San Francisco Bay Area Wine-Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival 2008

Recognized by the Contra Costa Times as the East Bay’s Best Outdoor Festival, the long-running summer event draws 100,000 visitors annually and features award winning local and regional wines and micro brews, thousands of distinctive hand-made crafts and works of art, non-stop music and entertainment, food from dozens of local restaurants, and loads of children’s activities.

Festival admission is free; souvenir wine and beer tasting glasses can be purchased. Visitors to the festival's signature Premium Wine Tent can sample select vintage and boutique wines not offered on the main midway. To support responsible and healthy choices, designated drivers will get their own special Designated Driver souvenir glass and free soft drinks.

Débuting this year is the Colors of the Creek Art Exhibition – a showcase for 60 professional local artists to display their works of art apart from the commercial midway. Embracing the abundant talent of Walnut Creek and East Bay artists, Heather Farm’s Lakeside Room will be transformed into a professional gallery venue for paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed media. Colors of the Creek spotlights the area's distinctive and rich local art scene and Walnut Creek’s growing reputation as a cultural destination.

Two fully-equipped sound stages provide continuous music, mixing it up with jazz, R&B, country, salsa, and Big Band, all performed by local and Bay Area talent. The ever-popular Grape Stomp Competition gets underway twice daily when audience volunteers take to the barrels, removing their shoes, raising their pant legs, and stomping to hoots and hollers.

Paid parking is available on site; and a free continuous shuttle is available at park and ride locations originating at nearby Shadeland’s Park.

Heather Farm Park is located at San Carlos Drive and Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. The community jewel boasts 102 lush acres including the Gardens at Heather Farm; nature ponds, Clarke Swim Center; tennis, basketball, and volley ball courts; picnic areas with bbq’s, children’s playground, athletic fields; and foot and bike paths with connections to the Iron Horse Trail.

For more information, contact Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, 925.934.2007; www.walnut-creek.com.