[Sonoma Valley, CA September 26, 2023] – Making a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus, the Sonoma Valley Water Fights will be coming to East Spain Street at the Sonoma Plaza on September 30, beginning at 11 a.m., during the 126th Vintage Festival weekend. Prepare for an exhilarating spectacle, as the competition features firefighter teams from various Sonoma County areas displaying their skill and teamwork. Deeply rooted within the fire service community, this beloved event promises plenty of excitement and camaraderie for the entire community. The teams will utilize fire engines and fire hoses to engage in a thrilling competition to propel an empty beer barrel toward the opposing team’s end zone line using the force of the water streams. The team successfully pushing the barrel across the opponent’s line wins the game and bragging rights until next year. Prepare to embrace the possibility of getting wet, as the water battles can be downright intense. Please join us for an exciting display of skill, teamwork, and spirit among our local firefighters and the Sonoma Valley community.
This year’s event has been carefully designed with water conservation in mind. Game time will be limited to minimize water usage, and dechlorination mats will be strategically placed to manage any water runoff.
In addition to the Firefighter Water Fights, the Daytime Festival includes the following community-favorite activities: Vintage Festival Race & Fun Run, the Blessing of the Grapes and the Grape Stomp, Artisans Festival, local wine, and beer by the glass, BBQ, community booths, live music by TakeOff, Long Story Short, SleaZZy Top, Kids Zone, and more. The Daytime Festival is family-friendly and free to attend, excluding a registration fee for the Race & Fun Run, the Grape Stomp, drink tickets, and food purchases. For information about the Vintage Festival, please visit www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
Event proceeds benefit the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation in support of charities, grants, and scholarships in the Sonoma Valley. The 2023 Vintage Festival is supported by the following sponsors: K-3 Innovation, Merrill Lynch the Gonzales Group, TricorBraun WinePak, Bohemian Highway, Chase Bank, DeMartini Electric, Eurostampa, Expedia Cruises, Mechanics Bank, Safe Harbor Wines, Sonoma Brands Capital, Sonoma Stompers, Sonoma Clean Power, Sonoma Cryo, Sonoma Custom Crush, Sonoma Media Investments, Sonoma Tourism Improvement District, Motiv Sports x Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon, Sonoma Raceway, TN Coopers, Twilight Design, Wit & Wisdom Sonoma, Patt’s Copy World, Encore Events Rentals, Stickman, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Native Sons of the Golden West, Serres Ranch Wine, Sonoma Springs Brewing Company; community partners: Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Sonoma FFA, Sonoma Ballooning, Grapes & Games, Sonoma Valley Fire Department, Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association, City of Sonoma, Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.
About The Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association
The mission of the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association is to serve the community by providing fundraising support for the Sonoma Valley Fire District, conducting social functions, and educating the public on fire danger and prevention. The goal of the Association is to support the Sonoma Valley Fire District’s ability to conduct aggressive fire suppression, minimize losses from fire and other hazards, and provide emergency medical services support for the community with courtesy and pride. The Volunteer Association has been producing Sonoma’s Fourth of July fireworks show since 1974 and recently took on the parade and Plaza celebration in 2017. For more information, please visit www.sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org.
About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA, Sonoma Valley Wine) is a non-profit trade organization serving hundreds of Vintners, Growers, and Associate Members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry and to preserve the winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage of Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization committed to activating the generosity of Sonoma Valley’s Vintners and Growers to support a thriving local community. The Foundation contributes to a healthy Sonoma Valley through grant-making, scholarships, and charitable programs.
About the and the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
Since 1897, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival has brought the community together to celebrate the annual harvest season in Sonoma Valley during a two-day event in and around the historic Sonoma Plaza. It features community-wide festivities highlighting the rich winemaking legacy, agricultural heritage, and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation look forward to expanding this year’s schedule of events and bringing back community favorite activities on Friday, September 29 – Saturday, September 30.
For more information about the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, please visit www.sonomavalleywine.com. For more information, please visit www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
