What is the Tasting in the Wilds?
Tasting in the Wilds is the largest annual fundraiser for the Ridgway Heritage Council. The Ridgway Heritage Council is a volunteer based non-profit corporation dedicated to downtown revitalization with a focus on historic preservation. You can learn more about the RHC and the good work they do by visiting their website, HERE.
Where is the event?
The Tasting in the Wilds is held on the Ridgway Firemen's Grounds on North Broad Street (Rt. 219) in Ridgway, PA.
If you're using a GPS to find us, the address that will get you closest is for the Sheetz gas station across the street from the entrance. Their address is 138 North Broad Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Parking at the Firemen's Grounds is limited. Luckily Ridgway is a very easily walkable community with shaded parking just a block or so from the event. You'll find plenty of parking on Center Street and some on the side streets off of Main Street. Please don't park in the lots of nearby businesses or block the carwash. They're still open for regular hours and are expecting their regular customers.
If you're using a GPS to find us, the address that will get you closest is for the Sheetz gas station across the street from the entrance. Their address is 138 North Broad Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Parking at the Firemen's Grounds is limited. Luckily Ridgway is a very easily walkable community with shaded parking just a block or so from the event. You'll find plenty of parking on Center Street and some on the side streets off of Main Street. Please don't park in the lots of nearby businesses or block the carwash. They're still open for regular hours and are expecting their regular customers.
So, what's the Taste of the Arts?
The Taste of the Arts fine art show is another part of the Tasting in the Wilds, hosted by the Elk County Council on the Arts. The Taste of the Arts is a showcase of talented artists from the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Learn more about the Taste of the Arts HERE. Learn more about ECCOTA HERE.
What is the 'Wilds' or Pennsylvania Wilds?
The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 12 1/2-county region (including beautiful ol' Elk County) that offers tremendous outdoor experiences, some of the best in the nation, with 29 state parks, 50 state game lands, abundant wildlife and hundreds of miles of land and water trails. The amount of public land in the region — more than 2 million acres — is comparable to Yellowstone. The region is home to the largest elk herd in the northeast, some of the darkest skies in the country, and boasts a rich oil and lumber history. More than 50 million people live within a day's drive of the Pennsylvania Wilds — making it an attractive place to come hunt, bike, hike, camp, fish, canoe, explore America’s heritage and more. See what else the Pennsylvania Wilds has to offer HERE.
Where can I park?
Great question. We'll be the first to admit that parking is limited immediately surrounding the area where the event is held. Luckily Ridgway is a very easily walkable community with shaded parking just a block or so from the event. You'll find plenty of parking on Center Street and some on the side streets off of Main Street. Please don't park in the lots of nearby businesses or block the carwash. They're still open for regular hours and are expecting their regular customers.
From 12:30 to 6:30 - is this really 6 hours long?!
Indeed it is! Unlike most wine festivals, we don't operate in two shifts. Why not, you ask? We restrict the number of tickets sold, so it's never overly crowded. We trust you won't be drinking for all six hours straight...because that would get ugly. There's live music (almost) the entire time! We have plenty of super delicious food vendors on the grounds, so you don't even have to leave to get a bite to eat.
But, most importantly, we know people come and hang out with their family and friends for most of the day, enjoying the music, the drinks, and the company of one another. We just can't put a time limit on that...
But, most importantly, we know people come and hang out with their family and friends for most of the day, enjoying the music, the drinks, and the company of one another. We just can't put a time limit on that...
What should I bring with me?
• BRING YOUR ID! We can't stress it enough. Yes, even if Grandpa is celebrating his 100th birthday at the festival, he needs to bring valid photo identification. It doesn't matter if you pre-ordered tickets or your own mother is selling tickets at the gate, BRING YOUR ID! Have them out and ready to keep the line moving.
• Be prepared for the weather. Sunblock or rain boots, it's on with the show! Mother Nature can't bring us down so be prepared for whatever she might throw your way.
• We provide seating and tents, but feel free to bring a folding chair. Just remember, if you bring it in with you, you have to take it out.
• Cash for food, goodies, bottles of wine, art, snacks, 50/50, beer tickets... need we go on?
