Bratfest brings old friends together

MATTAWA — Bratfest for some of the guests was extra special this year. Several connected with old friends and one teacher reconnected with a former student.

Guests at the Bratfest, held at Ginkgo Forest Winery Oct. 24, also found good food, fun activities, live music and fine win. Guests who came from Roslyn discovered their friends from Ellensburg were also in attendance, and former students and teachers also got to catch up on each other’s lives.

There was more than enough brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, chips and cake to satisfy the hungry crowd. The near-perfect fall weather allowed for indoor and outdoor activities.

The little chill in the air only made the bonfire more enjoyable and didn’t deter anyone from getting into the grape stomping.

Once the band, Bent on Blues, started playing, people could warm up with lively dancing. Members of the band didn’t wait for people to decide to dance on their own. They moved into the crowd to draw them onto the dance floor.

Guests from Moses Lake and Quincy specifically came to enjoy the live music.

“The Bratfest is a fun way to wrap up the busy summer and fall at the winery,” Ginkgo Winery co-owner Lois Thiede said.

During the summer Ginkgo is open Wednesday through Saturday each week, but from November until April it is open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Anyone who needs to visit at another time can make an appointment by calling Mike at 509-831-6432.