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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) spoke today on the House floor to commemorate the passing of Gordon "Gordy" Hayes Medlin, one of the founders of the Asparagus Festival in Stockton, CA. The Asparagus Festival is a twenty-four year old annual tradition that brings thousands of people to the area and features one of the signature crops of San Joaquin County.
The text of today’s speech is below.
“Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gordon Hayes Medlin, also known as Gordy, who passed away last week.
“Gordy was born in Modesto, California in 1922 and moved to Stockton in high school. Later, Gordy enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve in World War II.
“Twenty-four years ago, inspired by the nearby Gilroy Garlic Festival, Mr. Medlin co-founded the Stockton Asparagus Festival. This festival is a three-day, food and entertainment festival celebrating asparagus, one of the signature crops of San Joaquin County.
“Attendance at the festival often reaches 100,000 people. To this date, the festival has raised more than $4.5 million for participating charities. Mr. Medlin’s influence on the community is tremendous, and the results of his efforts will continue to be felt for years to come.
“I am saddened by Gordy’s passing, and proud to honor his lifetime of service and good work.”
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