Vines & Vittles Family Festival returns to Rancho Bernardo on May 21

The third Vines & Vittles Western Family Festival will be held on May 21 in an attempt to make the fundraiser at Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park a bit more comfortable temperature-wise.

“When we did it in 2019 and 2022 both were in late July/August and the heat killed us,” said co-chair Mike Fuqua. “We like to do it in the summer, but decided to do it during a cooler time of year. School will still be in session, so May can be a nice family time.”

The festival is being organized by the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo. Proceeds will go to the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation, which will use the hoped for $60,000 — this year’s goal — for local and international philanthropic projects.

The event, from 2 to 5 p.m., will feature tastings from locals’ favorite restaurants, breweries and wineries in addition to ice cream, lemonade and popcorn. There will also be live entertainment, including first-time participant The American Made Band, which Fuqua described as “high-energy.”

In keeping with the Western theme, there will be many craft traders in attendance. Fuqua said there are also plans to expand the kids activities.

Most of the restaurants, breweries and wineries from last year already plan on returning. Fuqua said additional food and beverage businesses are being recruited as are artisan and craft vendors. More sponsorships are also needed, with options ranging from $250 to $10,000. Individual donors who would like to contribute less than $250 are also welcome.

Last year more than $50,000 was raised and Fuqua said the club is already almost halfway to its $60,000 goal. The effort was recently given a $10,000 boost by Lucia Capital Group, the festival’s presenting sponsor.

“The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club is all about service commitment to the community, and as the CEO of a business that’s located right in the heart of Rancho Bernardo, I’m honored to have Lucia Capital Group associated with Vines & Vittles as a presenting sponsor,” said Ray Lucia Jr., “The festival’s events reflect the kind of atmosphere that’s a signature of the Rancho Bernardo community and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Fuqua said the Rotarians are hoping for at least 1,000 attendees of all ages. Last year more than 800 came to the event.

To simplify the ticket-buying process, Fuqua said there will be only two options this year. The full-access ticket is $40 now (it goes up to $50 on May 1) and will include admission, activities, food and alcoholic beverages. There is also a $25 food-only ticket for all other attendees ages 13 through adult that includes admission, activities and food. Another change is that children ages 12 and under will be admitted for free.

Tickets for the festival are on sale at rbvvfest.com. They can also be purchased at the festival.

Forms to become a vendor or sponsor are available at rbvvfest.com. Questions can be emailed to foundation4rbrotary@gmail.com.