AUGUSTA, MO — Lovers of art and wine will delight in the Harvest Festival, held in Augusta, Missouri, September 14- 15, 2012. This 7th annual event will celebrate local artists and artisans, giving attendees a rare glimpse into some of the area’s finest studios, vineyards and businesses. Sponsored by the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce, the 2012 Augusta Harvest Festival features many family-friendly daytime activities as well as two premier evening events.
“Augusta is rich with picturesque scenery, unique businesses, restaurants, and world-renowned artists and artisans,” said event chairman, Randal Oaks. “This year’s festival will provide an opportunity to experience the heart of Augusta’s Wine Country from a completely different viewpoint. We’re excited to share all that we love about our award-winning area with the greater community.”
The Harvest Festival kicks-off on Friday evening with the ever-popular “Swingin’ in the Vines Concert and Picnic in the Vineyard.” Participants will board a rustic wagon to one of Augusta’s original vaulted wine cellars and enjoy a gourmet picnic basket dinner in the vineyards with music by Michael Lacey and his New Orleans Swing Band. Reservations are required - $85.00 per couple.
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The fun continues on Saturday, September 15 with a full schedule of family-friendly events. Grab the kids and join the fun during the Kids Harvest Parade at 10 a.m., followed by a children’s yoga demonstration, Plein Air Art demonstrations and a Children’s Quick Paint Contest in the Augusta Town Square.
Love to bake? “The Art of My Mama’s Kitchen” Pie Baking contest will also be Saturday. Winners of the pie baking and children’s art contest will be announced at noon in the Town Square, followed by a pie walk.
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Saturday afternoon will provide the opportunity to meet seven unique Augusta artists and artisans who will discuss their crafts: glass-blowing, wood carving, culinary arts, healing arts, quilt-making, and more. A detailed schedule and venue information, please visit www.Augusta-Chamber.org.
Also on Saturday afternoon, the “Art of Music in Augusta” will come alive with the Augusta Bottoms Consort performing under the arbor at Oaks Crossing from 2- 4:30 p.m. Artisans will be working and Plein Air Artists painting around town. Feel free to stop and visit with them as they work.
Throughout the day, the lawn at Ebenezer UCC Church will be filled with rocking chairs for a “Rock-a-thon” fundraiser hosted by the Heritage Cluster of UCC Churches. “Rockers” will rock from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to raise money for Camp Mo-Val. Stop by and join in the fun!
The Wine Maker’s Social on Saturday evening marks the finale of the Harvest Festival. This is an exclusive dining experience where wine makers from the Augusta area each select a wine to be paired with an hors d’oeuvre or dinner menu item. The event rotates from one venue to another each year. This year’s event will be hosted by Sugar Creek Winery. Enjoy a sunset toast and hors d’oeuvres on the bluff. Meet local wine makers and then board a harvest wagon to the vineyards for a seated dinner. Guest speakers will be Catherine Neville, Editor and Publisher of FEAST Magazine, and Jack Galmiche, President and CEO of PBS Channel 9 Network. Cellist, Gregory Spillman, with Jefferson City Symphony, will provide classical and classic rock music. Seating is limited to 100 guests. Reservations are required - $75.00 per person.
A Silent Auction during the two-day festival will feature unique one-of-a-kind items, art, and exclusive wine country experiences in Augusta Wine Country. Winners will be announced at the “Wine Maker’s Social.”
For a detailed schedule of Augusta’s Harvest Festival events, please visit www.augusta-chamber.org. To make reservations for Friday and Saturday evening special events, please contact The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce at 636-228-4005 or email gacc.augusta@gmail.com.