Stompin’ and Rockin’ the Rain Away!
Stomping with a vengeance! The top ten teams, in the final round, stomp relentlessly to try to gain the advantage! In the end, the “Hatcher Winers” from Hatcher Winery took home the prestigious championship ribbons! (Winner Matt Hatcher is seen stomping in his barrel, second from the left.) Second place in the competition went to the Chico Crushers, who stomped out 12.98 pounds of grape juice; third place, to Cluster Busters, with 12.29 pounds. There was even a team in the final round called “Grapeful Dead!”
Story and photos by Greg Kristapovich
It was no match, as Mother Lode folks and tourists alike defied Mother Nature’s weekend storm and participated in Murphys 15th Annual Grape Stomp, and Twain Harte’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest! The streets of Murphys pulsated with excitement October 4th! Classic rock trio, Plan B performed for nearly four hours, inspiring many fair-goers to boogie; ending their performance with an intense, extended version of “Free Bird!” Meanwhile, curious people strolled through Main Street’s Gold Rush Street Fair, perusing a plethora of arts, crafts, jewelry and palate-pleasing delicacies like Nelson’s Candy Kitchen’s caramel apples (which they sold out completely!) Just around the corner in Murphys Community Park, a spirited auction took place, with proceeds going to the Calaveras Wine Grape Alliance. (Non-profit groups can then apply for a share of those proceeds.) And the Grape Stomp itself: a wild and wooly event, as always!
Across the river in Twain Harte, Crazy Ivan defiantly churned out their rock and roll, thumbing their proverbial noses at Mother Nature. Veteran juggler and offbeat comic Mitchell Barret amazed and amused his audience, comfortably underneath waterproof canopies erected by the promoters, Richard Burleigh of Fire on The Mountain Festivals, and the Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce. Oktoberfest continued on Sunday, which turned out to be a picture-perfect day! The beer tasting and wine tasting both were very popular. The aroma of freshly cooked Bratwurst dogs wafted through the air. A quartet named Coope de Lill sang and strummed classic melodies. Another popular quartet, David Shapireau and West of Next performed an intriguing blend of blues, rock and jazz. Mother Nature sent all the rain she had, but the shows went on! It was a memorable weekend, indeed!
Master juggler and comic Mitchell Barret captivates the crowd; performing his daring tightrope/fire-juggling act!
Coope de Lill, (named after the group’s lead singer, Lillian McLeod, and guitarist Jeff Cooper) get the people out of their chairs and dancing! Says Lillian, philosophically: We like to take people down memory lane. We do all those tunes that make you laugh; make you cry; and made you who you are today!
Champions of the 2008 Calaveras Grape Stomp, Jennifer Berry and Matt Hatcher, of the ”Hatcher Winers”! Together, they stomped and funneled 13.74 pounds of grape juice into their basin, to take top honors! “I’m just excited!” Jennifer exclaimed. “It’s been a great day! Now, I’m looking at a shower!” added the grape juice splattered competitor.
