Carlton Crush

In celebration of Yamhill County’s most exciting time of the year, the city of Carlton will host a new event, Carlton Crush Harvest Festival, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Staged downtown, the inaugural fete will feature a grape stomp competition, involving 24 teams from a variety of local wineries, businesses, civic groups and the general public competing for prizes, bragging rights and the title of Carlton Crush Champions. 

In addition to the stomp, the festival will feature a host of activities, including barrel rolling races, a wine thief relay, a watermelon-eating contest for kids, classic midway games for young and old, as well as live music by The New Iberians and an artist marketplace.

Ken Wright Cellars and the Classic Car Club of America will display more than 55 of the finest vintage cars in the region from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. For those who prefer to peruse the cars and fest from above, helicopter rides will be offered.

Of course, food and beverages will be served. The Crush Corral, located on the front lawn of Carlton Cellars, will be pouring area wines, microbrews and hard cider — all donated by generous local producers — from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit Joseph’s Storehouse, the local Yamhill-Carlton food bank. 

For more information, please visit www.carltoncrush.com.