Two year old Devin Lucas (inset) was inspired by Bakersfield Symphony Conductor John Farrer (top) at the free concert in the park Saturday, June 7, which was attended by about 300 guests (bottom) following Wine in the Pines events.
By Pamela Plouffe
A more perfect day could not have been ordered: blue skies, balmy weather and over a thousand guests were in attendance. Many came from the coast, Los Angeles and Bakersfield to enjoy the Wine in the Pines Festival. About 300 came to hear the Bakersfield Symphony at Lampkin Park in Pine Mountain.
Through my eyes, the afternoon seemed flawless. This is no doubt due to the hard work of the organizers and volunteers. It takes months of preparation and long hours setting up and tearing down, plus all the work during the festival.
At Wine in the Pines, there was a nice selection offered by 36 wineries and six restaurants. The music was good and there were craft booths, including our own local Mountain Communities Arts group.
Wine in the Pines board member Craig Smith said first draft figures show about 960 tickets were issued for the festival. "I’m thrilled," Smith said, adding that proceeds of a ‘wine auction’ will benefit "11 mountain charities." He said an announcement will be made in July.
As an added bonus, the organizers arranged the free concert at Lampkin Park. The symphony orchestra performed a wide variety of selections from Leonard Bernstein’s elegant West Side Story to John Philip Sousa’s rousing The Thunderer and selections from The Sound of Music.
Tejon Ranch helped sponsor the event and newly reelected Kern County Supervisor Ray Watson was master of ceremonies.
–Additional reporting by Patric Hedlund
This is part of the June 13, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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