Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood recently hosted its second Pour in the Park festival. The event combined local beverage tastngs with a tour of the historic 1908 estate.
A 1908 lakeside retreat turned tasting venue
The festival utilized the unique atmosphere of the Lakewold Gardens property, which has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. As the report notes, the site originally served as a lakeside summer retreat before being transformed into the expansive gardens seen today. This historical depth provided a backdrop for guests to explore the estate's 1908 home .
To deepen the connection to the site's heritage, organizers implemented a scavenger hunt designed to educate visitors. Attendees who successfully navigated the grounds and visited the history exhibit were able to participate in a prize wheel for various rewards. This approach suggests a growing trend in agritourism,where the value of an event is derived as much from the setting and history as from the products being consumed.
Marrowstone Vineyards and 20 local producers
The event showcased a diverse array of regional flavors, featuring more than 20 local wineries.. Among the highlighted participants were Marrowstone Vineyards and Tacoma’s OBK Winery. The beverage selection extended beyond wine to include seltzer, cider, and offerings from local breweries, such as Dystopian State Brewing.
Culinary variety was a central component of the festival experience. According to the event details, several food trucks provided catering, including:
- Tacos Mirrey
- Boss Mama's Kitchen
- Thai'm to Roll
In addition to savory options, Brugge Chocolates provided sweets, while Tacoma Knife and Sharpening Mercantile offered specialty wares for guests to browse.
Funding the preservation of Lakewold Gardens
Beyond the social aspect, the festival served a specific philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the event were directed toward the preservation and maintenance of the gardens. This model of community-funded conservation is vital for maintaining historic landmarks that might otherwise struggle with upkeep costs.
To incentivize attendance and support the cause, general admission packages included several items: a souvenir plastic wine glass, 12 tasting tickets, and a dedicated wine bottle tote bag. To assist with the logistics of shopping, a bottle valet service was available to manage guest purchases, while parking was facilitated via a shuttle service from Clover Park High School Stadium.
The unanswered question of total funds raised
While the event appears to have been a successful expansion from its inaugural year, several details remain unverified. The report does not specify the exact amount of money raised for the garden's preservation fund, nor does it provide a confirmed date for the third annual iteration of the festival. additionally, while the report mentions the event grew since last year, it does not offer specific attendance figures to quantify that growth.
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