A decade of Party in the Park

By Mike Stepanovich

It's become one of the largest and best wine festivals in Central California, helping raise thousands of dollars for scholarships. And this year's edition of the CSUB Party in the Park is expected to top last year's "party," which was the largest wine tasting ever in Bakersfield.

The 10th annual Party in the Park on Friday, May 12, will have some of the state's top wineries pouring some of their best wines paired with grilled sausages and other hors d'oeuvres for a tasting that has become one of Bakersfield's don't-miss events.

The CSUB Alumni Association and the Bakersfield Wine Society host the event, which last year featured more than 60 wineries, and attracted more than 700 people to help raise money for the Alumni Scholarship Fund. The "party" begins at 5:30 p.m. in Alumni Park on the CSUB campus.

CSUB Alumni Relations Director Shannon Hill anticipates some 800 attendees this year to taste the offerings of a host of California wineries, including Geyser Peak, Wild Horse, Canyon Road, Fresno State Winery and Eberle.

The purpose of the festival is to raise funds for the Alumni Scholarship Fund at CSUB. The fund provides academic scholarships for deserving students who might otherwise have difficulty affording a university education. Last year Party in the Park raised more than $9,000 for the Alumni Scholarship Fund.

This year's event will feature live and silent auctions of donated wines and other items. While sipping and nibbling, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on not only selected wines, but also a variety of lifestyle items.

Event co-coordinators Lori Thol and Scott Stanley said they’re delighted with Party in the Park’s success since the wine society joined forces with the Alumni Association. "The Alumni Association and the Bakersfield Wine Society have teamed up to present another great wine festival," she said. "We have some wonderful wineries who have supported us, and that's led to this great tradition. Add to that the delectable food and good friends and you've got the makings of a great time.

Added Stanley: "The last four years - but especially last year - have been such a huge success that we're really looking forward to this year's event. Everyone who attends has a great time."

A variety of hors d'oeuvres will also be served at the event, which precedes the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival in the CSUB Amphitheater. In addition those attending will receive a commemorative wine glass to take with them.

And the wineries have recognized the value of participating in CSUB’s Party in the Park. “Bakersfield is a great venue for us, and we’re delighted to be able to help with such a worthy cause,” said Daryl Groom of Peak Wines International.