Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest Kicks Off Summer at the Vineyard

J Edwards Spring Fest from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

Jonathan Edwards winery, in North Stonington, Connecticut, hosted its annual Spring Fest this weekend at the vineyard. Hundreds of visitors attended the event, which is one of two fests the vineyard has throughout the year.

Included in the admission price, ($25/$30 at the door) attendees were given a Jonathan Edwards wine glass, and their choice of six samples, or a full glass of wine. Also included were activities such as face painting, airbrush tattoos, and barrel roll contests. Two bands performed on each of the days as well. Food trucks and gourmet food vendors also were available at the fest.

“The Spring Fest, along with our Fall Fest, is our most popular event”, says Danielle Brandt, employee at the vineyard. The Spring Fest marks the beginning of the summer season, which is our busiest, and favorite time of the year.”

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest.

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday's Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday’s Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards' spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards’ spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards' Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards’ Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Jonathan Edwards will host their second fest weekend in the Fall. Tickets will soon be available through their website, or by visiting the vineyard on 74 Chester Maine Rd, in North Stonington, Connecticut.

Read about another popular Jonathan Edwards event, Barrels and Brushes, here.

Misquamicut Fest Rings in the Unofficial Start of Summer

Misquamicut Fest from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

 

The parking lots have finally been cleared of the remains of one of the most horrific winters in recent memory. Winter is finally over, and summer is rapidly approaching. Nothing says summer is right around the corner more than the Misquamicut Spring Fest, held at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI.

This is not like any other “summer kick off” festival around the country. This festival is located on the beautiful shore of the “Ocean State”; one of the most popular summer destinations in New England.

You can smell the salty ocean, and hear the pounding of the waves as you line up for your favorite rides and refreshments. Even though it is not yet warm enough to lay on the beach or go into the ocean, you still can get the feeling of summer, because your senses are familiarizing themselves with the sounds and smells of summers past.

This festival is the unofficial kick off to summer, so, for a town that is known for their beaches and summer entertainment, this is the most exciting time of the year”, says Matthew Morin, one of the head directors of the festival.”

From the rides, and games, to the shopping tents and live entertainment, the Misquamicut Spring Festival has something for everyone. Couples on dates were competing in a rock-climbing race against each other. Newlyweds were enjoying a fine glass of wine, while tasting the local chowder. Couples with children were enjoying their day with rides and carnival games. And elderly couples, among many others, were relaxing and listening to the live music from local great, Jason Cardinal.

There truly is something for everyone at the Misquamicut Fests. However, do not worry if you could not attend this weekend’s festivities. This weekend marks the unofficial opening of Misquamicut Beach, so many of the opportunities at the fest, can be found somewhere along the shore of Misquamicut, along with a slew of other forms of entertainment that can keep you occupied for an entire season.