KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 20th annual Kelseyville Pear Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street in historic downtown Kelseyville.
In the fall of 1993 the first Kelseyville Pear Festival was held.
The Kelseyville Business Association decided to feature one festival per year and to promote the agricultural heritage of the community. The festival has since grown in attendance from 1,500 the first year to 9,000 last year.
“We invite everyone to attend our festival in our friendly country town,” said Marilyn Holdenried, chairman and founder of the 20th annual Kelseyville Pear Festival.
The center point of the Kelseyville Pear Festival is the Pear Pavilion — a large showcase of “everything pear” including historical photos, videos, and agricultural exhibits.
Some of Lake County’s finest “pear products” – jams and jellies, refreshing pear ice cream and delicious pear pies, always sell out.
The event, which is held each year on the last Saturday in September, begins at 9:30 a.m. with a charming hometown parade right down Main Street.
Highlights of the parade this year will be three grand marshals. Longtime festival volunteers Judy Card, John Puccetti and Eric Scholfield will be honored for their years of contribution.
The prince and princess of the festival also will be recognized for their award winning essays.
The parade is chocked full of kids, tractors, horsedrawn wagons, antique cars, marching bands, floats, and groups that walk or march for fun.
For the first time in festival history, the Lake County Horse Council presents a free family event including live equine demonstrations, equestrian exhibitors and a parade of breeds. Learn what horse people in Lake County are doing to promote and preserve the area for the horse industry and recreation. Entrance to this event will be right off Main Street.
Antique tractors, steam engines and all types of farm equipment will be on display as part of the antique tractor and engine exhibit where many local tractor collectors show off their finest, oldest and most unusual models.
Colorful quilts, heirloom, classic and unique designs are exhibited at the Methodist Church social hall.
The lobby of the WestAmerica Bank is transformed into a fine arts show. Eye-popping classic and contemporary art is on display and available for sale.
Lining the streets is an array of fine quality local arts and crafts with a focus on pear inspired creations.
A plethora of food vendors are selected to participate each year. Barbecue, sandwiches, popcorn, even Pear Margaritas are popular. You name the treat and it can be found.
Performances are held on three different stages throughout the day. Dancers, singers, actors and local musicians are featured.
Daylong activities are planned for the children’s area. The fun spot to be will be at The Hang Out Theatre. This is the place for 10 to 15 year olds to meet up with friends and enjoy all kinds of entertainment. Music, dancing and a young comedian are on the schedule. The theater will be in the big tent right behind the Catholic Church on Main Street.
On festival day, the top four winners of the Pear Dessert Contest will be announced. Prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants.
To enter a favorite recipe, bring it and an application to the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church Friendship Hall on Friday, Sept. 28, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Include the recipe and a disposable container.
Event-goers are encouraged to “make a weekend of it” by enjoying a special pre-festival evening concert beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28.
Singin’ Cowboy Dave Stamey returns to perform at the Wildhurst Tasting Room courtyard. Opening for Stamey are “The Lake Fiddlers” featuring Andi Skelton and Eleanor Cook. Tickets are $40 each and includes a complimentary glass of wine, barbecue dinner and concert under the stars.
Ticket information is at 1-800-595-WINE or may be purchased at the Wildhurst Tasting Room, 3855 Main Street, Kelseyville.
Join the fun and catch the small town magic. Admission to the Kelseyville Pear Festival on Saturday is free.
Parade applications, Pear Dessert Applications and other details can be found at www.kelseyvillepearfestival.com .