By Erin Smith

The annual NC Grape Festival is on go for this Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lu Mil Vineyard. Admission to the festival is free.

The band for this year’s event is the “Three to Get Ready” jazz band.

“Jazz is a type of music we have not relied on before. We’re really excited about that (the jazz band),” said Denise Bridgers.

She said the band will perform on Doc’s Deck, near the Grape Stomp competition.

There will be a Super Yard Sale, and vendor spaces will be available. Booth spaces are free (call 910-866-5819). The local favorite, the Grape Stomp Competition, will begin at 10 a.m.

There are two divisions for the Grape Stomp competition — kids, which is children age 12 and under, and adults, which is age 13 and older. There is no cost to enter the competition.

Bridgers said there is also excitement among the vendors who are attending the festival. One new vendor this year will feature a walk on trailer with consignment children’s clothing for $3. Clothing sizes range from newborn to juniors. Bridgers said the clothing truck is a great way to give back to the community.

Food trucks will be available and Collard Sandwiches will be back this year, said Bridgers. One new food vendor this year will be Cedar Creek Fish Farm’s food truck. Bridges said they will feature fried shrimp and fried fish.

The Dublin Boy Scouts will also have a pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. “That was really successful last year,” said Bridgers of the pancake breakfast.

The Lumber River Old Iron Tractor Club from Lumberton will also be on-hand, with displays of antique tractors and farm equipment.

The Gift Shop will also be open, and Muscadine slushies and wine tastings will be available.

Bridgers said Lu Mil Vineyard did not completely escape Hurricane Florence unscathed. There was damage to the back of the property, and they are busy repairing roads and damage done to the pond. She said the area where the Grape Festival is held is fine and ready to go.

Everyone is invited to come out and spend the day enjoying the jazz music, or take a stroll of the vineyard.

Lu Mil Vineyard is located at 438 Suggs-Taylor Road, Elizabethtown NC 28337. For more information, go to www.lumilvineyard.com or call 910-866-5819.