The Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is scheduled 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11 along Castro Street.
Although this year’s festival offers the usual fun escapism with entertainment, food and drink, it also includes a serious component – a special 10-year remembrance ceremony honoring the heroes of 9/11.
Scheduled 11 a.m. Sept. 11, the memorial includes the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a moment of silence and the lowering of the flag, followed by a procession down Mercy Street to Civic Center Plaza by members of all U.S. military branches, local police and fire officials, civic leaders and Boy Scouts.
This is the second year festival organizers have planned a 9/11 commemoration, said Oscar Garcia, president and CEO of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the festival.
“Last year, 9/11 fell on a Saturday,” he said. “We had heard that Moffett (service personnel) were doing their own event. … With 150,000 people attending, it made sense to use the Art & Wine Festival as a venue to commemorate 9/11 – (Moffett personnel) were excited.”
The 10th anniversary event this year will have heightened significance for those members of the Mountain View police and fire departments who traveled to New York City to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Here in Mountain View, we have many families, military families, who have lost loved ones,” Garcia said.
He said last year’s 9/11 event was “very well received.”
As for the rest of the festival, foods from around the world will be available along Castro Street. Two dozen vendors will serve fresh corn on the cob; souvlaki made with organic, locally sourced ingredients; teriyaki chicken and vegetables; barbecued chicken and pork skewers; smoked sausages; paella; tacos; tamales; pizza; garlic chicken sandwiches; Parmesan-sprinkled garlic fries; tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches; smoked turkey legs; smoothies; kettle corn; and crepes.
This year’s special festival brews from Tied House will include a Highway 6 Lager and its flagship Cascade Amber. Stella Artois, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Budweiser and Bud Light Lime will also be served.
Vintage wines from several winemakers will include Torre Alta Pinot Grigio, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” Riesling, San Elias Sauvignon Blanc, 786 Chardonnay, Camelot Pinot Noir, 786 Merlot, Penfolds “Rawson’s Retreat” Shiraz, Stimson Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Morada Sangria.
The Groove Kings will perform at the event, with live music continued by The Houserockers, Cream of Clapton and Department of Rock.
The Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge will feature a giant-screen TV to view NFL and college football and Major League Baseball, with food and drinks available.
A new Cuda Lounge, between Evelyn Avenue and Villa Street, will offer a break from the festivities with couches and bar seating for visitors to rest, watch multiple flat-screen TVs and partake of light refreshments.
Kids’ Park, located in the Wells Fargo parking lot, will feature a climbing wall, hula-hoops, remote-controlled NASCAR racing, carnival rides, temporary tattoos and a balloon artist.
The event will also include artisan specialty-food purveyors, organic and green product showcases, health and wellness displays, and home and garden exhibits.
Admission is free.
For more information, call 968-8378 or visit www.miramarevents.com.
