SOLEDAD — Locals and visitors alike drove last Sunday to pick up barbecued chicken, buy arts and crafts, listen to music and cheer on participants of the grape stomp at the 59th annual Soledad Mission Fiesta.
This year’s grape stomp competitors included eight students from the Mission School. Students ranged from fifth to eighth grades and included seven girls and Leonardo Rodriguez, who made history by being the first boy to participate in the event.
Competing against Rodriguez were Evelyn Lopez, Claire Rains, Emma Herrera, Frida Argueta, Janele Lopez, Susana Florez and Gianna Dow, who was the winner of this year’s competition.
Sponsors for the grape stomp were the following wineries: Wrath, Tondre, Robert Mendali/Mieomi, Sobranes de Bianchi, Testa Rosa, Pisoni, Manzoni and Mustald/Dunn. The Smith family donated the grapes, and has done so since the grape stomp began.
Los Vaqueros Camp Fire Traveling Band also provided music during the event.
All the Fiesta profits will be used for the Mission’s restoration.
