By Satvika Ananth
Staff Writer

Grapevine celebrated its 23^rd year of GrapeFest from Thurs, Sept. 17 to Mon, Sept. 21. The event, a tribute to Texas traditions, held a variety of events catering to groups of all ages and showcased the unique treasures of the state.

As soon as visitors entered the gates of GrapeFest, the gleeful yells of young children filled their ears. To their left were carnival rides and an exotic animal petting zoo, where young kids could enjoy their weekend in a safe environment with their parents.

Kids also enjoyed the many food and activity booths along Main Street, where several organizations set up tables to spread information.

“We enjoyed the Marines booth, where the kids could see the guns and vehicles used in combat,” Keller resident Serina Brownfield said.

To newcomers, the sights and sounds may have been overwhelming, but by taking the festival one step at a time, people could enjoy a variety of activities. In addition to the petting zoo and carnival rides, kids and parents alike were fascinated by the ice carving display, where skilled craftsmen carved Grapevine into ice.

“It was cool to see what they could make out of simple blocks of ice,” senior Cameron Slayter said.

Along Main Street, several vendors set up booths to sell food. A popular choice was “Steak on a Stake,” and of course, those over the age of 21 could enjoy glasses of wine.

As the aroma of spiced meat wafted through the concourse, people strolled through the galleries of arts and crafts, all of which were for sale. Here, people found traditional Texan crafts, such as hand-made sterling silver jewelry, as well as modern art showcased by local artists.

Further down Main Street, attendees found some of the less well-known GrapeFest  treasures. In a far corner near the south entrance, a small building labeled Vetro stands. From the outside, it can’t compare with the hustle and bustle of GrapeFest, but inside, visitors find a gallery of hand-made glass-blown art. And the glassblowers themselves, in the heat of the moment, creating glassware and art while people watched.

“I enjoy working at Vetro, since we make some neat pieces,” glassblowing apprentice Mitch McCormack said. “I get to work with awesome glassblowers in a laid-back environment, and we plan on being a part of GrapeFest for a long time.”