Fun, entertainment, and tradition will permeate historic Downing Street in downtown Hollister on Saturday, Sep. 27 as Hollister celebrates its 10th Annual Grape & Fall Festival. Rob Dixon, Director, Operations/Member Services, Hollister Chamber of Commerce said, "We are so excited about the festival this year. With all the growth that has taken place in Hollister recently, we welcome the opportunity to show our community off to such a large audience.”
The festival is free, will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include a variety of events highlighted by the festival’s signature event, the world famous “Grape Stomp” at 2:00 p.m. Judged by local dignitaries, and hosted by Jim Barber of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the Grape Stomp features different teams competing against each other to win the coveted “Ugly Monkey Trophy” and the annual bragging rights as the area’s top grape stompers.
In addition the festival features great food, crafts, children’s activities, live music, entertainment and a wine tasting garden. A special event for children will be the free children’s activity tent hosted by New Beginnings Fellowship and Community Church of Hollister.
Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local groups such as the Hollister Elementary School Choir and some of Branson’s best performers. Branson entertainers scheduled to perform include one of Branson’s newest singing sensations SIX, comedian Red Kneckers, the American Kids, Roy Rogers Jr. & The High Riders, Bob Nichols and Johnny Lonestar from Country Tonite, James Garret and the John Denver Tribute Show, Blues Brothers from the Legends in Concert, Leroy New and the New’s Country Show, Jon Peterson Family Blue Grass Band, The Platters, and Pearl Neil and Mike Christopher.
The festival has its roots in Hollister’s past. In the early days, Hollister was an important stop on the railroad. The Fall was the time of year when people brought agricultural products and other goods to Hollister for transportation to larger markets. The Grape and Fall Festival celebrates the past that Hollister values and illustrates the community spirit and cooperation that is enabling its growth and progress into its future.
In describing the planning, coordination, and work necessary for a festival the size of the Hollister’s Grape & Fall Festival Dixon said it has been such an enjoyable process because it showcases the way that the entire Hollister community works together to make the festival a success.
Dixon went on to say, “We have high expectations that it will be an enjoyable event for the entire community and our guests. It truly is a celebration of Hollister’s past and its future.”
Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41
