By Jessica Schultz
Fall is coming faster every day, but don’t let that get you down. The fall is the perfect season for fun. Harvest festivals, hayrides and the return of Merritt Estate Winery’s annual “Septemberfest”, now in its 40th year. Located at 2264 King Road in Forestville, NY, the festival takes place Saturday, September 10th from 12-10pm and Sunday, September 11th from 12-6:30pm. The Villagerspoke with owner Bill Merritt about the return of this long-celebrated event.
The Villager (V): Septemberfest is back for its 40th year, what’s new for 2022?
Bill (B): “We have a great selection of new vendors joining us this year. For example, Stingers BBQ Rubs & Seasonings with great offerings such as “Steak Shake,” “Burger Blast,” and “Mediterranean Medley”. We also have a few new bands that will be performing this year playing a wide range of genres. Everyone always loves the live music portion, so we are excited about the lineup this year.”
V: You have a solid music lineup, could you share the bands and type of music they each play?
B: “We are excited to announce that we have five different bands playing at Septemberfest this year.
Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, September 10th we have Dunkirk’s very own “THE FREEZE” playing on stage from 12-3pm. This trio is known for delivering solid sound with some classic rock and blues tunes. From 3:30-6:30pm catch “The Eaglez: A Tribute Band” known for their rich harmony vocals that the legendary Eagles are famous for. Saturday’s headliner is Black Widow, a local favorite, will perform from 7-10pm with a wide variety of genres with a focus on rock favorites. On Sunday, September 11th “The Dark Horse Run Band” performs from 12-3pm. This six-piece country act focuses on country classics and today’s country hits. Lastly “Yank the Cover” will rock the stage from 3:30-6:30pm. This Hamburg, NY group has an eclectic mix of classic rock, top hits, country, and R&B in their lineup.”
V: You’ve got great vendors as well, could you give us some details on what they will be offering?
B: “Over twenty craft & artisan vendors will showcase everything from goat milk soaps and wickless candles to popcorn and seasonings! We have a few returning vendors such as U-Take the Cake which offers their famous wine-infused cupcakes and baked goods, That Popcorn Shack, known for its Dill-flavored popcorn, and Branding Buffalo which prints Buffalo-themed t-shirts right on-site (perfect for the Bills season right around the corner). Other vendors include Eden Valley Creamery who handcrafts USDA Organic cheese, charcuterie boards, and cheese by the block as well as Franklin’s Honey & Apples selling its famous kettle corn in a variety of flavors such as caramel, extra sweet, & cinnamon. Mystic Gifts will also be selling their handcrafted items which include tumblers, & wine glasses. Also available is a huge selection of Buffalo Bills-themed items. There are too many great vendors to list but we have a great mix this year.”
V: Will there be food and beverages available?
B: “As always, there will be a variety of food options including hamburgers, hot dogs, and Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ Dinners. Dinners include ½ a chicken, two sides, and a dinner roll. We will also have a wide selection of beverages including the famous Merritt Wine Slush, wine, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages such as pop, and water. We will have a beer tent located out on the lawn near the entertainment stage for people to enjoy drinks and the live music. Not sure what you’d like to drink? Stop into the tasting room for a wine tasting (just $5 for 5 samples)!”
V: This is a family-friendly event, do you have anything specifically for the younger members of the family?
B: “We always try to have a variety of fun activities for the younger members of the family. We are excited to say that we will have again this year a bounce house, and a balloon artist. We will also have a fire truck from one of the local fire departments as another activity for kids to explore. At Septemberfest there is something for everyone of all ages!”
V: The event always supports a great charity, which one will it be supporting this year?
B: “This year we will be accepting donations on behalf of the “K.I.A Memorial Road March” which is a local 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization right here in Western New York. Their mission is to help support veterans and their families directly, all while honoring our fallen veterans.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
B: “We please ask that people do not bring in any outside food or drink. If you’re coming to check out the live music, make sure to bring your lawn chair as our seating is limited, and on a first come first serve basis. Also, this is a pet-friendly event, and we welcome our furry friends to join us for a fun-filled weekend. This is a FREE family-friendly event, and we are excited for another successful year of Septemberfest. We are also looking for classic car owners to come out and participate in our classic car show! The car show is Saturday & Sunday from 12-6pm (both days). Drivers will receive a food and beverage voucher to redeem at the festival for participating.”
Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to share all this wonderful information about the 40th Annual “Septemberfest” It sounds like a rocking good time. For more information, please contact Merritt Winery at 888-965-4800, visit their website at https://www.merrittestatewinery.com/septemberfest, or Facebook page @merrittwinery.