How to reach the Naples Grape Festival this weekend

The popular Naples Grape Festival once again will be attracting huge numbers of people to the Ontario County village this weekend. But one of the main routes into the village is closed. Now what? The Ontario County Sheriff's Office is encouraging motorists traveling to the festival to plan their rou

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What is the story about?

The popular Naples Grape Festival once again will be attracting huge numbers of people to the Ontario County village this weekend.

But one of the main routes into the village is closed. Now what?

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office is encouraging motorists traveling to the festival to plan their route in advance, allow additional time for travel and follow all posted detour and traffic-control signs.

It goes without saying that drivers should use caution in areas experiencing increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, because there could be thousands of walkers in the village throughout the weekend.

When is the Naples Grape Festival?

This annual fall celebration is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Why will traffic be an issue for the Naples Grape Festival?

State Route 21 in the

town of South Bristol is closed to all traffic between Griesa Hill Road and state Route 64 for a culvert replacement project.

The closure directly affects motorists who routinely use state Route 21 when traveling to Naples from the north.

What's the best way to get to the Naples Grape Festival?

This map shows suggested routes (highlighted in blue) to the Naples Grape Festival, which will be held Sept. 26-27. The part in orange (state Route 21) marks construction.

Drivers from the north may use County Road 36 or County Road 33.

Travelers from the northwest may travel south on Interstate 390 and exit in the Wayland area or use state Route 15/15A.

Travelers from the northeast may use state Route 245.

County Road 12 remains an available route; however, motorists should be aware that this is the posted detour for the state Route 21 closure. Increased traffic is anticipated on this roadway throughout the festival weekend.

Additional information regarding festival parking, traffic patterns and access is available through the Naples Grape Festival at https://naplesgrapefest.org/parking.php.

What's happening at the Naples Grape Festival?

Crowds on Saturday descend on Naples for the annual Grape Festival, held officially on the park grounds of the Memorial Town Hall and spreading the length of Main Street.

[Melody Burri for Messenger Post Media]

The main attraction on Saturday is the Naples Greatest Grape Pie Contest. A panel of judges will be starting the tasting contest at noon.

But there's more to do.

Visitors can enjoy tastings and bottle sales from the producers of wines, craft beers, cider, and distilleries at the Brahm Moore Beverage Garden on the grounds of the Naples Memorial Town Hall, 135 N. Main St. The cost is $20 but you get a monogrammed festival wine glass as part of admission.

Arts and crafts vendors of all sorts can be found on the grounds of the town hall and Naples High School, 136 N. Main St. Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend.

For more information

For more information on the festival, visit https://naplesgrapefest.org/index.php.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: How to reach the Naples Grape Festival this weekend