Muscadine Harvest Festival Successful in First Year

The sun was bright, the breeze was light, and everyone thought the first Muscadine Harvest Festival was ALRIGHT! A feeling of excitement surrounded the Duplin Commons Agribusiness Center all weekend as the first Festival got underway. One could feel the anticipation building as colorful tents were erected, committee members made final plans and vendors started to arrive on Thursday and Friday.

The Festival officially kicked off with the Gala Event on Friday night where you could spot event goers dressed in their best for the black tie optional party. Tommy Black and the Blooz entertained the crowd while they were treated to culinary temptations and their first sips of the fruit of the vine. The highlights of the evening were the Silent and Live Auctions featuring the Thomas Bennett commemorative print that adorned the label of the Festival's Vintage Wine—Majestic Muscadine.

Saturday morning only continued the festive attitude of attendees as traffic streamed into the Festival. Kids on rides, Vendors selling their specialties, and of course, connoisseurs tasting the wine continued throughout the day. Visitors came from Holden Beach , New Bern , and Raleigh to join the local communities in celebrating the harvesting of North Carolina 's official fruit. The Muscadine Grape received her just dues on Saturday as was evidenced in the overwhelming support of this inaugural event in her honor.