The annual Festival of the Grape will take over Oliver Community Park on Sunday, Oct. 5 with organizers expecting as many as 4,000 wine lovers to attend the popular event. Every year, the festival features a parade of winery owners. This photograph was taken during last year’s opening parade. More than 50 wineries from across the Okanagan Valley and 60 retail outlets will be participating in this year’s event. The festival has grown significantly since it began 18 years ago with only 300 people participating. (File photo)
The Okanagan’s largest family wine festival is gearing up for a stompin’ good time in Oliver Community Park on Sunday, October 5.
The 18th annual Festival of the Grape (FOG) has expanded to include more than 50 wineries, 15 food trucks, 60 retail vendors, live entertainment, and a bigger “Kid Zone” to keep children busy.
The popular grape stomp competition is back, with 12 teams registered from Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Calgary, Trail, Okanagan Falls and Surrey.
Last year’s winner was Amy Hancock’s “Filthy Feet team who stomped out 33.5 pounds of juice.
Ed Dukes, FOG’s entertainment chair, said it doesn’t get much better than good old-fashioned barefoot grape stomping with costumed contestants dancing on grapes for five minutes.
Dukes said for $23 (free entry for people under 19), you wouldn’t find a better family entertainment package than what FOG is offering this year.
He noted that Canadian music award winners “The Paperboys” from Vancouver would have people dancing.
The festival will have an expanded “Chateau de Kids” section this year with more space and activities, including a petting zoo. So you shouldn’t be hearing any complaints about children being bored.
But rest assured the kids won’t be having all the fun on October 5.
Adults can take advantage of a wine and food pairing tent and plenty of wine tasting opportunities courtesy of their favourite wineries. (Approximately 1,500 bottles of wine are consumed at the festival every year.)
For art lovers, be sure to check out the Fall Art Show and Sale at the Oliver Community Centre.
The festival has grown significantly since it began 18 years ago with an attendance of 300 people.
Once again, the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is organizing the event.
Bonnie Dancey, the chamber’s chief executive officer, said generally 3,500 people attend FOG every October.
“We expect that number to climb closer to 4,000 this year. The word is out the Festival of the Grape is the family fall event to attend to sample some of the world’s finest wines and celebrate Okanagan cuisine and culture.”
Those attending Festival of the Grape come from across the entire Okanagan Valley, including every town in the South Okanagan, said Dancey.
A large contingent of wine lovers from Osoyoos are expected.
There will be free parking and also transportation shuttles available.
Advance tickets are $23 per person ($25 at the gate). Tickets are available at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and Shoppers Drug Mart in Oliver. They can also be purchased at the chamber office (CPR building) at 6431 Station Street in Oliver.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
