Despite a huge, late afternoon downpour, the annual Champagne & Culinary Arts Reception got underway as scheduled at 5 PM on June 27. The Festival thanks the food establishments that participated in this year's celebration:

StoneGroove provided music to keep everyone moving: a pinch of funk, a bit of soul, a blast of rock, and a groove of R&B. It’s a tight rhythm section and a blend of harmonies, featuring Terri O'Soro on lead vocals, Jamie Maes on bass & vocals, Arthur Zervas on lead guitar & vocals, and Eric Brown on drums & vocals.

The tradition continued as Marilyn and Cy Fishman once again judged the Champagne & Culinary Arts Reception Hat Contest.