KELSEYVILLE — Grapes yielded juice under the pressure of stomping feet and banana cream pie became masks for children who participated in contests during the 13th annual Harvest Festival held at Steele Wines Saturday and Sunday in Kelseyville.
Music played while adults sampled wine and children sifted seeds through their fingers or played with clay in an activity corner for children. Handmade wares including pottery, glasswork, beaded jewelry, clothing, wind chimes, window decorations and even marshmallow shooters were on display at approximately 65 booths.
“I was surprised. We had a really good turnout, as bad as the economy is. We had a great crowd ? people were picnicking on the law, they had their dogs. Our attendance was not down a bit from what it was in years past. Vendor sales were not as high as in the past, but most said it was better than in other shows they had been at,” organizer Naomi Key said.
“It seemed like on Saturday there were more people here than last year, and with the economy as bad as it is now, it seemed like people need that feel-good event. It”s fun to come to an event where there is not admission charge, you can listen to music with your family, enjoy a bottle of wine, do some Christmas shopping and forget about the problems going on in the world right now,” Scheirbeck said.
The winery sold approximately 800 glasses, about the same as last year.
“This year there was a storyteller, and the kids were so enthralled in the storytelling. They were sitting with their mouths open like codfish staring at this man ? it was so cute,” Scheirbeck said.
Families picnicked on the lawn, dogs bobbed among the crowds at the end of leashes and people of all ages danced and sang along with music ranging from classical guitar to big band to honky-tonk piano.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
