Grape Festival celebrates Altus tradition

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom
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The 28th annual Altus Grape Festival was in full swing Friday and Saturday (July 29-30) with large crowds coming out to enjoy good drink, good food and good fun in the wine capital of Arkansas.

As a region known for its wine production, the Altus Grape Festival has become synonymous with celebrating the traditions of grape-growing and wine-making in the Ozarks. The event brings local vineyards and wine producers together to showcase the area’s more than 120 year history as Arkansas’ premier wine country.

Area wineries set up tents for visitors to come sample their best selections. For a small fee, individuals could sample different whites and reds. Countless glasses were poured as festival goers went from tent to tent to taste what each winery had to offer.

Held downtown at the Altus City Park, there was something for everyone to enjoy at the festival. Live entertainment was provided by several area groups and acts at the center gazebo. A street dance was held on Friday along with the Bacchus look-alike contest and the “celebrity” grape-stomping competition.

On Saturday morning, numerous vendors, selling crafts, homemade goods and other products lined the park. Several area organizations were also on hand selling drinks and food. Children climbed in and out of the bounce-arounds and on the playground equipment while their parents visited the booths.

The ever-popular grape stomping event took place throughout the festival with four competitors at a time taking their turn in the wooden vats. Using only their feet, participants worked to stomp as many grapes as possible in the time allotted. After time was called, juice from the vats was poured into bottles and measured to determine whose bottle was most full. The person with the fullest bottle was declared the winner.

Hanna Osborne, 7, was named the winner of her grape-stomping competition. She is the daughter of Melissa and Jeff Osborne.