KULPMONT - Months of planning by the Kulpmont Knights of Columbus will come to fruition Saturday with the Knights' first annual wine festival, which will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Holy Angels Church picnic grounds.
David Shinskie, grand knight of the Kulpmont council, said 60 or more brother Knights are actively involved in planning and working at the festival. In keeping with the Knights' mission of serving the church and the community, profits realized from the festival will go to Holy Angels parish.
Those who purchase tickets ($15 pre-sale or $20 at the event) will be entitled to a complimentary wine glass and will be able to sample and purchase wine from the 12 wineries that will be represented at the festival. Also available for purchase will be ethnic foods of various types, sold by several food vendors.
Designated drivers will be admitted for $7 each, but they will not receive wine glasses. No one under 21 will be admitted (identification is required), and no outside food or drink will be allowed.
The wine festival is the result of months of planning, Shinskie said. Knights members started holding meetings in February. Amomg the major sponsors of the wine festival is Art Catino, of Mount Carmel, owner of Catino's Italian Specialties and a new business venture, Catino Vino.
Wineries that will be represented at the festival Saturday are Eagle Rock Winery, Bastress Mountain Winery, Shade Mountain Vineyards, Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyards, Four Friends Vineyards & Winery, Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, Benigna's Creek, Armstrong Valley Vineyards & Winery, Brookmere Winery, Stonekeep Meadery, Red Shale Ridge Vineyards and Spyglass Ridge Winery.
Entertainment will be provided by The Fobias and War Over Wails.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the Holy Angels rectory (373-1221), from the Kulpmont council (373-1691) or Catino's (339-2474).