CLEARFIELD – The fifth annual Groundhog Wine Trail Festival had approximately 1200 guests in attendance for wine tasting between their two sessions on Saturday at the Expo I building at the Clearfield Fairgrounds.
“This was a great event for out fifth year,” said Kenn Starr, owner of Starr Hill Winery in Curwensville and coordinator of the Groundhog Wine Trail Festival. “This is great for our community.” Starr said the wine festival had guests from near and far. Visitors were from Pittsburgh, State College, New York state, out West and Australia. An event like this can keep our local restaurants and businesses busy too, which is good for the community, Starr said.
The nine participating wineries were Allegheny Cellars, Evergreen Vineyards, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Foxburg Wine Cellars,
Laurel Mountain Winery, Oak Spring Winery, Starr Hill Winery, Windgate Vineyards and Winery at Wilcox.
Other vendors included Sweet Art Bakery, Pine Grove Paintings, Pete’s Pepperoni, Nutten but Nuts, Chocolate Madness and Wise Snacks.
State Rep. Camille ‘Bud’ George and his wife Edna were in attendance. Punxsutawney Phil also made an appearance and had photos taken with guests.
The evening session entertainment was by the 14th Street Jazz Band who has members from the Clearfield and Houtzdale areas. This session had guests dancing and enjoying their wine and the live music.
There were chances being sold for baskets, donated by each of the wineries, as well as 50/50 tickets and instant bingo tickets.
Starr also said how great St. Francis School is a great organization and nice to have them again this year. A portion of the proceeds of the Groundhog Wine Trail Festival will go to St. Francis School, who had volunteers participating throughout the two sessions.
Sponsors of the Groundhog Wine Trail Festival include: WTAJ, Starr Financial Group, Winters Sign Company, Lezzer Lumber, Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, WOKW, gantnews.com, wearecentralpa.com and Visit Clearfield County PA.
Next year’s Groundhog Wine Trail Festival will be held on February 2, 2013, the website will have more information for next year www.groundhogwinetrail.com.
