Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Raise a Glass: Dauphin County brings back summer festival featuring wine, beer, music

A past Dauphin County festival. Photo credit Dauphin County.

Let the summertime events begin!

In just a few weeks, Pennsylvanians can enjoy music, friends and drinks at Dauphin County’s Proudly PA festival at Fort Hunter park in Harrisburg.

“The state is so vast in its resources,” said Michelle McKeown, Dauphin County Parks and Recreation program manager. “We have fantastic wineries, breweries, distilleries and musicians. This brings all of those together in a fun event that highlights the best PA has to offer.”

The event on June 12, sponsored by the Dauphin County Commissioners and M&T Bank, will be the county’s first big event post-COVID. Proudly PA replaces the Music and Wine Festival, which was postponed last year due to the pandemic.

This year, McKeown expects people will be ready to get out and enjoy all the event has to offer, in a safe way.

Pittsburgh-based Uprooted Band, featuring Michael Glabicki of the ’90s band Rusted Root, will headline the event. Bands Gentleman East, Cold Spring Union, Big Boy Brass Band and artist Olivia Farabaugh will perform as well.

Nine wineries, distilleries and breweries from across the state will pour drinks at the event. People will have the chance to try places they would’ve had to travel to, all in one location, McKeown said.

Food trucks will park on the premises as well and offer eats like pizza, nachos, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream. Various other vendors will set up on site as well.

Tickets for Proudly PA are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. The event runs from 12 to 8 p.m.; gates open at 11 a.m. People are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on.

Past Dauphin County festivals have drawn crowds of up to 2,500 people, McKeown said. However, Fort Hunter Park has plenty of place to spread out and safety precautions will be in place, she said. Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear face masks for the event.

Additionally, the county will hold its annual BrewFest on July 17, also at Fort Hunter park. Attendees can try from over 60 craft beers while listening to music from artists Dan Wolff and John Beacher. Local breweries, Zeroday Brewing Co., Boneshire Brew Works, Appalachian Brewing Company and others, will sling drinks.

“I think people will feel comfortable outside,” McKeown said. “It’s definitely exciting. People are really itching to get out.”

For more information on the Proudly PA festival, visit their website. To learn more about the BrewFest, visit their website.

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