Vintage Fest celebrates

The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival brings to the Plaza 117 years worth of tradition along with some new twists and special treats, and takes place Sept. 26 to 28. The time-honored firefighters’ water fight turns into a draught-friendly tug-of-war for the trophy this year. And 10 different models of electric cars will be available for test drives on Sunday, along with a $5 festival food coupon for taking advantage of the green-friendly opportunity.

Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band, provides the dance music at the gala Friday night, and 2014 Grammy award winner Charlie Musselwhite is the festival’s headliner, closing out a weekend-long lineup of music performances.

Seventy-five artists will be selling their original work all weekend, and along with winetasting, there will be beer and cocktails available. “It’s an opportunity to sip and shop,” said Robert Friedman, festival vice president. “The response from artists was overwhelming and I want to give a shout out to the high quality of terrific art.”

There will be several grape-stomping competitions at the Plaza Amphitheater, and on Saturday evening there is a Bear Flag Revolt reenactment, followed by “Get Your Glow On,” a short parade on Spain Street from First Street East to First Street West. You can sign up to be in the parade right up to the day, and the only requirement is that entrants “light themselves up,” Friedman said. Entrants can walk, drive a vehicle or pull a trailer, the one restraint being that you cannot be or promote a candidate for political office.

The theme for the festival this year is Mardi Gras d’Vine, and the annual contest for painting the festival poster was won by Jennifer Cabaud. This year’s poster and T-shirts, as well as collectible festival posters from years past, will be for sale at the main festival tent in front of City Hall.

On Sunday morning, 12K and 5K races take place, the proceeds of which benefit the Sonoma Valley High School cross country team.

“We are an all volunteer organization, and over the course of the year we put in hundreds upon hundreds of hours to make this event happen,” Friedman said. “And all of the proceeds directly benefit the community. Beneficiaries include SVHS Grad Night and Junior Dragons, and the Depot Museum.”

A complete schedule of events can be found at valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.com.

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