Paonia, Hotchkiss Mayors Face Off in Grape Stomping Contest

It's not exactly a battle of the minds so much as it is a battle of the feet. To raise money for the Paonia Library Building Fund, the Mayor of Paonia has challenged the mayor of Hotchkiss to a grape stomping contest.

The Delta County Independent staff writes:

"Paonia Mayor Neal Schwieterman has thrown the gauntlet down to Hotchkiss Mayor Larry Jakubiak. The competition is the Grape Stomp at the Black Bridge Winery on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m.

"Schwieterman has the advantage with his team already assembled. On Schwieterman’s team are town clerk Barbara Peterson, and trustees Tricia Bliss and Sid Lewis. Now, Mayor
Schwieterman is waiting to hear from Hotchkiss Mayor Larry Jakubiak if he will accept this public challenge to stomp the grapes. Schwieterman is betting that by having this challenge made public, Jakubiak won’t be able to refuse.

"Each team of four will compete in four-minute heats. Three minutes of stomping grapes will be followed by one minute of collecting the juice. The winning team who has the most juice will have its name on the Stompin’ Trophy at Orchard Valley Farms.

In a separate article, the Independent writes:

"Remember that great “I Love Lucy” episode where our heroine stomps grapes in Italy?

"Here’s your opportunity to participate in a real-life grape stomp without travelling outside Paonia. This riotous event, in celebration of the harvest, takes place at Black Bridge Winery on Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 11 a.m.

"Assemble your team and secure your sponsor now! Challenge your neighbors, co-workers, or members of the opposite sex to compete. Entry fee is $75 per team and each team member receives a free tee-shirt, compliments of First Colorado National Bank. There will be awards for the best overall costume and an “I Love Lucy” look-a-like. All proceeds benefit the Paonia Library Building Fund.

"Organizers Jackie Parks and Kathy Bradley hope to see a large crowd of spectators cheering on their favorite teams. Bring a chair and enjoy the fun! A silent auction begins on Saturday morning at the winery and continues on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Paonia Town Park. Local businesses and artists have generously donated many unique items and services.

"Plan now to attend Paonia’s first annual grape stomp and have a rompin’, stompin’ good time. Entry forms are available at the Paonia Library. For more information, call Jackie Parks at 527-4585 or Kathy Bradley at 270-7733.

You can read the rest of the article here.