Can’t you hear Tevye, in Fiddler on the Roof, as he pleas for the safety of tradition? Perhaps you really CAN hear those haunting refrains, early in the morning when Wally Breitman plays material from old musicals on KSVY 91.3 FM. Tradition!
That’s what we thought about this weekend, as we enjoyed the long-running tradition of Vintage Festival in Sonoma. Its history, of course, is well known, enjoying its status, in this its 111th year, as the second-longest running festival in the U.S.
There’s something satisfying and soothing about a hometown parade, with happy kids, shiny cars, ponies and parents. The world may be crumbling around us (can you say, “bail-out”?) but for one weekend every year, we get to enjoy a traditional time in our wonderful town. The tourists don’t overwhelm us, so it seems like we know half the folks, personally. And that’s why it’s fun to be IN the parade, too.
We thought the parade was just the right length this year, and the stewards did a good job moving things along. Especially so, compared with the very long July 4th event, which can seem interminable, particularly for those many entries waiting in the hot sun just to start. Actually, we love ANY parade that has the World War I marching infantrymen: funny and charming, and somehow poignant, all at once.
Even the local police provided interest this year, tackling a wayward skateboarder who was bothering parade participants. Not that they need to repeat the performance again next year, but the police are an important part of our community, worth celebrating, too.
We found it pleasantly intimate on the Plaza, with all the service clubs having booths of some sort, and Sonoma is blessed with active service clubs. Plus so many non-profits, each with its own tradition, like the Boy Scouts with their potato tossing – they’re soooo satisfying to throw, never mind that they seldom fly straight. Somehow all the different elements from all the different booths mix together to create a community collage alive with fun entertainment and great food.
The 5K run was reintroduced this year, and was reportedly popular. We admit that it was too early for some of us, and too long for the others – maybe next year.
And what would Vintage Festival be without grape stomping? Another activity that’s oddly satisfying, and good for the soul. It’s become so popular that this year the organizers featured stomping on both days. We’re glad to see stainless steel when we visit the wineries that make the wine we actually drink, but where else can you stomp with such abandon?
Of course, traditions do change over time. We miss the old “keg wars” among the several local fire departments, firing their hoses in front of the Sonoma Barracks after the parade to vie for bragging rights. Unfortunately, that event has gone flat while the valley’s water is so scarce, so it may not be back anytime soon.
But we like the new tradition taking its place: the Bottle and Glass Dash. Put on the last four years by KSVY, Sonoma’s community radio station, this race features two-person teams taking a tray of full wine glasses (at least, they’re full at the start) back and forth through a wacky obstacle course. Mary’s Pizza was a corporate sponsor this year, and the winning team, representing Maya Restaurant, won not only the coveted “How Fast Can You Dash” perpetual trophy but also VIP passes to the Charles Schwab Cup event on November 2.
Don’t forget the historical re-enactments. And the artists’ galleries. And the music! There was so much to enjoy.
We commend the Bundschu family, serving as Grand Marshals, and the whole team of volunteer organizers this year. Proceeds from the event help support the good work of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Sonoma Valley and Valley of the Moon Little Leagues.
In our view, Vintage Festival is one of Sonoma Valley’s great traditions.
