[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S6394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     2010 TONTITOWN GRAPE FESTIVAL

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I join residents of 
Tontitown and all Arkansans to commemorate the 2010 Tontitown Grape 
Festival. For 112 years, the festival has celebrated the history and 
heritage of this unique community nestled in the Ozark Mountains.
  Like many American towns, the history of Tontitown begins with the 
story of immigrants. Facing high taxes and political unrest, a group of 
Italian farming families set sail for the United States in 1895, hoping 
to start a new life. Father Pietro Bandini bought a plot of land in 
northwest Arkansas and brought some 40 families to what would soon 
become Tontitown. Today, Tontitown is a culturally rich and business-
friendly community, home to approximately 1,000 citizens and 100 
businesses.
  Every year, the Tontitown Grape Festival, sponsored by St. Joseph's 
Church, has welcomed visitors of all ages. The festival celebrates 
Tontitown's Italian heritage with live entertainment, a carnival, an 
arts and crafts fair, a used book sale, a Run for the Grapes, for both 
kids and adults, and the annual coronation of the Queen of the 
Festival.
  I commend the residents of the Tontitown area for their commitment to 
the history and heritage of Arkansas. I wish them all the best as they 
celebrate during this year's Grape Festival.

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