Putnam County Wine & Food Fest Founder Announces that acclaimed film/TV actor, Antonio Fargas will host the 2017’s Event along with other Expansion Plans.
It started as a onetime thing for entertainment journalist Lauren Drummond, a resident of Putnam County, NY—bringing connoisseurs of spirited beverages and festive fun together. Her thought of passing it to another organizer never happened, as six years later she is still at the helm of the Putnam County Wine & Food Fest. The two-day event celebrates the region’s most acclaimed crafted wines, ales, spirits, and hard ciders. After meeting local spirit producers, and having previously hosted beer gardens, Drummond launched the, now annual, festival. Over time, she nurtured and expanded the gathering with cider/wine/spirits tastings, cooking workshops, live entertainment, and mixology demonstrations. With culinary professionals on hand, fresh produce, and locally crafted brews; the region’s agri-business becomes the heart of the event, which was Drummond’s goal. The 2017 Festival will find expanded activities for the youth, including more arts and crafts, and more local and international artists set to join with musical genres ranging between pop, country, R&B, and Reggae.
Expanding the event includes securing a large importer of international wines, and adding interns and a year-round staff to assist with the ever-growing event. Heading into their 7th year on August 12-13, 2017; the focus is on increasing the attendees to include more of the local community itself. As many as 4,500 people have gathered since the 2010 launch, with most being out of towners. Organizers would ideally like to see more locals enjoying support from their area’s finest including PCWFF’s longtime, community based sponsors Durants Party Rentals, Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, and Hudson Valley News 12. With this family-friendly experience, all are encouraged to come and connect with, be educated about, and support the variety of cultures represented in food, music, and art. The festival contributes not just to the
community’s economic growth, but builds tourism while benefiting local charities with donations. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, August 12 (11am until 6pm), and Sunday, August 13 (11am until 5pm), 2017 at Abruzzi and Westview Golf Driving Range, 3191 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563. The first 500 guests to register will be entered for five pairs of special dinner with acclaimed film/TV actor Antonio Fargas (Starsky & Hutch, Everybody Hates Chris). More info at www.putnamcountywinefest.com.
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