Can a place name modify something else

Question

I have looked up the proper way to punctuate place names (for example San Francisco, California) and am wondering if they can be used to modify something else.

Here is what I have so far:

The “Spicy Ramen Festival” of San Jose, California, was held on April 7th at the Johnson Community Center.

But it sounds better to say verbally:

San Jose, California's "Spicy Ramen Festival" was held on April 7th at the Johnson Community Center.

It this grammatical?

Thank you.

Judy · Answer

IMO, it sounds less awkward to say it this way: The Spicy Ramen Festival was held on April 7th at the Johnson Community Center in San Jose, California.

But, yes, a place name can be used to modify another noun. Your sentence is grammatical.

Example: San Francisco's famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood ...

The only confusion might be if the name of the event is actually "Spicy Ramen Festival of San Jose, California" - is that the case? If so then the quotes should include "of San Jose, California." If you really need the quotes, although I don't see why.

Can a place name modify something else

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