Cold Spring, NY - Like most lifestyle events, the Putnam County Wine & Food Fest took a break in 2020 because of the Coronavirus. But with things gradually getting back to stability, organizers are preparing to say 'Cheers!' for its 10th anniversary.
Derrick Barnett - photo credit Allyson IoneThe return show is scheduled for August 7-8 at Mayor's Park, 61 Fair Street in Cold Spring, New York.
Opening day activities start at 11 am and ends at 6 pm. Closing Day also begins at 11 am and ends at 5 pm. The event for all ages brings together a multi-cultural audience while highlighting regional cideries, distilleries, vineyards, specialty food and arts and crafts coupled with showcasing a mix of music and food.
Though there have been wide-scale vaccinations throughout the United States since the Federal government launched it last year, Lauren Drummond, spokesperson for the Putnam County Wine & Food Fest, assures safety-first measures will be in place.
"The fest will be Farmer’s Market style. That is, all vendors will be outdoors. We will have the COVID guidelines, that is vaccinated, and virus check people have to provide proof," she said. "Non-vaccinated people have to wear a mask and stay six feet (apart)."
Derrick Barnett
First held in 2011, the event attracts cider, spirits and wine lovers who savor and purchase some of the finest ciders, spirits, and wines from New York’s cideries, distilleries and wineries. Though it is a for-profit show, the Putnam County Wine & Food Fest partners with local bodies to assist a charity monetarily.
Drummond says organizers have succeeded by ensuring the event maintains its goal of being family-oriented and a must-go for wine connoisseurs.
There will also be live music with the super talented Derrick Barnett and the Statement Band, one of the leading reggae show units in New York City. Barnett, renowned for delivering memorable and incomparable bass lines, is not only a skilled bassist, but also a master of the guitar, drums, keyboard, singing and songwriting. In the 1980s he toured globally with his Sagittarius band, and his Statement Band has over the years backed many top reggae acts including Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, Wayne Wonder, Capleton, Spragga Benz, Mikey Spice, Ky-Mani Marley, Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel. Barnett's credentials also include other genres, having worked with international stars like Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, The Manhattans, Little Kim, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes and Lauren Hill.
Tasting Tickets are $25 each day for twenty-one and over, ad $10 for Designated Drivers. The Putnam County Wine & Food Fest current sponsors and partners include Hamlet Hub, Hudson Valley Magazine, Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, Metro North, Party Time Tent, T-Mobile, WAG Magazine, Yelp.
The fest is accessible to all transportation modes. Customers can take Metro-North's Hudson Line to the Cold Spring Station within walking distance to the venue. Parking is available at Haldane High School, Craig Avenue to connect with Putnam County Transit, a free shuttle buses to and from the Wine Fest during the festival hours.
Visit www.Putnamcountywinefest.com for additional information.
