Wine will flow again in downtown Tracy, just a little later than in previous years. Press file photo
Wine from local and regional wineries will be poured at 31 business locations on 10th Street and Central Avenue from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The businesses also will offer snacks prepared by four downtown food providers.
At the end of the stroll, participants will have the option of continuing their Halloween weekend celebration at a masquerade after-party at the Haunted House at the Grand Theatre, which will offer reduced entry prices to those with Wine Stroll glasses.
Dave Warta, coordinator of the Wine Stroll, said the threat of rain, which varies from forecast to forecast, won’t change plans for tonight’s stroll. The latest forecast calls for showers most likely to hold off until Saturday.
Wine glasses and wrist bands for adults 21 years and older can be bought tonight for $30 at three tents, which will be at 10th and B streets, 10th Street and Central Avenue and Seventh Street and Central Avenue.
While traversing 10th Street and Central Avenue, the wine strollers will listen to music provided by the Tracy Swing Band, Sharp Edge Dixieland Band, Jazz Desperadoes and Larry Stewart & Unit 7.
At participating businesses, the strollers will snack on items provided by De Vinci’s Delicatessen, Fifth Season, Gerard’s Deli and Fabio’s.
Wine Stroll participants have been urged to wear Halloween masquerade attire, principally masks. Downtown stores will have masks for sale, and Allure Salon and Spa on 10th Street will offer face-painting, according to Jan Couturier, manager of the sponsoring Tracy City Center Association.
Saw David Warma working his butt off at the end of the night putting the pop-up tents away. I think he and his girlfriend Pam are the ones who for years did a great job organizing the Festival of Trees. The downtown business ought to hire him and Pam to put on all the events. Hope he isn't doing all that work for free. I think David is also behind the wine stroll getting so many good wineries to show up. I noticed that most of the wines were being poured by knowledgeable people who worked at the wineries.
Enjoy yourselves at the festival, and the following day as well. Don't down glasses of wine and then take off and drive. Would it be horrible to end up spending the night in jail, paying for tickets, medical bills, and possibly your coffin? Celebrate the right way (designate drivers if needed).