OAKHURST – Autumn is taking hold in the foothills, and we’re all ready for some serious sensory satisfaction. Luckily, it’s time for the annual Oakhurst Fall Festival (formerly known as Oakhurst Chocolate & Wine Festival), taking place this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 – 13, in the Oakhurst Community Park. The action goes from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days and admission is only $2 per person to enter.
“Imagine a beautiful fall day,” say organizers including the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, suggesting “warm sun, blue skies, green and gold vistas beyond the boundaries of a still lush green park.”
The park will be full of “white peaked canopies, and under those canopies, choices of California wines, locally brewed beers, and a wide variety of chocolate, nuts and appetizers to sample while browsing the unique artisans showcasing their wares.”
That’s not all, though. Kids will enjoy the Childrens Carnival, visits with live animals in a petting zoo, miniature horses and alpacas, too. Special attractions include a dunk tank and bounce houses. There’s even a Car Show in the park, and a Silent Auction with loads of valuable goodies.
Guests will be treated to live music and special performances throughout the day. On Saturday and Sunday singer songwriter Jean Butterfield is set to perform, as is the band Rock Therapy. On Saturday only, radio station 95.7 The Fox Live Remote will broadcast live from the Festival.
Participating breweries include Full Circle, Mammoth, South Gate, Three Monkeys and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Companies. Wine will be poured from several local wineries, among them are Ficklin Vinyards, San Joaquin Wine Company, Solitary Cellars, Quady Winery and Yosemite Sierra Wine Road.
Cheese and nut vendors for the Fall Festival are Golden Valley Farm, Hilmar Cheese Company and Oakhurst Fruit and Nut Company.
Chocolatiers include Fab’s Delight’s Chocolate Truffles, Heavenly Mountain Sweets, Monterey Chocolate Company, Sugar Pine Take & Bake Pizza, Velata, Xocai Chocolate and Yosemite Fudge Factory.
Fall Festival insiders invite visitors to have lunch at the venue, unless they’re too full from all the treats. Favorite food vendors will be serving delicious lunches, and for dessert and additional snacks, you can turn to Kettle Korn, Italian Ice and Ice Cream booths.
“Shop from the many wonderful vendors and craftsmen,” they suggest, and “get a jump on your holiday gift giving. You will delight in the vast array of homemade crafts, beautiful art, food, home and garden décor and wine accessories.”
For more information contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce.
