Larger-than-expected crowd, nice weather contribute to success

By Julie Trescott, Special to the Town Crier

joe hu/town crier A woman shops in one of the booths at the 26th Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival held July 9-10. Organizers called this year’s event one of the most successful in recent years.

The 26th annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival went without a problem - except for a shortage of wine glasses on the last day.

Organizers are calling the July 9-10 event one of the most successful festivals celebrated in Los Altos in recent years.

“The crowd exceeded our expectations,” said Los Altos Village Association President Harry Price. “We sold out of wine glasses on Sunday afternoon.”

Fortunately, that was the biggest problem the festival committee faced. Other than that, the event ran seamlessly, Price added.

In spite of extended festival hours this year, Los Altos police and organizers said there were no security or first aid problems.

An illegally parked car was the most serious offense that required police action, said officer John Hughmanick.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The crowd was spectacular,” said Ted Garrett, executive director of the Los Altos Village Association, the group that coordinates the event. “Everything came together to make another wonderful weekend in beautiful downtown Los Altos.”

Garrett estimated more than 100,000 people attended the festival.

Event organizers were delighted and surprised by the large turnout.

This year’s event brought together more than 400 artisans from all over the United States, selling such wares as paintings, jewelry and pottery.

Local organizations also set up booths advertising their services.

Garrett said organizers plan to keep the festival’s extended hours next year, given the success of this year’s event. Organizers extended festival hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.