Local eateries, wineries and jazz enthusiasts are gearing up for the 22nd annual Leland Wine & Food Festival set for Saturday.

The festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. at Marina Park in Leland, and include 15 local wineries and nine local food vendors.

Jazz guitarist Ron Getz will play from 12-5:30 p.m., and artist Jerry Power will sign copies of the poster he created for this year’s festival.
The festival annually attracts large crowds of residents and visitors, including some from Wisconsin who cross Lake Michigan to attend. In 2004, one couple even got married at the festival.

Jim and Jo Ellen Walker said they have vacationed in Leelanau County for many years and began attending the festival when a friend, Bruce Unwin, now deceased, created the poster for the event.

“The festival held such a special place in our memory and so many friends attended, it was a natural” (to be married in Fishtown), said Jim Walker. The couple recited their vows on the deck the The Cove restaurant, and the festival served as their celebration party.

It was the first and only wedding performed at the festival.

Final preparations for the festival begin Friday when the tents start going up in Marina Park. Fences defining the “festival grounds” will also be erected Friday, with the remainder of the set-up planned for Saturday morning.

Cris Telgard, festival organizer, said wineries that will participate include Good Harbor Vineyards, Leelanau Cellars, Raftshol Vineyards, Willow Vineyards, Bry’s Estate Vineyard & Winery, Left Foot Charley, Bel Lago Vineyard, Black Star Farms, Chateau Fontaine, Shady Lane Cellars, Cherry Republic, and Chateau Chantal.

Businesses selling food include Stonehouse Bread, Village Cheese Shanty, The Cove, The Bluebird, Leland Lodge, Kejara’s Bridge, Leelanau Cheese Co., Village Inn, and Epicure Catering.

The festival is sponsored by the Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce.