With the weekend weather nearly picture perfect for mid-September, the Saturday evening Escalon Chamber of Commerce Wine and Spirits Stroll drew in a huge crowd.
Chamber officials estimated that crowd at well over 200, with online sales alone bringing in about 145 people, and more coming in to purchase tickets the day of the event.
From hard cider to local breweries, cheese to freshly grilled fare, there was a wide variety of items to choose from and enjoy. Wines were also a staple, with several different wineries pouring varietals and several local businesses offering hors d’oeuvres to sample while sipping.
A portion of Main Street was closed down for the Sept. 15 event, which was scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Live music was provided and a makeshift ‘living room’ was set up in the middle of Main Street, with couches and chairs encouraging attendees to sit and visit while eating and drinking.
Outside the Farmers Insurance building on Main, Anthony Diaz was pouring Scotto Family Cellars wines for patrons while at the intersection of Main and Second, former police chief and current city councilman Walt Murken manned a table to pour wines and visit with attendees.
Ace Hardware had a grill and special pizza oven going non-stop to keep sausages and pizza bites piping hot and fresh, while hard apple ciders from Indigeny, out of Sonora, were also being poured. Stuyt Cheese had a booth, the locally produced cheese from Stuyt Dairy a hit with those who got to sample them, and Cyndi Temme and Cindy Tigett set up shop outside their Tupperware location with information and prize drawings.
Also taking part was Tiffany Early, seated at a table with some treats, as she is preparing to open Food Farmacy at 1764 Main St., downtown, this month and was there to greet residents and fill them in on what her eatery will offer – including build your own burgers, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, quiche and a kids menu.
Overall, Chamber officials said they were extremely pleased with the turnout and said the event was a great showcase for the breweries, wineries and eateries that area readily available in and around the Escalon area.
