September 30, 2004

Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival Highlights

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Festivalgoers delighted in the new, user-friendly setting at Almaden Lake Park. Plans are already underway for a bigger and better event next year.

The 28th annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine festival will be remembered by many—especially those who orchestrated the event as one of the most successful in Women’s Club history. The new Almaden Lake Park venue proved to be a wise move, as the tranquil lake setting, wrapped with lush paths and shaded picnic areas, offered ample room for unique and colorful artist displays, along with easy access to refreshments, entertainment, and parking.

“I’ve never been so proud to be a Woman’s Club member,” admits president Linda Bronson. “Everyone loved the new venue and the lake. We had plenty of room, yet it still felt intimate and festive. I have to commend Cindy and her committee for their attention to detail and their meticulous planning. It went off like clockwork.

“It was a totally awesome day,” exclaims festival chair Cindy Griffeth. “Parks and Rec did a beautiful job getting the lake together and so many people told us it was a great place—full of excitement and energy.”

Aaron Bleadon of Zajdo Glass Studio received the ribbon for Best Festival Display—and deservedly so.

According to Griffeth, when glasses sell out, along with much of the food, it can only mean one thing—people enjoyed themselves and stayed longer. It was a formula for success that raised funds for local organizations, schools, and nonprofits.

“I am so proud of all the women who helped put this together,” she says. “It was a gorgeous setting, the artists loved the new venue and had great sales, and the entertainers were delighted. “It was an overall exciting, exhilarating, and emotional day—it truly was.”