19th annual Uniquely West Virginia Saturday
Live demonstrations from local chef Scott Collinash of Panorama at the Peak spice up the 19th annual Uniquely West Virginia wine and food festival in Berkeley Springs on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The show offers a free opportunity for the public to sample and buy dozens of state-grown products including nearly 50 vintages from eight wineries, as well as meet the faces behind these products.
By locating at the north end of the Old Factory Antique Mall, more than 75 antique vendors extend festival shopping further.
Chef Scott's cooking demonstrations draw crowds and include three different foods cooked during four sessions. “Drunken mushrooms must be the most popular since they have two sessions,” said Jeanne Mozier, one of the event organizers. New this year is pasta Florentine.
Berkeley Springs Farmers Market vendors are attending having a range of locally grown edibles and plants.
Eight West Virginia wineries are making an appearance, each with a special spin on the ancient art of winemaking. "The winemakers all have a story to tell as you sample their wines," said Laura Smith, administrator of Travel Berkeley Springs, which produces the event.
Tari’s Café and Panorama at the Peak make up the prepared food section.
Fun moves outdoors with Redbud Weekend which includes everything from stargazing at the Morgan County Observatory on Friday night to a Fire and Water History Tour on Sunday afternoon in Berkeley Springs State Park.
Cacapon State Park is the outdoor
center with excellent redbud growth as well as a Ridge Trail hike on Saturday
and Earth Day activities on Sunday morning.
"One of the most popular parts of the weekend is getting a free redbud seedling at Nature Niche," said Mozier. "Folks need to come on Friday or get there before the festival Saturday morning, because those seedlings go quickly."
Evening entertainment includes bluegrass and Americana music at the Fairfax Coffee on Friday and Saturday nights respectively, while the Troubadour Lounge features V-6 Band.
Stop by the Delectable Mountains Quilt Guild Show at the Ice House on Saturday and Sunday.
The Old Factory Antique Mall, site of Saturday’s wine and food fair is located on Mercer and Williams at the north end of Berkeley Springs.
Uniquely West Virginia is produced by Travel Berkeley Springs, with support from the Division of Culture and History Fairs and Festivals.
For a free Celebration Guide with all the details on both festival vendors and related activities throughout the county including Redbud Weekend call 800-447-8797.
