Hudsonhubtimes.com - City acquires taste for Wine Festival

by Laura Freeman

Reporter

Hudson -- It quickly became one of the largest annual events for the city after 3,000 people attended last year, raising $17,000 for the Humane Society of Greater Akron.

And this year, the Hudson Wine Festival is expected to draw more than 4,000 visitors to First & Main July 18, from 1 to 9 p.m., and July 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The event benefits the Humane Society of Greater Akron and is presented by Summit Charitable Events Foundation, said Debra Sherman, freelance event planner. Only the Fourth of July fireworks and Labor Day weekend's Taste of Hudson have a larger attendance in the city, she said.

"We were excited to have such a great response last year," Sherman said. "2,500 patrons paid while others walked through the festival."

The festival will feature more than 250 wines, and Great Lakes Brewing will offer beer tastings on the Vue Restaurant patio with paid festival admission.

Guests may purchase wines during the festival by the bottle or case at a retail wine shop within Vue Restaurant.

Planners hope to raise $25,000 for the Humane Society, Sherman said.

Other festival attractions that are free to the public include musical entertainment, exhibitors, adoptable animals from the Humane Society, an Artists Vineyard with one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items and a children's activities tent from TLC Child Development.

"It's a fun outdoor event with something for everyone," Sherman said. "It's a great benefit to support dogs and cats."

The Merchants sidewalk sale July 16 through 19 will provide a shopping experience at the same time as the Wine Festival and gives people more than one reason to be downtown, Sherman said.

"We'll kick off the event with a pooch parade around the [outside of the] First & Main Green at 1 p.m. Saturday," Sherman said.

Village Way will be closed to vehicular traffic from Library Street to Morse Road Saturday and Sunday for the event.

Food from Vue, PizzaBOGO, Hershey's of Hudson, and cheese plates from Great Lakes Cheese will be available for purchase, Sherman said.

Bands and individuals performing July 18 include Brent Kirby, the Lonesome Stars, Doug McKean and the Stuntmen, Christine Jackson, Chris Allen and the Guilty Hearts, and Soul'd Out.

New this year will be an Artist Vineyard behind the Hudson Library and Historical Society, where 20 to 30 regional artist will showcase their wares, including fiber creations, jewelry, soap and other art items.

On Sunday, anyone who owns a mini Cooper can park their car along Village Way for a mini Cooper rally, Sherman said.

"Last year it was a huge hit with 45 cars," Sherman said.

The kickoff is July 17 at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception at the Vue Restaurant and Lounge. Tickets for the VIP reception are $125 and include a weekend pass.

"There will be premiere wine tasting throughout the night with four wineries coming in with six or seven wines each," Sherman said.

Vue chefs will prepare 15 to 20 varieties of food plus dessert, Sherman said. A silent auction will include plane tickets, health and wellness packages, and gift certificates to area restaurants, Sherman said.

Everyone is invited to the Saturday and Sunday activities.

Tickets for the Hudson Wine Festival are available for $20 each. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass and 10 tastings.

They can be purchased online at www.hudsonwinefestival.com or at Hershey's of Hudson, Jake's Good Life, The Learned Owl Book Shop, PizzaBOGO, PostNet, Vue Restaurant and the Humane Society of Greater Akron. Weekend passes are available in advance for $30.

For more information on sponsorships, vendor opportunities or auction donations, call Sherman at 330-256-8704 or visit www.hudsonwinefestival.com.

E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150