Tickets are now available for the approaching 18th annual Wine on the Fox festival on May 4 and 5 at Hudson Crossing Park, which gorgeously overlooks the Fox River in the heart of downtown Oswego.

Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman is clearly thrilled about the festival, announcing in a recent press statement, “It’s a joy to welcome in the spring season with our much-loved wine festival.” He further commented, “There’s nothing quite like enjoying good company, great wine, and live music along the scenic Fox River.”

Wine lovers at the festival will have the unique chance to sample more than 100 wines presented by Illinois wineries. In addition to this comprehensive selection, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages will also be served at the event, held at Hudson Crossing Park, located at 65 N. Harrison St. Local food vendors will be on-site to provide both sweet and savory options, which are chosen to beautifully complement the wide range of beverages on offer, as per the press release.

The festival will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 4, and from noon until 6 p.m. on May 5.

The GOOROOS, 28 Days, Karla and the Phat Cats and The PriSSillas will be performing live music at the Wine on the Fox event, according to the organisers. Attendees can look forward to children’s activities such as face-painting and a large playground.

Funds raised from Wine on the Fox are used to alleviate the expense of Oswald’s annual events and to provide amenities to the community throughout the year.

A number of programmes including Fourth of July fireworks, concerts and movies at Venue 1012 outdoors amphitheater are supported by Wine on the Fox sponsors, businesses and attendees.

Despite admission being free, alcohol consumption at Wine on the Fox requires attendees to be 21 years old or over, provide a valid photo ID and purchase a ticket package.

Ticket packages start at $20 if bought online prior to the event, and come with a commemorative wine glass.

A single ticket can be swapped for a one-ounce serving, letting attendees of Wine on the Fox sample and find new preferred wines, according to the organizers. Tickets can also be utilized for a five-ounce glass of wine. Additional wine tickets can be bought for $1 each at the event, as per the organizers.

There are also a range of ticket packages available for the event. There’s a new package this year – the Private Tent Package for Six, that costs $550. It includes a private and reserved tent with tables for maximum six guests, 60 wine tickets, six stemless wine glasses, and a charcuterie board. This package is solely available on May 4.

Tickets can be bought from www.wineonthefox.com. Advance ticket sales close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Packages will be purchasable online and at the entrance on May 4 and May 5, but for an increased price, as cited by the organizers.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.