• Be prepared for the weather. Sunblock or rain boots, it's on with the show! Mother Nature can't bring us down so be prepared for whatever she might throw your way.
• We provide seating and tents, but feel free to bring a folding chair. Just remember, if you bring it in with you, you have to take it out.
• Cash for food, goodies, bottles of wine, art, snacks, 50/50, beer tickets... need we go on?
Leave these behind....
Don't bring anyone under 21!
Guests may not bring alcoholic beverages on to the festival grounds, coolers coming in must be empty and they will be checked.
Do not bring lawn/drinking games (including corn hole, stump, Kan Jam, etc).
Accidents happen. If you do bring any of these things with you we will be happy to take them to the wine check booth for you to pick up later... except for the people under 21. They have to go home.
Guests may not bring alcoholic beverages on to the festival grounds, coolers coming in must be empty and they will be checked.
Do not bring lawn/drinking games (including corn hole, stump, Kan Jam, etc).
Accidents happen. If you do bring any of these things with you we will be happy to take them to the wine check booth for you to pick up later... except for the people under 21. They have to go home.
I make a home brew or wine- do you have a contest for that?
We sure do! Each year we bring together a panel of judges for a Homemade Wine and Beer contest. Winners are announced at 5:15 pm during the festival (need not be present to win). Entries can be dropped off at the Festival between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm. Please register in advance and learn more about the contest here.
I have the best/cutest/most well behaved dog ever! Can I bring him along?
Make no mistake, we love dogs... but NO. For the safety of your pet - dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies, snakes, turtles or what have you - as well as the safety of the other festival patrons, we will not allow any animals on the Firemen's Grounds. With the exception of a service animal, of course.
We appreciate your cooperation!
We appreciate your cooperation!
What happens if I, maybe, drink too much?
We enjoy a good drink or two or three! After all, we are having a wine & beer tasting festival...
But, if you are visibly over-intoxicated, sloppy, obnoxious, aggressive, sick or otherwise putting yourself or others in danger, you will be immediately escorted out of the festival and not readmitted. No exceptions. No warnings.
Please don't drink and drive. Plan to have a designated driver. There is no cab service or public transportation available in the area.
But, if you are visibly over-intoxicated, sloppy, obnoxious, aggressive, sick or otherwise putting yourself or others in danger, you will be immediately escorted out of the festival and not readmitted. No exceptions. No warnings.
Please don't drink and drive. Plan to have a designated driver. There is no cab service or public transportation available in the area.
We plan to stay for the weekend. What else is there to do in Ridgway?
There are plenty of fun things to do while you're in the area!
Of course the Ridgway Heritage Council recommends taking a stroll down our beautiful Main Street and admiring the historic homes and buildings on the 'Lily of the Valley' Historic District Walking Tour.
Not too far from Ridgway is the largest herd of free-roaming, wild elk east of the Mississippi. The small town of Benezette is where they call home.
The Nationally Designated Wild & Scenic Clarion River flows right across Main Street in Ridgway. You'll find canoe and kayak rentals on both sides of the bridge!
Bike rentals are available, too, if you're interested in taking an easy cruise along the river on the Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail. You'll find the trailhead just east of the bridge over the Clarion River, a block from Main Street.
For more information on these attractions or to find out even more great things to do, visit the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce or the Pennsylvania Wilds websites.
Of course the Ridgway Heritage Council recommends taking a stroll down our beautiful Main Street and admiring the historic homes and buildings on the 'Lily of the Valley' Historic District Walking Tour.
Not too far from Ridgway is the largest herd of free-roaming, wild elk east of the Mississippi. The small town of Benezette is where they call home.
The Nationally Designated Wild & Scenic Clarion River flows right across Main Street in Ridgway. You'll find canoe and kayak rentals on both sides of the bridge!
Bike rentals are available, too, if you're interested in taking an easy cruise along the river on the Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail. You'll find the trailhead just east of the bridge over the Clarion River, a block from Main Street.
For more information on these attractions or to find out even more great things to do, visit the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce or the Pennsylvania Wilds websites.