This Weekend: Art and Wine Festival

Only two days remain until the .

The festival, to take place Saturday and Sunday, could draw nearly 600 artists, including several from outside California, and more then 150,000 visitors during the two-day event. Organizers are confident that this year’s festival will be a fresh take on their classic formula.

“We freshen things up and tweak things from year to year,” said Tim Beeman, CEO of the management company organizing the event. “We don’t change the general format, because it is a formula that works.”

The live music performances, wines, food and artists will include some from last year but will also include several new additions. For example, the wineries this year will be different, as well as the music roster, which will include a performance by country music star, .

Festival-goers can also expect the use of new technology designed to enhance the festival experience. A mobile payment option will be available for the purchase of drinks.

“This will be the first event to use mobile payment option to purchase beer and wine glasses,” said Oscar Garcia, president and CEO of the , the organization in charge of the event.  used by Mountain View businesses, has come on board to facilitate purchases for consumers and eliminate long lines. “We are showcasing new technology.” 

Despite the sluggish economic, organizers remain optimistic about attendance and vendor sales.

“Events like this have done quite well in the downturn,” said Beeman, because of the free admission, which provides an affordable alternative to many other family-friendly outings. “It is really a pay-as-you-go kind of model.”

Veteran food sellers shared in the optimism. The likelihood of new customers and economic reward has enticed them back again this year.

“We actually got jobs offered last year,” said Ed Somerfield, owner of Big Ed’s Buzzard BBQ, which takes particular pride in its tri-tips and pulled pork.  

What: Mountain View Art and Wine Festival 2011

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Where: Castro Street

Entrance Fee: Free