Millbrae plans for Art & Wine Festival: Event expected to draw more than 100,000 people this weekend

“Every event is somewhat of a reflection of the community,” he said. “Millbrae really embraces its art and wine festival. It’s a tremendous source of pride in the community.”

There will be live music by bands such as Mustache Harbor, Reckless in Vegas, The Pulsators, Sol, Loudin’ Cleer, John Clarke and Guy Palazzolo. There will also be a juried show with 250 professional artists and craftmakers that include sculpture, paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, wood and mixed media. Vases, clocks, dishes, paperweights, etchings, vests, handbags, hats, wallets, footwear and waterfalls are among the items available.

The 200-foot zip line added in 2013 will be in place on Broadway this year. Changes this year include an expanded microbrew tasting tent, but not too much else should be different this year, Beeman said.

“It’s tremendously popular, so we don’t try to change it too dramatically,” Beeman said. “It’s such a fantastic event; people love it. It’s really a beloved Labor Day weekend tradition in the Bay Area.”

He notes the zip line was a huge hit last year, so the organizers are bringing it back, as it’s an incredible visual to see.

On the food and drink front, there will be wine from Mondavi and Bonterra Vineyards and the microbrew tent with beers such as Anchor Steam IPA, Mendocino White Ale, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider and Anderson Valley Summer Solstice. There will also be margaritas and mojitos, artisan specialty food such as handcrafted boar, garlic fries and grilled corn on the cob, calamari, an organic and green product showcase, home and garden exhibits and health and wellness displays. Twenty-five food purveyors will be onsite.

The event is a sort of tradition for some, Beeman said.

“There are people who come for the food, wine, microbrews, arts or one or all of the above,” he said. “It’s a wonderful outing for the whole family. There’s something for everyone and you can spend as much or as little as you want.”

Lorianne Richardson, president/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“We like to think it’s also just a really fun and wonderful way to promote Millbrae,” she said. “It brings a lot of feet to Millbrae.”

For the children, there will be a music and dance showcase, along with activities such as roll-on-water Waterballerz, Mobile Rock’s gripping 24-foot climbing wall, train rides, the Great Crab Grab, Speed Pitch, monster inflatables and bouncers, ultra thrilling carnival rides, face painting and temporary tattoos.

Millbrae’s local TV station, MCTV, does a lot of broadcasts during the event that week and community groups often participate with informational booths.

The event runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day this weekend on Broadway, between Victoria and Meadow Glen avenues in Millbrae and a block away from El Camino Real. There will be a free round-trip shuttle from the Millbrae BART station and the organizers encourage people, if possible, to use public transit. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Broadway will be closed to traffic beginning 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 on the festival grounds. During the festival, vehicles may cross Broadway only at Hillcrest Boulevard under the supervision of the San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies. Taylor Boulevard will be closed from Magnolia Avenue to El Camino Real.

For more information call 697-7324 or go to millbrae.miramarevents.com.

angela@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105