Raise a glass!  We’re celebrating sixty years of delicious success!

When the 60th Anniversary of the Niagara Wine Festival kicks off on September 16th 2011, it will mark the Diamond Jubilee of one of the most important celebrations of the fruits of the vine in Canada.

Shouldn’t you really be there for the big events?

Be sure to be there in time for Friday’s opening night concert in Montebello Park in downtown St. Catharines, featuring Niagara Indie artist Justin Glass, iTunes ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Royal Wood and rock idols Glass Tiger.  While you’re enjoying the performances, you can sip and sample your way around a lineup of fabulous restaurant and winery booths, all offering their best creations.

On the morning of Saturday the 17th, dress the kids up in their purple party gear so they can march in the Pied Piper Parade, along with Polka Dot Door’s Apoot the Baby Polar Bear.  Later, head back to Montebello for all the fun of Grapeland – a children’s paradise of jump n’ bounce inflatables, a mountain climbing challenge, mini golf and a bungee run.

For nine days, the Niagara Wine Festival will feature events in Montebello Park and beyond, with many of the areas most outstanding wineries offering special events.

As if one parade wasn’t enough excitement, the Niagara Wine Festival will roll out another, far larger edition – one of the largest in Canada, as a matter of fact – on the second Saturday, September 24th.  The SmartCentres Retrocom Grande Parade through downtown St. Catharines is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators so plan to come early for the best seats and b.y.o.l.c. (bring your own lawn chair!)  This year’s theme is Celebrate Our Diamond Harvest and promises to be one of the most spectacular parades in the history of the celebration.

When the grape harvest is in, it’s time for everyone to celebrate!

For complete details, visit www.niagarawinefestival.com