Rotary Club festival brings out the crowds

Vendors were busy all day serving wine, craft beer, clam chowder and other treats to please the palate during Corning Rotary Club's annual Wine, Food and Art Festival held Saturday at Rolling Hills Casino.

At least 1,000 people attended the event that crowded the casino's Carlino's Event Center and a large tent set up outside.

Artwork created by Corning High School students, private artists and art club members was on display and drew many oohs and aahs from appreciative viewers.

More than a dozen area wineries participated in the event, serving samples and selling their wares.

Six craft beer booths also offered samples and had their beers for sale.

In the area of food, guests had the opportunity to enjoy samples provided by eight specialty food producers, and everyone had the chance to taste and vote on their favorite of the clam chowder contest teams.

This year's winner was the Willows Rotary Club, with Corning Rotary coming in second.

Two local olive oil companies, Lucero and Pacific Sun, provided samples of their oils, vinegars and other treats. "It went awesome," said Rotarian Valanne Cardenas. "It was crowded all day long. We had more chowder teams and vendors than in the past. Everything and was really nice."

In previous years the festival was a two day event, but the Corning club decided to make it a one-day event this time around. The choice proved to be a good one.

"It was wonderful," said Rotarian Steve Kimbrough. "I was really happy to hear the vendors tell me how much they were enjoying the day. Many told me they want to come back next year and be situated in the exact same spot."

The Corning Rotary Club holds the event in partnership with Rolling Hills Casino.

The proceeds from the event are used for the many Rotary Club community service opportunities, such as scholarships and sponsoring basketball leagues.