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117th Annual Tontitown Grape Festival Begins Tuesday

TONTITOWN (KFSM)– Tontitown is preparing for one of the busiest times of the year in the city as the annual Tontitown Grape Festival gets underway Tuesday...

TONTITOWN (KFSM)-- Tontitown is preparing for one of the busiest times of the year in the city as the annual Tontitown Grape Festival gets underway Tuesday (August 4).

“It has become a part of the culture of this area,” said Clint Penzo, chairman for the Tontitown Grape Festival.

This will be the festival's 117th year.

“I remember when I was a little kid, my grandmother talked about going to ‘the picnic.’ They used to call it ‘the picnic,’" Penzo said. "And every year, to celebrate the harvest, they would have a big community get together.”

Organizers said the festival is fun for all ages.

''It is just a great atmosphere for the family,” said festival co-chairman Chris Martini.

The festival's biggest draw are the renowned spaghetti dinners.

“We will probably serve at least 7,000 dinners,” Penzo said. “Some years, it is a few thousand more.”

The handmade spaghetti is topped with homemade sauce.

“We make about 100 gallons [of sauce] a day, for about 500 gallons total,” Penzo said.

After months of planning, organizers said they are excited for the first day of the festival.

“It is a long week, but it is a fun week, and we really enjoy it,” Penzo said.

The festival starts Tuesday and goes through Saturday, August 8. Organizers will start serving spaghetti dinners Thursday. To see the festival schedule, click here.

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