Family-friendly is the goal and that’s exactly the kind of entertainment scheduled for the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9 on Santa Fe and Third streets in the heart of downtown Riverbank.
According to 2011 Event Chair, David Rodrigues, this year’s festival is going to knock your socks off from the 200 vendors, wine tasting, and cheese sampling to the rocking and bluesy musical style of some of the hottest local bands in the Central Valley.
“We’re trying to keep the entertainment family focused. There’s a larger petting zoo than we had last year and there is something there for everyone. It’s a great day to take your kids out and have fun,” Rodrigues said.
The musical line Saturday will feature such local favorites as Tara Tinsley with her unique musical style where she will wow the crowds with her artistry.
“She’s an amazing acoustic artist,” Rodrigues shared with enthusiasm. “She’s a vibrant singer and songwriter. You’re in for a real treat with this artist.”
Also on the schedule for Saturday: Hari Kari, Rock Lobster, All American Brothers and Sisters, DJ Slate & The Rocket 88s.
On Sunday, the line up includes: Kelly Flynn, Hollopoynt, Mario Flores, and Homegrown.
There will also be a microbrew garden in the newly upgraded Plaza del Rio stage area.
“We’ve really upgraded and improved the area around the stage. It’s really great,” Rodrigues said.
Although the performers haven’t been announced for the Rock 104 stage — it’s a closely guarded secret until the week of the festival — officials are confident that festival goers are going to have a great time.
Different this year is that the cheese samplers will have product to offer for sale. This was one of the suggestions from attendees last year and coordinators agreed it was a fabulous idea so be sure to check out the delicious cheese producers and their wares. You might just have to take some cheese home.
An interesting item on display will be the “iron lung,” a medical device, which was used in the past, to keep polio victims alive. Rotary volunteers will be staffing the booth and providing information on Rotary International’s ongoing effort to eradicate polio.
Overall, if there’s one word that won’t be used to describe the festival this year; that would be boring. Delicious food, toe-tapping tunes, and good company are the necessary ingredients for a good time for all — sounds like the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition has it all.