know that something there was older than me.

Looking for something …. Here’s a map on where to find it.  The Faire encompasses over 10 City blocks.

Vendors everywhere … on both sides of this street, as far as you can see

Local Fund Raising? … It’s easier to let them come to you!

The necessaries …. Which one first?

Meet at the corner table …. Family style gatherings, even with complete strangers … or they were at the beginning of the meal …. Best friends by dessert!

Can’t find anything to east?  …. Then you’re not trying hard enough!  Anyone see the funnel cakes booth?

What else … oh yah!  …. It’s an election year … one booth fits all!

So what does the faire look like at 10:00 in the morning?

What about at 9:00 the morning after?

A remarkable job!  Thank you Lodi and all the folks that “help!” 

Never did find the Funnel Cakes … until this morning:

So Kristen Wheatley and Jon Zolsky …. It looks like another fair-going tradition has been commercialized:

Thanks Jack!!!