Kristin Hokanson, co-owner of Fiorelli Winery and mom of Jackson and Madison, says the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration is bigger and better every year and is great way to come together as a community.
Photo by Madison Bierl
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Myakka City's Beth Dadson, Jean Hurst and Beth McNett took an Uber to Fiorelli Winery for two reasons — so they could indulge in wine and to celebrate the 250th birthday (although early) of the United States.Â
The sixth annual Red, White and Blueberry Celebration was held June 27 at Fiorelli Winery. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to Suncoast Charities for Children.
Dadson had attended the winery before for morning yoga and had been wanting to spend an evening there. She said the festival was the perfect opportunity and it exceeded her expectations.
"I'm so patriotic and it's the 250th birthday of our country," Dadson said. "I will celebrate every day (leading up to July 4). I am such a proud American."Â
Kristin Hokanson, the co-owner of Fiorelli Winery, said the festival gets bigger every year. She was proud that the crowd was entertained by two live bands — the Raiford Starke Band and Rye Road.Â
"It's about bringing the community together, disconnecting from the world and just having a good time," Hokanson said.
Lakewood Ranch's Lara Roberts said she celebrated her birthday at the winery March 7. She described the venue as an unexpected hidden gem and she was glad to return to attend the festival.Â
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Lakewood Ranch's Lara Roberts and Aimee McKellick enjoy Arid White wine during the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton's Addy Ungarelli, 6, couldn't hold back her excitement when she saw her finished bouquet from Sarasota Florists at the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Myakka City's Beth Dadson, Jean Hurst and Beth McNett embrace the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with red, white and blue flowers from Sarasota Florists.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Raiford Starke of the Raiford Starke Band says he can't wait to try the wine at Fiorelli Winery because he's never had Florida wine before.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Malik Lechtner, 1, who is no stranger to farm animals, pets therapy pony Penelope from Smart with Heart at Fiorelli Winery.
Jessica Whitmire, a board member at SMART with Heart, provides support as Sarasota's Cohen Taylor, 7, pets therapy pony, Penelope, at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarasota's Sage Taylor, 8, explores the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration at Fiorelli Winery with dog, Piper.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Nick Cruz and his daughter, 4-year-old Camilla Cruz, test out the photo booth at the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Parrish's Gary Lonczak pushes his granddaughter, 4-year-old Camilla Cruz of Lakewood Ranch, on the swing at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Tom Stanton and Dave Stroly play checkers inside the new wine tasting area at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Wine educators Shelly Zank, Landyn Bertolette and Samantha McGeoch are eager to answer any questions about the wines of Fiorelli Winery at the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarasota's Logan Moran and Nicholas Lane, both 9 years old, play cornhole at the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration at Fiorelli Winery.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton's Addy Ungarelli, 6, gets to take home a fresh bouquet from Sarasota Florists with the help of owner Stevie Krumm.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
