The Tontitown Grape Festival kicks off today, marking the 121st year of the time-honored celebration of the community’s Italian heritage. The popular, five-day-long event features spaghetti dinners, carnival rides, live music and the crowning of Queen Concordia.

 

The community of Tontitown was founded in 1898 by a group of Italian Catholic immigrants led by priest Father Pietro Bandini. In June of 1898, Tontitown settlers — who had cleared land and planted gardens, orchards, and vineyards—held a thanksgiving picnic in observance of the Feast of St. Peter. The celebration became a tradition, and years later, the community invited surrounding communities to attend.

 

The picnic was moved to August in 1913 to coincide with the grape harvest, and it was given the name Grape Day. By the early 20thCentury, the area’s farmers were known for their vineyards. Grape Day soon became the Grape Festival.

 

Tonight, and Wednesday’s festivities include a grape stomp, from 7 to 9 p.m., as well as live performances from Phil McGarrah & Runnin’ on Empty and the Grammy-nominated country group Bellamy Brothers, taking the stage at 9 p.m.

 

Wednesday night’s live entertainment comes from Night Train (7 p.m.) and Wade Hayes (9 p.m.). Carnival armbands are available for $20 on both nights.

 

The festival’s famous Italian spaghetti dinner will be served from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Volunteers begin making the homemade pasta and sauce in July in preparation of the festival.

 

The festival’s entire schedule is as follows:

 

Tuesday, August 6th

5-11pm    Carnival Armbands

7-9pm      Grape Stomp

7pm         Free Live Entertainment:

Phil McGarrah & Runnin’ on Empty

9pm       Free Live Entertainment:

BELLAMY BROTHERS

 

Wednesday, August 7th

5-11pm    Carnival Armbands

7-9pm      Grape Stomp

7pm         Free Live Entertainment:

Night Train

9pm         Free Live Entertainment:

WADE HAYES

 

Thursday, August 8th

3-7pm          Museum Open

3-9pm          Church Gift Shop Open

3-9pm          Church Tours

3-10pm        Arts & Crafts Fair

4:30-8:30pm Italian Spaghetti Dinners Served

5-11pm        Carnival Armbands

7pm              Free Live Entertainment:

The Reeves Brothers

9pm            Free Live Entertainment:

HEATH SANDERS

 

Friday, August 9th

1-7pm         Museum Open

3-9pm         Church Gift Shop Open

3-9pm         Church Tours

3-10pm       Arts & Crafts Fair

4:30-8:30pm   Italian Spaghetti Dinners Served

5-11pm        Carnival Armbands

7pm           Free Live Entertainment:

Dial Up

9pm          Coronation of 121st Queen Concordia

9:30pm    Free Live Entertainment:

WESLEY MICHAEL HAYES

 

Saturday, August 10th

7a              Run for the Grapes 5K Walk / Run

8a              Run for the Grapes Kids Run

10a-7p     Museum Open

10a-10p    Arts & Crafts Fair

12p           Local Musicians take the stage

12-9p        Church Gift Shop Open

12-9p        Church Open

12-11p      Carnival Armbands

4:30-8:30p    Italian Spaghetti Dinners Served

7p            Free Live Entertainment:

Kolt Barber 

9p           Free Live Entertainment:

THE SWON BROTHERS

11p          Grand Prize Giveaway by 2019 Queen Concordia

 

READ MORE: Festivals for the Rest of Us