Festival of the Vine due for a lot of sunshine
A forecast of three straight days of sunny weather would put a smile on anyone's face around here.
But Festival of the Vine organizers are especially delighted, given what happened to their party past year - it was washed away in a record-setting three days of rain, including 9 inches that fell in one day.
Accuweather.com is calling for mostly clear skies and temperatures in the upper 70s during the 28th annual festival, which runs Friday through Sunday in downtown Geneva.
"It looks like three lovely, beautiful days," said Sandy Portincaso, public relations and events coordinator for the for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the party.
It will re-debut a new activity this year, a gourd art show.
"It ranges from crafty to fine art," Portincaso said of the items to be shown at "Gorgeous Gourds: A Harvest of Natural Art," in the courthouse parking lot at Fourth and James streets.
That's the site of the Fall Harvest Market, featuring several activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
New this year are demonstrations by cooking and gardening experts. For example, at 1 p.m. Saturday renowned chef Jeremy Lycan of Niche restaurant will show how to use local produce. At 3 p.m. Sunday representatives from Town and Country Gardens and Cocoon will show how to make floral vase designs.
"We knew a lot of people are into good quality food and preparing that," and making their homes look good, Portincaso said, explaining why the festival added the demonstrations.
Locals have often referred to the festival as "Festival of the Bees," given that bees (and wasps) seem to be especially attracted to all the food and wine being snacked on. But this year you can learn more about our apian friends at a display presented by Charles Wenk and Clyde Eggett. Don't worry, they're not bringing the bees - just empty hives, and honey to sell.
In addition to the market, there are activities for children, the Flavor Fare food and wine event, and lots of wine samplings and special events at merchants throughout downtown.
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. A complete schedule of daily activities can be found in the Neighbor section of today's paper, or online at genevachamber.com/pdf/2009/Final%20FOV%208-17-09Brochure.pdf. You can also call the chamber at (630) 232-6060.