Wildwood Arts and Wine Fest continues to attract large crowds in Mentor - The News-Herald
Jason Golba, owner of J. Golba Studios featuring handmade necklaces, ornaments and other items, had never done a craft fair or show before.
Through good word of mouth, Golba and his wife Lisa heard about The Wildwood Arts and Wine Fest on the grounds of the Wildwood Cultural Center in Mentor on June 21 and decided to give it a shot.
It didn’t take long for the Parma couple to be impressed with the setting and the steady of stream of people the event attracts.
“Our company slogan is ‘Inspired by Nature’ and it doesn’t get anymore inspiring than out here,” Golba said looking around Wildwood’s tree-lined layout. “We heard it was a great venue and a great event and so far it has been just that. Absolutely this is something we will come back for again.”
Attendees were able to view and purchase original pieces from local vendors while also enjoying live musical entertainment throughout the grounds as well as food and wine from local and regional wineries.
A tour of the historic 1908 manor house was also available.
Wildwood Manager Linda Winterstellar said they expected about 2,000 people would be on the grounds for the event over the course of the day.
Winterstellar said while technically the fest didn’t start until 12 p.m., people were already lined up at 11 a.m. to get in. By 12:45 p.m., cars saturated just about every inch of the Winterstellar parking lot and available grass areas and more lined Little Mountain Road and side streets.
“I think the popularity is because we are always trying to add something new and keep it fresh whether that is new vendors or music,” Winterstellar said. “It has been going on since the 1980s so that is neat. It is just a fun event.”
Wildwood Recreation Coordinator Heather Zimmerman said people come to enjoy an event that has been going on for a long time and never fails to satisfy the patrons.
“This is just a well-oiled machine,” Zimmerman said. “People look forward to it every year.”
Cultural Arts programming at Wildwood is presented by Cleveland Clinic, Burgess and Niple, Mutsko Insurance, Mimi Vanderhaven, Tour Lake County and the Mentor Community Arts Commission.