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