The Geneva Area Grape Jamboree, Ohio’s fifth-largest festival, began decades ago as a gathering of local grape growers. Today, it’s a two-day celebration filled with parades, grape stomping, live music, food vendors, and wine tastings.

For Carley Downey, SPIRE’s Associate Director of Admissions—and a former Grapette—the event captures the spirit of Geneva. “Geneva is a small town, so sharing our celebration with students from all over the world is a really special experience,” she said. “It’s a chance to show them what makes our town unique.”

SPIRE athletes from across the U.S. and 47 countries marched in the parade, met local residents, and experienced the traditions that shape the community. Their presence highlighted the connection between an international sports academy and a local festival built on pride and tradition.

“This year was especially meaningful,” Downey added. “Not just because it was the Jamboree’s 60th anniversary, but because our students got to see for themselves how important grapes are to Geneva’s identity. It’s something you can’t fully explain until you’re here.”

Dane Szczerpkowski, a SPIRE senior from nearby Madison, has participated in the Jamboree parade throughout his time at the Academy. “It’s really cool to see SPIRE out in the community,” he said. “My favorite part is seeing everyone together—my family was there cheering, and being with my peers made it even better. Every year gets more fun with all the new students.”

The 2025 Jamboree not only celebrated its 60th year, but also showcased how Geneva’s small-town traditions continue to resonate with a global student body through SPIRE Academy.

Relive SPIRE at the Grape Jamboree.