KELSEYVILLE — The 20th-annual Kelseyville Pear Festival will be held from from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 on Main Street in historic downtown Kelseyville.
In the fall of 1993 the first Kelseyville Pear Festival was held. The Kelseyville Business Association decided to feature one festival per year and to promote the agricultural heritage of the community. The festival has since grown in attendance from 1,500 the first year to 9,000 last year.
The center point of the Kelseyville Pear Festival is the Pear Pavilion ? a large showcase of “everything pear” including historical photos, videos and agricultural exhibits.
Some of Lake County”s finest pear products ? jams, jellies, pear ice cream and pear pies ? always sell-out.
The event, which is held each year on the last Saturday in September, begins at 9:30 a.m. with a parade down Main Street. Highlights of the parade this year will be three grand marshals. Longtime festival volunteers Judy Card, John Puccetti and Eric Scholfield will be honored for their years of contribution.
The Prince and Princess of the festival will also be recognized for their award-winning essays. The parade will include children, tractors, horse-drawn wagons, antique cars, marching bands, floats and groups that walk or march.
For the first time in festival history, the Lake County Horse Council will present a free family event including live equine demonstrations, equestrian exhibitors and a parade of breeds. Attendees are invited to learn what horse enthusiasts in Lake County are doing to promote and preserve the area for the horse industry and recreation. Entrance to this event will be off Main Street.
Antique tractors, steam engines, and all types of farm equipment will be on display as part of the antique tractor and engine exhibits.
Colorful quilts, heirloom, classic and unique designs, will be exhibited at the Methodist Church social hall.
The lobby of the WestAmerica Bank will be transformed into a fine arts show. Classic and contemporary art will be on display and available for sale.
Lining the streets will be an array of arts and crafts with a focus on pear-inspired creations.
A plethora of food vendors are selected to participate each year. Barbecue, sandwiches, popcorn and even pear margaritas are popular.
Performances will be held on three different stages throughout the day. Dancers, singers, actors and Lake County musicians will be featured.
Daylong activities are planned for the children”s area. The fun spot to be will be at The Hang Out Theatre, a place for 10- to 15-year-olds to meet up with friends and enjoy all kinds of entertainment. Music, dancing and a young comedian are on the schedule.
The theater will be in the big tent right behind the Catholic Church on Main Street.
On festival day, the top four winners of the Pear Dessert Contest will be announced. Prizes include gift certificates to Lake County restaurants. To enter a favorite recipe, bring it and an application to the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church Friendship Hall on Sept. 28 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Include the recipe and a disposable container.
Event-goers are encouraged to enjoy a special pre-festival concert beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 28. Singin” Cowboy Dave Stamey returns to perform at the Wildhurst Tasting Room courtyard. Opening for Stamey are “The Lake Fiddlers” featuring Andi Skelton and Eleanor Cook.
Tickets cost $40 each and include a complimentary glass of wine, barbecue dinner and concert under the stars.
Tickets may be purchased at the Wildhurst Tasting Room, located at 3855 Main St. in Kelseyville. Ticket information is available at 800-595-WINE.
Admission to the Kelseyville Pear Festival on Sept. 29 is free. Parade applications, pear dessert applications and other details can be found at www.kelseyvillepearfestival.com.
