Independence Day Party at Sculpterra Winery

Independence Day Party at Sculpterra is Family Friendly

Although the Independence Day Party at Sculpterra is hosted at a winery, it is a family friendly event. I do see children there. The party is held outside — not in the tasting room. Although in the years I’ve attended there were no activities specifically for children, it is an event for families to enjoy together. There is patriotic music, and speakers share what Independence Day really means. People running for local political offices also have a chance to address the attendees. As children listen alongside their parents, they learn a bit about American history and government, as well as the political process.

One of Dr. Frankel’s purposes for these parties is to get people unplugged from their devices and talking to each other. Some come in family groups. Others come with friends. I was surprised that I saw a number of people I knew from political events. I also saw the man who came to pronounce the death of my washing machine sitting at a table next to mine.

The Independence Day Party at Sculpterra is Free and Open to All

The party is hosted by Dr. Warren Frankel, who owns Sculpterra Winery. He is a medical doctor with a practice in Templeton. You can find out more about Dr. Frankel and his family here. One thing you should know is that Dr. Frankel started His Healing Hands, a medical missionary foundation. His Healing Hands sends medical missionary teams to countries all over the world. They help those who would otherwise not be able to get medical treatment. I have friends who have been part of these teams. They also help when catastrophic disasters occur.  Sculpterra donates a portions of its wine profits to His Healing Hands.

The photo on the right of Dr. Frankel was taken on July 4, 2014. In the photo he is reading an inspirational message written by a pastor that ties in with the history and spirit of America.

The party takes place behind the tasting room, and there are plenty of tables and chairs available for guests while they are eating. Guests do not have to pay for their food. In the past guests have been able to chose hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, bottled water, wine, and, best of all, apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. As you will note, these are all popular food for kids, except for the wine. That, of course, is for adults only.

The formal program is not long. It happens after people have had plenty of time to get their food, eat it, and socialize. There is live music while guests are eating and standing in line for food. There is a separate line for each food item. After most people have had time to eat the more formal part of the program begins. Chairs fill the area in front of where Dr. Frankel is standing in this photo so that people can get close enough to hear the speeches and participate in any group singing of patriotic songs.

The pizza was prepared in ovens right on the spot.

Things to see While You Are at Sculpterra

Sculpterra has a beautiful sculpture garden and a number of lovely gift items for sale in the tasting room. Some of the gifts are replicas of the sculptures in the garden. Local artists also display their work in the tasting room. I take you on a video and photo tour through the sculpture garden and tasting room  in my article Sculpterra Winery: Where Art, Wine, and Music Mix. You can take your own tour of the gardens while you are there, and also take in the work of Dale Evers, whose work is relatively new at Sculpterra.

Sculpterra looks quite different on the Fourth of July than it does during the rest of the year. You can see how the vineyards have been decorated.

You will also see classic cars. Those who drive them get the best parking places.

The End of the Party

The party usually starts at noon and ends at four. Some people are late and some leave early. Some people are juggling two or three daytime events, and many are also planning on attending fireworks displays at the beaches. As the party begins to wind down, some people still continue talking. Some move into the tasting room to buy wine or join the wine club. Some move to the front sculpture garden to continue to visit.

By the end of the party, some people might just want to do this. A nap might be just what’s needed after a day outside and before a big evening ahead. I hope all Americans have a happy Independence Day celebration.

If you are an American, how do you celebrate Independence Day? If you’re not, does your country have a similar celebration to pay tribute to its founding?