Goodness Grapeness!

Local vineyards celebrate centuries-old tradition

The 31st annual Altus Grape Festival is kicks off a weekend of revelry at 5 p.m. today, celebrating the long history of grape growers in Arkansas.

"This festival is revived as a celebration of the centuries old tradition of the grape growing and wine making industry in Arkansas," says Veronica Post, publicity chair for the festival. "In 1984, the Federal Government designated the Altus area as a viticulture area, like the Napa Valley. Earlier Grape Festivals were held in the area, but stopped in the 1920s until the last 30 years."

FAQ

Altus Grape Festival

WHEN — 5 p.m. Today through Saturday

WHERE — Altus City Park off Hwys 186 and 64

COST — Free

INFO — 479-518-1963

The Festival dates back to 1880, when grape growers from Germany and Italy immigrated to the United States and found the Altus area to be particularly excellent for growing grapes, she says. The soil and environment was similar to that of Europe and allowed for the creation of vineyards in the area, she says.

"A lot of the growers are still here," Post says. "This is a tradition that has been carried on in these families today."

Although the Grape Festival focuses on wine, the fair holds plenty of activities for the young and those not trying the wine.

"We have lots of activities for children," Post says. "There is a bounce around, a grape-spoon race and of course a grape pie eating contest. And for the older kids, there is a waiter/waitress tray race." Kids can also participate in the water balloon toss and sample a variety of grape juices made by local vendors.

Members of the public can also get their feet wet in a public grape stomp, as well as participate in the Bacchus and Lady Bacchus look-alike contest. Local crafters will fill the park with their arts and crafts, and musicians from around the area will entertain festival goers with live music all weekend.

Any amateur wine makers will have until 9 a.m. Saturday to enter their homemade wines in the annual tasting contest.

"This is going to be a wonderful weekend," Post says. "The weather is going to be beautiful, so I hope people come out and enjoy the festival."

NAN What's Up on 07/25/2014

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