The 11th Annual Hollister Grape and Fall Festival, presented by the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hollister, will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 10 am to 6 pm on Downing Street in Historic Downtown Hollister.
The Grape and Fall Festival features great food, crafts, children’s activities, live music and entertainment from some of Branson’s best performers, a wine tasting garden, and the signature event—the world famous Grape Stomp competition sponsored by Branson Ridge Winery, where teams compete for the honor of winning the Ugly Monkey Trophy. The annual event is one of the most popular in the region, and attendance has exceeded 5,000 people in previous years. This year promises to be the most exciting and well-attended Grape and Fall Festival ever.
The Grape Stomp competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Hollister. Stomping teams wear costumes and choreograph their two-minute routine, while toga-clad local elected officials, like Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennell and Hollister Mayor David Tate judge their efforts. This year, five teams will be competing for the honor. Our local dignitaries are above reproach, but during the Grape Stomp competition, the teams are encouraged to win the judge’s favor with baked goods, pies, and other treats.
The Grape and Fall Festival is a celebration of Hollister’s 100 year history. In the early days, Hollister was an important stop on the railroad, and autumn was the time of year when people brought agricultural products and other goods to Hollister for transportation to larger markets. 2010 is Hollister’s Centennial, and there are plenty of events being planned to usher in this important milestone in Hollister’s History.
Schedule of Events
8:00 am Bike Ride
Registration for the bike ride begins at 7:30 am, and the riders will leave from Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park in Downtown Hollister at 8:00. This 12 mile fun-ride will go through Hollister to Branson Creek and back.
10:00 am – 6:00 pm Festival
Food, crafts, and live music from some of the area’s best groups on Historic Downing Street in Downtown Hollister. Kids activities and fun for everyone.
2:00 pm Grape Stomp Competition
Teams compete for the Ugly Monkey Trophy by winning the judges’ favor in this hilarious and entertaining event. Contestants are up to their knees in grapes.
For more information on the Hollister Grape & Fall Festival call 417.334.3050 or contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.