Festival Of The Vine Will Return In New Location

GENEVA, IL — Geneva's autumn harvest celebration Festival of the Vine is returning in September, only this time, it will be held on South James and Fourth streets.

Previous Festival of the Vine events — which began as a celebration of anything grown on a vine and now revolves around food and wine — were held on State Street. The decision to switch spots was a mutual one between the Chamber of Commerce and Geneva Police Department, according to Laura Rush, communications director at the Geneva Chamber.

"Everything you love about this festival can be found in a new location," Rush said in a statement. "The Geneva Police have done a phenomenal job of keeping everyone safe crossing State Street during previous Festival of the Vines. However, it was mutually decided that the event should move across the street to James and S. Fourth streets."

The festival, taking place Sept. 9-11, will feature fine restaurants, an arts and crafts show, merchant wine events, business booths, activities for kids, and complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides.

As they've done for more than 40 years, restaurants will be set up under one tent to offer three of their favorite signature items, which can be purchased using tickets.

A festival wouldn't be complete without musical entertainment, and Festival of the Vine will feature both local and Chicago-based entertainers, including longtime 101.9 The Mix host Lisa Allen.

A complete schedule of events is set to be released mid-August, officials said.

Tickets to the festival go on sale Aug. 22 and can be purchased on the Chamber's website. They must be picked up at the Chamber office, 8 S. Third St., by Sept. 7 or at will call at the event.

A minimum purchase of $40 — two ticket sheets each worth $20 — is required for online ticket orders. Each ticket costs $1, and food will cost between three to 12 tickets, while wine will cost between six to 16 tickets. Beer will cost 7 tickets, according to the event page.