Prosser wine, food event moves to WSU ag center

PROSSER — The Prosser Wine and Food Fair has found a new home.

Organizers have decided to hold the 28th annual festival, billed as the state’s largest outdoor wine-tasting event, at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center.

The event had been held 26 of its 27 years at the Prosser High School football stadium. However, the Prosser school board decided in February not to allow it anymore, fearing it sent a mixed message to students about the perils of underage drinking.

The event, scheduled for Aug. 8, brings together as many as 30 wineries and 25 food vendors offering samples to the backdrop of live music.

Ticket sales have slumped in recent years, but the event often sells out its 3,500 tickets. Hotel rooms in town typically book full. Other events, such as an experimental aircraft fly-in at the airport, have sprung up to take advantage of the crowds.

“After comparing several sites, WSU is the best fit for the event,” said President Susan Webber in a statement Monday.

The WSU research center is at 24106 N. Bunn Road about three miles from the stadium north of town. Organizers plan to ask festivalgoers to park in town and ride shuttle buses to the fair.

Tickets will go on sale for $20 on May 1.

For more information, call the Prosser Visitor’s Center at 509-786-4545 or visit www.prosserchamber.org.