By MAGGEE BLEYER
Woodstock 1969—a wild yet legendary festival that commemorated three days of peace, love, and music—captivated half a million people with its inventive and exciting aura. Driven by the independence and humanitarianism that the astrological zodiac sign Aquarius inspired within people, Woodstock was coined as an Aquarian explosion. Notable artists that performed at Woodstock include Santana, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Mountain, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and many other musicians. Woodstock ‘69, as told, was an event during the heights of the hippie era that drove home the message of accepting and loving one another no matter each other's differences.
Homestead Vineyards, a winery in West Salem, IL, plans to replicate that fun hippie vibe and celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Woodstock with its Wine and Woodstock festival on Saturday, August 13th, from 1 to 8 pm. This will be the third annual Wine and Woodstock festival.
“In essence, Wine and Woodstock is all about promoting the spirit and vibe of the most iconic festival that boasted three days of peace, love, and music,” event developer and promoter Darlene Weir stated.
Homestead Vineyards, owned by Dawn, Jason, Larry, and Shirley Hortin, was looking for ways to host another festival in their vineyard when Weir approached them with the idea for Wine and Woodstock. Inspired by her generation that grew up with Woodstock, Weir wanted to bring that peace and love to the vineyard.
“I wanted to keep that generation of time alive,” Weir added. “I love the exhilaration of the feelings that I personally associate with those times: free spirit, promoter of peace and love, open-minded, lover of the planet and our country.”
The event will have food, wine-tasting opportunities, vendors, live music, activities, and more entertainment. Food includes Kolb’s Culinary Creations, a Mexican-American food truck, and Beer Bones, an American BBQ food truck. Kid-friendly brownies and cookies prepared by Kate’s Cookies will also be available. The live music will consist of Union Road Band, a folk/pop band, playing from 1 to 3 pm, and The Smoke Rings, a band that plans to cover songs that were played at Woodstock, playing from 4 to 8 pm. Hammered Designs by Teresa (jewelry), George Zellar’s Tie Dyed and Art Works, Wellness with Michelle (essential oil making), and Hippie Hair by Melanie Linson will offer an array of products. Other fun activities throughout the day offer a drum circle, a live hula-hooping performance, a bubble-blowing station, and photo opportunities. Of course, wine, beer, hard cider, and wine slushies will be available to anyone 21 or older.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in hippie attire and have the opportunity to participate in a hippie dress-up contest. Inspired by Woodstock’s three-day-length, Homestead Vineyards is providing a camping experience from Friday, August 12th to Sunday, August 14th. The camping destination is about a quarter-mile from the vineyard. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 1-618-456-3560.
Weir conveyed her excitement about Wine and Woodstock. “I want to pass down the spirit and vibe of that generation to younger generations while watching us older hippie spirits thoroughly relive and enjoy the nostalgic day. The music, the costumes, the whole feel of the day of associating together harmoniously, enjoying interactions of all generations peacefully, and just feeling the love makes me happy!”
For anyone 21 or older, the entrance fee is $10.00, which includes a commemorative wine glass and tastings. Under 21 are allowed free admission.
“Homestead Vineyard’s Wine and Woodstock,” Weir expressed, “is the opportunity to step back into time to enjoy an afternoon of that peace, love, and music scene while sipping your favorite wine, cider, or beer in the beautiful garden setting of Homestead Vineyards.”
