HEGINS - Although it was hot and humid at the fifth annual Schuylkill County Wine Festival held in Hegins Park on Sunday, there was plenty to drink.
The festival started at 1 p.m. Tickets were $15 for participants and $5 for designated drivers and underage attendees.
Proceeds from the event supported the Hegins Park Association.
Mary Tobash, Hegins, an organizer, said this year 11 wineries were represented. She also said there was plenty of food and 20 other craft and wine-related vendors.
"I don't think we expected to get quite the crowd," she said.
While Tobash didn't know exactly how many people had bought tickets prior to the event, she said that it may be more than last year, so the event continues to grow.
Among the wineries this year that offered unique tasting opportunities, was one newcomer, Allegro Winery, Brogue, York County.
Other wineries and vintners on hand were Red Shale Ridge Winery, Hegins; Benigna's Creek Vineyard & Winery, Klingerstown; Long Trout Winery, Auburn; Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, Pine Grove; Shade Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Middleburg; Spyglass Ridge Winery, Sunbury; Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery, Halifax; Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn, Belleville; Stonekeep Meadery, Birdsboro, and Galen Glen Vineyards & Winery, Andreas.
Ralph Heffner, owner of Jersey Acres and Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, Friedensburg, said that although "it's a little warm," it was a great day for the event.
Angela Tobash, Schuylkill Haven, a volunteer for the fest, enjoyed the activities. Dennis Tobash and his fiancee, Kristen Campbell, both of Allentown, also attended.
"Every year it gets bigger and this is my fourth year here," Angela Tobash said. "I think it's the perfect spot to have it too."
Dennis Tobash said that people really look forward to it every year.
"Even if the weather is overcast, it's always a good time," he said.
While the event brought together area wineries, food and product vendors, there was also musical entertainment to help celebrate the end of summer.
The live entertainment included disc jockey Dan Poletti, T.J. Fitzpatrick and The 60s Boys.
Mary Tobash said one event at festival that continues to grow is the annual table decorating contest. This year's theme was "Grapes of Glory."
In the contest, attendees are encouraged to use the park's picnic tables or bring their own tables and chairs with a theme in mind related to the contest.
The designers of the most creative table decor earn gift basket prizes.
"We had 24 people register for the table decorating," she said.
For more photos and information about past festivals, visit the festival's website at www.schuylkillwinefestival.com.