This past weekend in Westlake, Ohio, visitors enjoyed the Crocker Park Wine Festival on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and 2 to 10 p.m., respectively. The festival returns annually, and this year marked its 14th year in business. Pre-purchased tickets for general admission were priced at $35 until Sept. 11.
The festival has always been a philanthropic effort; when it first began, the festival supported a variety of nonprofit organizations. For the last couple of years, it has been held in support of accessible healthcare for the Northeastern Ohio community. More specifically, it’s geared to fundraise for our local University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, a leader in pediatric care. This money helps the hospital fund pediatric research, family-centered services and care and vital programs, such as their Family and Child Life Services.
According to the Crocker Park Wine Festival’s website, “UH Rainbow [offers] compassionate care and innovative treatments to children from across our region. [The support] directly helps UH Rainbow continue its mission to heal, discover and educate.”
The festival brought together a large part of the community, attendees and volunteers alike. During the festival, attendees were able to enjoy over 150 wines made locally, nationally and internationally. Local eateries joined in on the fun as well, catering food for attendees to pair with the wine.
Volunteers signed up to give back to the community while also meeting new people and enjoying the event. They set up, tore down and helped staff wine, spirit and beverage vendor tables, directly supporting fundraising for UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the festival’s primary beneficiary. After that, they were left with time to spare to enjoy the music and food. Bands included 732 The Electric Duo and Backtraxx on Friday and Jump the Gun and Funkology on Saturday.
The festival’s turnout was great, gathering roughly 5,000 attendees over the weekend. This isn’t surprising, given the spirited environment and its reputation among the community.
“The vibe is lively, welcoming and festive,” event organizer Máire Reynolds said. “Guests stroll through Crocker Park sampling wines, enjoying bites, listening to live music and browsing vendors. It’s a relaxed yet vibrant setting that appeals to both wine lovers and community members.”