Breathing new life into classic Lodi icon
Lodi man to be recognized for decade of Grape Bowl dedication
After more than a decade of dedication to saving Lodi’s Grape Bowl and raising $337,139.04 for renovations, Jack Fiori has decided to retire from soliciting for the Save the Grape Bowl fund.
In honor of his contributions, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will hold a Jack Fiori appreciation night on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square.
Lodi City Councilman Bob Johnson will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. The cost of the event is $50 and includes a sit-down dinner, wine and other beverages. To reserve your seat, contact the recreation office at 230 W. Elm Street, by phone at 209-333-6742, or by email at prdept@lodi.gov.
“I just thought it was only appropriate that we recognize him for the efforts that he’s made on behalf of the community and do something in honor that will bring the community together to celebrate his dedication to the Grape Bowl,” Lodi Parks Director Jeff Hood said.
According to Hood, Fiori has been devoted to first saving the Grape Bowl and now helping to raise money for needed recreational upgrades around the city.
“He certainly has had a passion for this project for many years, and he’s been very effective,” Hood said. “He’s done this out of his love for the Grape Bowl, which he saw constructed when he was a child growing up in Lodi. He has some great stories about the stadium and he’s been a frequent visitor to me. He’s been very passionate about making sure that the Grape Bowl stays a focal point of community life in Lodi.”
Hood also mentioned that Fiori has been enjoyable to work with, and has personally made significant contributions toward the project himself in addition to asking others for donations.
Fiori watched construction of the Grape Bowl in 1940 and played football in the stadium for Lodi High School. According to Hood, his efforts may have saved the Grape Bowl from being mothballed in response to the high cost of upgrades needed to meet the Americans With Disabilities Act requirements.
“As a child, I watched the Grape Bowl being built, and I had the good fortune of playing ball there for four years in high school,” Fiori said. “To me, it was something I just thought the world of. I’ve watched a lot of activities go on there, and it’s been an important part of our community.”
Fiori said he is a firm believer in youth activities, and he believes the Grape Bowl is one of the best facilities in the county for that.
“We have got the best facility there is, and I just want to maintain it and see it continue because I think our kids deserve this,” Fiori said.
Now 86, Fiori decided to cease his fundraising efforts after realizing it was becoming harder to get donations.
“I have been asking people for donations for years, and all of a sudden I’m going back and asking the same people for donations, and they say ‘well I already gave you donations,’” Fiori said. “It seems like our younger generation is not interested in maintaining that stadium like the old-timers are.”
Fiori said he hopes people from younger generations that are sports-minded and families that have kids participating in sports can start stepping up and working with the city to help maintain the Grape Bowl.