Asparagus Festival's Comeback King: Tony Noceti

The 40th annual San Joaquin County Asparagus Festival is underway in Stockton, California,

celebrating the veggie and wild ways like ice cream and bacon wrap spears.

At the helm is Tony Nocedi, the 66-year-old president and Stockton 99 Speedway owner, who's

turning heads with his grit after a brutal crash.

Back in November 2025, Nocedi and his wife got hit head-on in Thickfog, leaving him with

over 30 broken bones and six surgeries, plus 31 days in the hospital.

The doctor said it'd be a long road, but he's defying the odds.

Folks are buzzing about his comeback.

Nocedi showed up Friday all smiles, rolling in on a walker with a foot brace, shaking

hands and soaking in the cheers from the crowd, who know how close he came to missing this

milestone event.

The fun runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., carnival till 10 p.m., then Sunday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with rides open till 9, tickets run $15 standard, $10 for kids, seniors,

or active military, free for under 5, and parkings $10 cash only.

Swing by to taste those quirky Asparagus treats and catch the live music.

Nocedi's story reminds us festivals like this keep rolling no matter what.

Life throws your way.

That wraps California news today, brought to you with AI.