Email
Print
Stomp 'em
‘When you stomp grapes, it feels gooey,’ contestant says
Alan Rogers
Eric Sain tries to keep his footing in a pool filled with grapes while competing in WoodMill Winery’s Muscadine Grape Stomp Festival on Saturday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: September 7, 2008
VALE - Zackary Allen, 12, of Lincolnton, got some stomping experience at last year's competition. This year he expected to take first place. When the time came for him to show his stuff he didn't hesitate. He danced, mashed and squished his way through his 20 seconds of glory. Bruised grape skins flew through the air and landed on friends who had gathered close to the pool to watch.
Allen's technique seemed to rely largely on speed and enthusiasm. As his performance ended, he made his way over to the bucket of water where stompers rinsed their feet. He was relieved it was there because, "When you stomp grapes, it feels gooey."
As contestants decked out with nametags and numbers milled around the grounds in the blazing sun waiting for their turn in the inflatable grape-filled kiddie pool, a sturdy pair of tan horses pulled a wagon loaded with children and adults around the grounds. They rode past the long rows of grapes as the Third Annual Muscadine Grape Stomp Festival kicked off Saturday afternoon at WoodMill Winery where the smell of ripe grapes hung thick in the air.
Cars crept down the highway and parked alongside the road as throngs of people made their way to the winery for free samples of muscadine, scuppernong and blueberry wine.
That seemed to matter little to the single-minded grape stomping contestants who appeared to have just one thought on their minds — victory.
Paul Aldridge, 11, of Iron Station, decided to give grape stomping a try on the morning of the festival. Although this was to be his first competition, Aldridge was brimming with confidence. He felt sure he was going to win but he wanted to do so as a good sportsman. "I'm going to give the other people a chance. I'm not going to blow everybody out," he explained.
The stompers competed in age brackets that included Little Stompers — ages 5 and under, Junior Stompers — ages 6 to 12, Teen Stompers — ages 13 to 19, Big Stompers — ages 20 and up and this year a Group Stompers category was initiated for teams of stompers. The competitors were judged on their performance, appearance, originality and enthusiasm.
McKenzie Rea, 13, of Stanley, explained the nuances of her own finely-tuned stomping style. "I stomp really hard and fast." She joked that at first she wasn't sure about her chances, then she looked around and saw her competition and became a lot more confident. Rea explained that her confidence stems from her dad's encouragement.
Some came for the wine, others for the craft vendors and some came for the thrill of competition.
Their common bond was their enthusiastic pursuit of a good time, and judging by the looks on their faces they seem to have accomplished that goal.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
