A glass of wine, a unique piece of art, and a whole bunch of people are the essential components that make up “The Peninsula’s Premier Fall Festival” held in downtown San Carlos.
Known as the San Carlos Art and Wine Faire, this event allows vendors and fairgoers alike to enjoy themselves and support local artists by purchasing pieces of art and glasses of wine straight from the bottle.
Participants under 21 look at the event as a way to laugh, relax, and have fun with friends.
“Laurel Street has a little park for performances and gatherings in a garden setting with trees and shade. It is unique to have a place where the community can gather during the festival and escape the heat. I continue to attend the festival because it is nice to support small businesses in our local community,” said sophomore Alyse Murray, a yearly attendee of the festival.
The 28th annual Art and Wine Faire drew in many locals to eat, shop, and drink. Hosted by the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce, the fair took place on Oct. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Each year, the festival finds new and returning vendors to sell their products. Some such vendors include Shampa’s Pies, Barrett’s Lemonade, and even Jamba Juice.
For first-time vendors, the fair brings new opportunities as well as new customers.
“This is my first time at the festival,” said Michaela Farkasovska of Michaela Farskasovska Fine Jewelry. “So far, I like it because I get to meet new people and talk to them about jewelry and their stories. Everyone is very nice.”
The returning vendors continue to come back to the fair because they see it as a way to keep in touch with the community and have good conversations with people, making it unique from other places where they have sold their products.
Gwendolyn McShepard of GPY International Fine Art Galleries has been selling her art for 20 years at the fair and finds the event one of her favorites to go to.
“I like the diversity of people and that the people here seem to have an interest and appreciation for art. This is always one of my best shows of the year, which means the people of San Carlos come out, they stroll, they seem to enjoy it, they engage and speak with you, and it’s just a fun show,” McShepard said.
The Art and Wine Faire provides a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere, which contributes to the overall reason why people continue to return year after year.
“It has good music, good food, good weather, and good people. What’s not to like?” McShepard said.
