by Wes Bowers
The sunny skies that organizers of the 33rd annual Berryessa Art and Wine Festival hoped for on May 10 shined, attracting thousands of people to the daylong event held near Berryessa Community Center at Penitencia Creek Park.
About 100 artists displayed and sold their artwork, and a community row of civic groups bustled. The festival featured lots of entertainment, including several honor bands from Berryessa Union School District elementary schools, and the jazz band from Independence High School.
Organizer Mary Larsen said about $26,000 was raised to benefit the Berryessa Union School District's music program. She added the total raised eclipsed last year's number of $25,000.
"I think it went really well," she said. "We raised about $1,000 more than last year's festival, and it seemed like we had more people turn out."
Last year's art and wine festival attracted about 7,000 guests. With honor bands from the school district's middle schools playing each morning at the festival, Larsen said organizers are proud to see profits go toward the music program.
"It's nice to see all the kids go from playing in elementary bands to junior high bands and on to high school bands," she said. "One day you'll
Font Resize