Codell Rodriguez
Daily Egyptian
This Saturday, people will actually pay to have a cold, squishy feeling between their toes.
The 2nd annual Grape Stomp at Owl Creek Vineyard, 16 miles south of Carbondale on Rt. 51, pits participants in 10 different age groups in a contest in which, while holding onto a rail, they must stand in a bucket of a more than two-foot circumference and pounce on grapes for a two-minute period. The person that produces the most juice wins.
While contestants are stomping, they will be accompanied by the bluegrass stylings of Ol' Fishskins. Brian Kennedy, who plays the mandolin in the band, said the celebration last year was a lot of fun.
"It was like therapy for your feet," Kennedy said.
Kennedy also set the record for his age group. The age groups are 5-12, 13-25, 26-40, 51-55 and 56 and over. Male and females compete separately to make a total of 10 categories.
Kennedy and his band-mate, Tom Connelley, competed in the competition last year and also provided the music. Connelley said they only play music during the two-minute stomping periods.
"It's unlike any typical band performance," Connelley said. "As soon as the timer tells us to go, we play hot blue grass."
Karyn Hand, who coordinates the festival, said anyone participating in the festival should be prepared to have fun but should also be prepared for stains as well.
"[Wearing older clothes] would probably be a good idea," Hand said.
But Connelley said, for the most part, the only things that get enveloped in grape juice are the contestants' feet.
While the vineyard specializes in turning grape juice into wine, Hand said they can't use the juice the contestants make.
"It would be nice if we could make a special wine out of [the juice]," Hand said.
She said it's too early in the season to make wine, and the juice has to be disposed of. But while those in attendance won't be able to drink the juice from the contest, they will have plenty of food provided by Harbaugh's Cafe.
Kennedy said being in the competition reminded him of classic television.
"It's kind of like Lucy in a way," Kennedy said.
Connelley said the competition can bring out a lot of memories but is mostly like a nice family gathering.
"It's almost like a backyard party - in a back yard full of grape vines," Connelley said.
The 2nd annual Grape Stomp will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Cover charge for non-stompers is $1. For more information, call 893-2557, or visit www.owlcreekvineyard.com.
Reporter Codell Rodriguez can be reached at crodriguez@dailyegyptian.com.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
