San Joaquin County recently hosted a series of diverse events, celebrating local culture, history, and community engagement from October 11 to October 17, 2025. These gatherings included a major book festival promoting literacy, an annual tractor fest showcasing vintage machinery, an art exhibition focusing on upcycled materials, and a significant county anniversary celebration.
The events drew residents from across the region, offering educational opportunities and family-friendly entertainment. From literary discussions to historical reenactments and contemporary art, the week provided a comprehensive look at the vibrant community spirit within San Joaquin County.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Valley Bookfest promoted literacy and supported local educational initiatives.
- Tractor Fest at Micke Grove featured over 30 vintage tractors and drew large crowds.
- San Joaquin Delta College opened the 'Upcycled Garden' art installation.
- San Joaquin County celebrated its 175th anniversary with a 'State of the County' event.
- Local high school football teams, St. Mary's and Edison, competed in a varsity game.
Great Valley Bookfest Champions Literacy in Manteca
The Great Valley Bookfest took place at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley in Manteca, focusing on the promotion of literacy. This annual event serves as a platform for authors to connect with readers and for the community to engage with literature.
Stockton author Matt Abraham was among the featured writers, reading passages from his book, Old Debts. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase books and interact directly with authors.
Bookfest Beneficiaries
- Friends of the Library
- Read Valley Writing Camps
- Give Every Child a Chance
- San Joaquin County Office of Education
Community Engagement at the Bookfest
The festival included a used book sale organized by the Friends of the Library. This sale provided affordable reading materials and supported the organization's efforts. Many families attended, browsing selections and participating in activities.
Abigail Drescher, 10, of Manteca, was seen shopping for books with her father, Jonathan Drescher. Sacramento author Crystal Patterson and Mariah Clark Skewes also engaged with visitors, discussing their works and signing copies.
"Events like the Great Valley Bookfest are crucial for fostering a love of reading in our community," stated a representative from the Friends of the Library. "They bring books to life and make literacy accessible to everyone."
Younger attendees, like eight-year-old Natasha Santhosh, participated in creative activities. She worked on a sidewalk chalk drawing with her mother, Bahvabi Govindasamy, and father, Santhosh Kumar, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere of the event.
Tractor Fest Showcases Vintage Machinery in Lodi
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum’s annual Tractor Fest was held at Micke Grove in Lodi on October 11, 2025. This event celebrates agricultural heritage by displaying a wide array of vintage tractors.
More than 30 vintage tractors were on display, attracting enthusiasts and families. The festival provided an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of farming equipment and its evolution.
Historical Significance
Tractor Fest highlights the agricultural roots of San Joaquin County, a region historically known for its fertile lands and significant contributions to California's agricultural output. Vintage tractors represent the innovation and hard work that shaped the local economy.
Interactive Exhibits and Parade
Children and adults alike enjoyed interacting with the exhibits. Ten-year-old Erica Miles of Stockton sat on a 1948 International Harvester TD-6 tractor. Zachary Wall, 3, of Stockton, explored a 1945 Ford tractor.
A popular highlight was the vintage tractor parade around the grounds of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum. Two-year-old Emma Gonzalez of Manteca applauded the passing machinery, demonstrating the event's broad appeal.
Eight-year-old Blake Spinelli of Hughson gave his grandfather, Steve Kaephart, a ride on a 1936 John Deere D-1 tractor in the parade. Four-year-old Abby Jue of Linden rode on a 1948 VAC Case tractor, driven by her aunt Janelle Wunderlich. These personal interactions underscore the intergenerational appeal of the festival.
Art and History: New Exhibition and County Anniversary
San Joaquin Delta College's L.H. Horton Gallery hosted the installation of artist Daniel Attaboy Seifert’s touring art installation, Upcycled Garden. The installation process began on October 14, 2025, with the show opening on October 16 and running through December 12, 2025.
Seifert, aided by student Owen Noska, installed pieces of the exhibition. The Upcycled Garden focuses on art created from recycled materials, promoting environmental awareness through creative expression.
Celebrating 175 Years of San Joaquin County
The University of the Pacific campus in Stockton was the venue for the State of the County and San Joaquin County's 175th-anniversary event on October 16, 2025. The celebration marked a significant milestone for the county.
Attendees learned about local history and current affairs. Micke Grove Zoo education assistant Abby Frye presented a Madagascar hissing cockroach, offering an educational moment for guests. Members of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Posse also engaged with the public.
The event featured a performance of the national anthem by Vanessa Minor. Phillip Merlo, Executive Director of the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum, provided a historical perspective on the county's journey.
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor Chair Paul Canepa delivered the keynote address at the Faye Spanos Concert Hall. His speech highlighted the county's achievements and future outlook, commemorating 175 years of growth and community development.
High School Football Action: St. Mary's vs. Edison
The week concluded with a varsity football game between St. Mary’s and Edison High at Edison's Magnasco Stadium in Stockton on October 17, 2025. The competitive match drew local sports fans.
St. Mary’s secured a victory with a final score of 44-27. The game featured several notable plays and strong performances from both teams.
- St. Mary’s Kenneth Moore III escaped a tackle by Edison’s Amareon McKenzie.
- Edison’s Kailan Beaver scored a touchdown, evading St. Mary’s Braylon Lindsey.
The Edison High varsity football team took the field under the headlights of alumni motorcycle riders, creating an exciting entrance for the home crowd. Despite the loss, Edison showed strong effort throughout the game.
St. Mary’s Jeremy Krause was tackled by Edison’s Dezmond Sanders. Later, St. Mary’s Diego Hernandez was tackled by Edison’s Khalil Daniels. These plays highlighted the defensive efforts from both sides.
The game provided an energetic close to a week filled with cultural, historical, and community events across San Joaquin County.