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Delta Culture

Contemporary Delta culture is a blending of the past and the present, as well as European, Mexican, Chinese, Philippine, and, Southeast Asian traditions. Stockton, one of the largest cities within the secondary zone, the 238,000 acre perimeter of the Delta, is presently one of the top 14% most diverse cities within the United States

However, town life within the primary zone of the Delta, the over 500,000 acres which is primarily farmland, is quite different from the region's urban centers. A mix of marinas, restaurants, and family-owned commercial tourist sites, the residents and visitors to this region enjoy Delta time - a more relaxed pace of life. Hispanic and Southeast Asian farm workers live, work and recreate within the area, bringing new vitality to the region.

There are also numerous festivals throughout the Delta in the warmer months. Isleton, known as "Crawdad Town USA," is home to the Crawdad Festival, the Rodeo on the River, and the Asian Festival. The Delta city of Brentwood, an area that produces some of the sweetest corn in the country, is home to the annual Brentwood Corn Festival. Lodi has an annual wine festival and is sponsor of the Sandhill Crane Festival. The City of Tracy, located in the south Delta, holds the Bean Festival each September. And the Stockton Asparagus Festival features three days of food, crafts, and entertainment. Held annually on the last weekend in April, over $3.6 million dollars has been contributed back to local charities directly from the Stockton Asparagus Festival over the last twenty years.

And of course, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta wouldn't be the Delta without fishing and fishing tournaments. Striped Bass fishing alone adds millions of dollars each year to the local economy, and local bait shops throughout the Delta are a vital part of the economy.

To learn more about Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta festivals, cultural celebrations, and fishing tournaments, check the Restore the Delta Calendar regularly.